October 15: Tuesday Refocus

‘O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds You performed in their days, in the days of old: You with Your own hand drove out the nations… for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but Your right hand and Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You delighted in them.’ – Psalm 44:1-3

The nations rage, our flesh is at war within us, we wrestle against rulers, authorities and cosmic powers – but we turn away, harden our hearts and have seared our conscious (Ps 2:1, Rom 7:23, Eph 6:12, Heb 3:15).

Turning away from this present darkness is not resignation, rather, an attempt to fight a battle in your own strength.  This battle requires the same arm that drives out enemies, to uphold and save heirs.  You do not have to run, hide, or fight – you have only to be still (Ex 14:14).

‘But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing…’ 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

This is a battle already won.

Jesus, You have been victorious over Satan, sin and death at the cross.  You lead us in triumphal procession over our enemies, and into the very presence of the Father.  Forgive us for turning away from the wars of the world, spiritual realm, and our own hearts.  Your blood has spoken for all of these things – help us to be an aroma and fragrance of Your completed work as this battle wages on.  In Your name, amen.

Standing,

AB

May 28: Tuesday Refocus

‘Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands…’ Ps 149:6

Worship prepares us for battle.  Not a physical battle – against flesh and blood – but a battle against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12). 

This is a battle already won: ‘He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.’ Col 2:15

Although final victory is already secured in Christ, we battle to strengthen our brothers, we battle against the accuser of our souls, we battle to keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith (Lk 22:32, Rev 12:10, Heb 12:2).

We are strengthened for this battle in our inner being by the power of His Spirit, according to the riches of His glory (Eph 3:16).  And into this battle we cling to the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Eph 6:17), living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb 4:12).

With sword in hand, we sing: ‘Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev 5:9).’  

Jesus, You are our conquering King, hallelujah!The victory is Yours – and because our lives are hidden in You – the victory is ours as well.Forgive us for not worshiping You as Victor. Forgive us for charging into battle with opinions rather than the Sword of the Spirit. Let Your praise fill our throats, and Your truth fill our hands. Amen.

Hallelujah,

AB