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MONDAY 28TH JANUARY 2019 THEME: ARE YOU BATTLE-READY?

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY 28TH JANUARY 2019

THEME: ARE YOU BATTLE-READY?

MEMORISE:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

READ: Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

MESSAGE

The warfare of life is not like regular sports where you can win, lose or draw. In life's battles, you either win or lose, and you have to be battle-ready if you want to win. The battles of life transcend physical realm and are often more of a spiritual enterprise. This is established in today's memory verse.

Principalities and powers belong to the realm of the spirit. Moreover, the rulers of darkness of this world are wicked and dwell in high places! High places could mean palaces, government houses, councils of lawmakers, boards of industries and armed forces. Incidentally, these high places control both the political and economic landscape of territories. A classical example of principalities and powers at work in battle, unnoticed by many, is seen in Goliath's offensive against the people of Israel. On the surface, one may think that Goliath relied on his stature, mighty spear, long sword, elaborate shield and thick armour. On closer inspection however, you will realise that this was not so. 1 Samuel 17:43 says:

“And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.”

Why did he curse David by his gods? It is because Goliath, unlike many children of God, knew that victory is neither by power nor by might but by divine power! Incidentally, David himself was divinely battle-ready. He responded to Goliath's spiritual attack with his own spiritual counter-punch in 1 Samuel 17:45:

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

Beloved, are you battle-ready to face the onslaught of the enemy this year? To be battle-ready, you need to put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11). The good news is that this armour is very much available to all those who know their God. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ is the whole armour of God (Colossians 2:9). He is the Truth, the Righteousness of God, the Gospel of Peace, the Author and Finisher of our Faith, the Ark of our Salvation, and the Word of God. No wonder 1 John 5:5 says:

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Do you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and do you have Him in your life? If you do, you will be victorious in every battle that life throws at you.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, clothe me with the glory of Your Son and grant me victory over every battle of life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 7, Isaiah 26:20-27:13

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 13: I AM A VICTOR

1 Yes, I know I am a victor
For the Bible tells me so
God made me more than a conqueror
Much stronger than all my foes

Chorus:
Jesus loves me and I love Him
Together we rule the world
Christ with me I will overcome
By His Blood, His Name, His Word

2 Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than demons I am
To Satan I am a terror
I am free, o yes, I am

3 Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than lack, poverty
All my needs Jesus provides for
I have life abundantly

4 Yes, I know I am a victor
Barrenness no more indeed
Fruitful is the God I live for
All my dreams shall be fulfilled

5 Yes, I know I am a victor
By His strength I shall succeed
No more loss and no more failure
Glory to glory proceed

6 Yes, I know I am a victor
No more sorrow, no despair
Jesus Christ is my own Succour
Tomorrow is joy and cheer

7 Yes, I know I am a victor
Very soon I’ll reign with Him
His promise is my sure anchor
He’s coming to take me home

8 Jesus loves me and I love Him
We rule this world together
As He is so right now I am
Hear me shout Halleluyah

9 Jesus loves me Halleluyah
Hear me shout Halleluyah
Halleluyah, Halleluyah
Glory be to God on high.

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