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Newsletter: Current News 
Family Month

Author: Clive Josephs

Story: HOMELAND SECURITY-Defending The Family

Eight years ago I, like the rest of the world, was shocked by the events of September 11, 2001.  The attacks changed the face of this great nation, and for all of us, it was an experience that will never be forgotten.  Since that fateful event, things have never been the same.

I remember the President's voice coming over the airwaves, speaking of what a devastating day it was and vowing that he will find those responsible for these cruel actions and that justice will be served.  Within a few days, the Department of Homeland Security was formed.  The purpose of which, is to secure the nation from other possible terrorist threats and to protect our borders from intruders.

 While thinking on the events of 911, I find it rather ironic how we tend to let our guards down and allow the enemy to infiltrate our borders,  by destroying the core values and the Godly principles that our families live and stand for.  Desmond Tutu, former archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, said, “You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” This means, if they’re God’s gift to us, that gift is worth protecting and fighting for.  That is why we need to define the boundaries within our families and protect them from the onslaught of Satan and his minions.

According to the word of God, family is not a man-made concept.  The idea of family was originally in the mind of God before the foundation of the earth. According to the book of Genesis, the concept of family was carefully designed and was blessed by God.  

 After He created Adam and Eve, he told them to create a family.  Genesis 1:28 states “God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it….”-NIV  God’s consistency regarding the family also flows deep into the New Testament.  In his letter to the Ephesians (Eph 5:22 – 6:4), the Apostle Paul verified this fact, that the concept of family is valued as a product that has been specially designed by God.  Rather than simply being a political or religious concept, family is an undeniably divine concept that is worth protecting.

 In order to secure our borders, we need to understand and follow the principles stated in Ephesians 6:10-18.  Paul reminds us that we are already armed and have all that we need for our own ‘homeland security’.   He admonished us to “pray in the Spirit” and to “be alert”.(v18)

 Just as much as terrorists are still planning to launch attacks on the United States and other nations, the enemy of our souls is doing the same because he recognized that the family is the core organism of civilization.  Therefore we cannot allow ourselves to be naive to the devil’s schemes.  The word of God tells us, according to 1 Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”-NIV

 Lord we thank you for your faithfulness towards us. Your love for us never ceases and for this we are eternally grateful.  We pray that Your sovereignty will be evidenced in the lives of our  families and that You will be our Shield and Protector as we walk in holiness before You.  Give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding and strengthen our faith as we secure the borders our families.  Amen.

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