O - Human plans and methods "for
Jesus" often become the strongholds or ideas which keep others from
knowing him. They create divisions, condemnation,
comparisons and pride. They inspire us to speak boldly (arrogantly) where the
scriptures are silent and to turn a blind eye to where they speak plainly. This tragedy is not only found in such
endeavors as the Inquisition or Salem Witch Trials but in denominational
distinctions and splits, in political wranglings and causes and in opinions,
traditions and convictions which are treated like Scriptural commands. These do not defeat the Devil, they actually
work in league with him and his desire to accuse, condemn and divide. The wonderful gift of Jesus is enough, we don't
need to add anything to him or to his words. We need to work with him. We need to love, trust and obey him and love
all others as we have been loved and love ourselves. The only thing that counts [ejnergevw: to be active, efficient: - do, (be) effectual
(fervent), be mighty in, show forth self, work (effectually in).] is faith
expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6). Now that's effective warfare.
A - I am
wondering if resisting and defeating spiritual forces has less to do with
praying (not no praying) and more to do with how I/we engage others. Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers
in open triumph by how he engaged the others who were betraying, denying,
deserting, torturing and crucifying him. Colossians 2:15: "And having disarmed
the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over
them by the cross." His prayers focused on embracing the Father's will
above his own. His weapon against all the forces of hell was loving his Father
and loving all others no matter what.
While flesh and blood are not my enemies people may well provide the only effective place for
dispensing the "ordnance of heaven" which defeats the unseen
spiritual forces of darkness. Ephesians
6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." What advance
would the Lord call me to in this way of thinking, living and warring? Who am I estranged from or at odds with which
requires me to love? Is there a group or
a pocket of people currently isolated from my willingness to love? Without love I am not even one thing -
nothing [oujdeiv~].
P - Lord who is love and who leads us in
triumphal procession,
I
thank you for all the connections you are helping me/us make with those who
love you. I thank you for your patient
and zealous protection over us/me all these years. I thank you for your provision and generosity
in all aspects of life on earth and life forever - Lord you really are
awesome. As I think about my day, my
life, my circumstance, my fears and my hopes I am struck with this thought
about how your soldiers soldier. Take
these thoughts and these wonderings and lead me to both the conclusions and
"missions" which will make you glad and hasten the defeat of those
powers who yet live in opposition to you.
Lord, I want to work with you and in that place do the work of
believing. I want to follow no matter
where you lead and in that following love all the way I've been loved. Thank you for calling me/us to yourself. Thank you for including me/us in the living
out of your triumph not merely in the observation of it. Children are not greater than their parents,
students their teachers and servants their lords. Jesus, show me how to live and work and war
with you.
Opened
hearted and committed without reserve,
Steve
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