Job 28-30 / 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 / Psalm 42 / Proverbs 22:7
No one wants to be on the losing team. You’ve heard the saying that it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. Let’s face it; everyone would rather win than lose! I don’t want to be the loser or on the losing team. In our current society where everyone gets the participation trophy, I believe we’ve forgotten how to battle and win. The segment of society that appears to have forgotten this the most is the Church.
Now, before you get upset, understand that I am not disrespecting the Church. This will, however, be a call for her to arise and stand strong in the power of Holy Spirit as is her right and inheritance in the Lord. Jesus died on the cross for our freedom from sin, sickness, and disease but we do not always live in that reality.
I believe it’s time for the church to be encouraged and strengthened as she is reminded who she is and to Whom she belongs. Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT tells us, “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word. He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.”
Jesus Christ loves His Church so much that He gave His life for her. We have already been presented in the Spirit to the Father as a beautiful bride for Jesus. Now, it is our responsibility to learn who we are and what we’ve been given and to walk in that purpose and destiny. But what if we’ve forgotten who we are and what we’ve been given?
Psalm 42:9-11 NLT “O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
My first question is “Why is the Bride grieving and oppressed?” I understand there are times we will be overwhelmed and times when we will forget who we are, but we must encourage both ourselves and one another to rise in the grace and courage Jesus Christ died to give us! You’ve heard there is strength in numbers and that is very true. The Church must gather to strengthen and encourage one another before we are swept away by evil.
On this day in history many in the church are waiting for a man or even for God to come and rescue us from the evil all around us. I hate to tell you this but evil is not going away while we live on earth so we must learn to deal with it properly. We have authority over every evil thing – sickness, disease, sin, all of it. But we’ve forgotten our authority. We’ve forgotten that we are sons and daughters of the King of the universe. We’ve forgotten what He died to give us.
So, let’s remember! He has given us authority – Luke 10:19 NLT Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.
He has given us grace – John 1:16 NLT From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
He has given us protection – Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
I especially appreciate that last line reminding us to pray in the Spirit at all times, stay alert and be persistent. That’s hard work but very necessary for our survival, especially now. When you forget these things, I pray the Lord reminds you. When your family member or friend forgets, I pray you remind them.
Let’s remind each other according to this final verse from Hebrews 3:12-13 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
