OFFENSE OR DEFENSE
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
When you woke up this morning, whether you realized it or not, you woke up in the midst of a battle. There are cosmic forces at war, and the devil has positioned himself against you and the Church. This isn't to alarm you, but to make you aware. Awareness is key; without it, we can easily lose today's battles.
With awareness of today's battles, we can be on the offensive. When we forget the fight we're engaged in, we fall into the enemy's traps; we forget our position and what we've been given to fight with, and we're forced to play defense.
The good news is that you have everything you need to engage in the fight. God has promised His strength (Psalm 46:1) to those who ask for it, and His armor is available for your protection (Ephesians 6:10). In His strength, and with His armor, you WILL be victorious.
But, like any good soldier, you need to suit up and strengthen yourself before the fight. And this starts with remembering that you're in a fight so that you can approach today from a position of offense. A soldier who enters the battlefield either unarmed or unprepared is in danger. But a soldier who is both prepared for the battle and armed with God's provisions is assured of victory.
APPLICATION: As you start this day, remember this: you are stepping onto a battlefield. The battle is real, but so is God's strength, and His armor is available for you to wage war with. Ask God to give you His strength and provide His protection so you can fight offensively and not fall back when the battle comes.
PRAYER: Dear Father, as I begin this day, remind me that I'm stepping onto a battlefield. Thank You for not letting me go alone, and for supplying all that I need for today's battles. Please give me Your strength and empower me to fight with the weapons You provide. Remind me that with Your help, I am more than a conqueror, and the victory is Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?