Don’t Let the Country Go to the Devil!

_ The influence of the entertainment industry is such a powerful force in our lives, both for good and not-so-good. Movies can inspire and encourage or they can tear down Godly values and foster discouragement with ugly and dark images. Movies that encourage often become a classic; It’s a Wonderful Life comes to mind. Praise God for this movie! It was not a favorite in the box office at the time of its release. It was ahead of its time – a treasure that God stored up for this generation and the challenges we now face. We can all benefit from George Bailey’s revelation of how each life has an impact on the destiny of others. 

Today I was reflecting on our efforts for city-wide prayer and the councils of influence my husband and I are trying to birth here in Gainesville when a scene in one of my favorite films...

_ , The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941), came to mind. Satan’s tactics for the buying of souls is clear and out front in this movie, which probably explains why the film never skyrocketed in popularity. At one point in the story, Daniel Webster must choose between legal argument for the soul of Jabez Stone before a jury of the devil’s choosing - at peril of losing his very own soul - or running away (which really wasn’t an option for the character of Mr. Webster.) During that moment, that instant where the heart searches for courage to do the right thing, the demonic voices of a wicked and unjust jury are in his head taunting and frightening until he takes charge and screams, “Be still!” The accusing voices were immediately silenced. After seeing this movie a few years ago, I admit using this technique during a difficult challenge. It worked! My head was immediately cleared and I saw things as they REALLY were. 

If you are taking time to read this, chances are you are a true co-laborer, one who not only seeks God’s will but also works hard to implement it and establish His government in this earth (Matthew 6:10).  

We are in a season of trusting God to be Who-He-says-He-is. Many of the prophets are discerning and warning about confusion and deception among “CHRISTIANS”. In our struggles, we must not give in to discouragement but instead keep pressing on, searching for new doors of opportunity to open and all the while acknowledging that it’s not by our might nor our power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). Remember David – surrounded by danger and despair - he encouraged himself in the Lord and inquired of Him for direction and strategy. We are even more blessed than King David, because we have Holy Spirit inside of us, we have each other, Commander Taylor and the Kingdom League to keep us encouraged. 

At the conclusion, Daniel Webster makes a final appeal to the ghostly jury comprised of deceased traitors and evil doers “Don’t let the country go to the devil!” So you see, it wasn’t just about the soul of Jabez, it was about the soul of America. Isn’t that part our mission? 

If you would like to watch The Devil and Daniel Webster and see how things turned out, there is a full viewing at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWStpIuLIvE&feature=related 

With you,
Brenda Krames
Gainesville, FL