Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

 (Next week the Tuesday Tune-up is beginning it's annual summer break.  It will return at the end of July!)

Last Sunday the sermon was based on the account of Jesus confronting the "Legion" of demons that had possessed the man in Luke 8:26-39.  We talked about the reality, the truth of a real Devil, real demons, and Jesus' victory over them. In light of that sermon, I share this newsy tidbit with you:

A hungry, seven-foot alligator was found in the hallways of Stewart Middle School in Tampa, Florida. Teachers made sure the students couldn't get near the critter, and then they locked the gator in a men's washroom until a game officer arrived.

One of the teachers said, "He was never aggressive. The only time he was assertive was when they put the noose around him. He got kind of mad."

I can just imagine how frantic those teachers and administrators must have been.  Just the thought of one of their students being gobbled up by that gator must have given them the chills.  It's sad that we can see the danger an alligator poses to the safety of our children, but forget that the Devil is a roaring lion, just looking for away to gobble up our kids - forever!

Today I am going to ask you to do something you probably don't want to do.  I am asking you to see the alligators in the hall.  The Devil is just looking for a way to use music, TV, friends, Internet, movies, etc. to eat up your children.  What alligators have you allowed into your children's lives/room/home? 

It is time to get a bit more worried about the gators in the hall.  They are real! They are there!  They have real spiritual teeth!  It is time to make sure our children are safely in Jesus' arms and protection.  He has defeated the Devil, and knows how to protect your children!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9a

 Don't forget there's Homework:

+Go on a gator hunt in your own home.  Where can they be lurking?

+What have you done lately to strengthen the faith of your children, so they can stand firm against the Devil's hunger to have them?

Prayer Requests:

+Pray the Lord keeps us and our children safe and out of the Devil's reach.

+Ask the Lord to give strength and peace to our many members who have physical struggles.

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John+