Devotional
for the Week 9 July 2007
Stepping
Into The Frontline
Scripture Text: Joel
2:7-11
Introduction
This
is a season of change with many of us stepping into the frontline
of a new season of life, by our own choosing or otherwise. Indeed,
life comprises different seasons - those that are a natural
part of life’s transitions or spiritual ones.
As
a result of this change, we can expect to encounter:
(i)
|
A
season of Warfare. This is a warfare of the mind
and the spirit against demons and evil strongholds. (2
Corinthians 10: 4-5) Most of the time, this is a battle
of the mind and beliefs/ values that challenge the Lordship
of Christ and His purpose, and |
(ii)
|
A
season of Revelation. This revelation is of God
Himself and His purpose in every aspect of our relationship
with him. Such revelations are important because the more
we know God, the more we understand who we are in relation
to Him, the enemy and others. This enables us to rise
up in confidence and courage to live out our purpose/
calling in life and defeat the enemy. God, therefore,
uses spiritual warfare to draw us closer to Him, train
us for the roles we are intended to play and strengthen
our faith. |
Hence,
when you are going through a new season of life change, as long
as you are a disciple of Christ, EXPECT warfare. But more than
that, EXPECT to grow in your relationship with the Lord! Always
be encouraged that God will keep you in this battle for He will
not lead you to a battle where He cannot keep you.
Frontlines
What are the various frontlines that we will be
stepping into in this new season? Where is the battle being
waged?
These
are usually where our spheres of influences are e.g.
(i)
|
Home
– how we live out the commands of Christ in our
relationships in our homes |
(ii) |
School
– the constant emphasis of academic success as the
door to success in career and all of life |
(iii) |
Media
– exposure to all forms of social culture/ worldly
norms and trends via internet, advertisements, art culture
etc. |
(iv) |
Economy
– the world’s pursuit of money and accumulation
of material wealth |
(v) |
Environment/
Health – the battle against factors and diseases
that constantly damage our worldly environment and health |
(vi)
|
Government
– what biblical truths are and how we make them
under the rule of a secular government, besides praying
for our leaders |
Our
frontline is therefore anything that seeks to influence and
control us with values and systems that may not be biblically
grounded. It is therefore, important for us to identify which
of these, in our individual contexts, do not honour and glorify
God, and consciously make the effort to block out these influences
on our lives.
Authority
& Identity In Battle
Lion
in Sheep’s Clothing
The bible often refers to God’s people as sheep, and God
the good Shepherd. Yes, Jesus is the good Shepherd who leads
his sheep to quietness and rest. But He is also the Lion of
Judah, strong and powerful, able to protect and guard those
belonging to him. After all, “Greater is He that is in
you than he that is in the world!” (1 John 4:4)
Furthermore,
God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7) in order that we may
be his witness and serve His purpose in the new season of life,
in circumstances and with people who are opposed to the truth.
We
are Warriors of Christ
According to today’s scripture text, we are warriors in
the army of the Most High God. We are in attack mode, breaking
into the enemy’s territory, with the Lord leading us.
We use weapons with the following characteristics and forms:
(i)
|
Divine
Power – in order to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians
10:4-5) |
(ii)
|
Praise
and Worship – declaring who God is in every situation,
surrendering all to Him!
(2 Chronicles 20) |
We
are the Bride of Christ
Another identity that is important for us to take hold of is
the Bride of Christ. (Revelations 19:7). Christ loves us, the
church, and showed his love by giving his life for her redemption.
He loves us not because of our beauty, strengths or merits.
He loves us because He is a loving God and truly wants to enjoy
us. Therefore, we step out into the frontline of our new calling
not having to prove our worth to be loved, but because we want
to bring the greatest glory to God who has a plan and purpose
for our lives and believes in us.
Conclusion
In
the face of challenges of an impending new season,
| (i)
|
Worship
the LORD - focus on Him and declare His greatness and sovereignty
in your life and the situation |
| (ii)
|
Ask
God to show you the truth about the situation |
| (iii)
|
Confess/
surrender any sin or an unbiblical attitude |
| (iv) |
Obey
/act on the revelation in prayer and intercession |
| (v)
|
Seek
the wisdom of godly men and women, directly or indirectly
from Christian literature, etc. |
| (vi)
|
Seek
the assurance of peace and joy (and accompanying fruit of
the Spirit) in our hearts |
| (vii)
|
Persevere
- “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be
richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you
have done the will of God, you will receive what he has
promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) |
Prayer
Response:
Lord,
thank you for the different seasons in my life. I pray that
as I go through each one, you will teach me humility and reliance
on You instead of my strengths and talents. I want to know you
more and grow in my relationship with You. Help me to bring
glory to you in living out the purpose You have willed for my
life for this season and many others to come. Amen.
Devotional
based on message by Ms. Judy Foo