A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB2020
Let me tell you the Devil plays for keeps and he keeps peoples souls and he reaps havoc wherever he goes. Therefore, we must be constantly vigilant by being filled with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis through worship. Which is: Reading His Holy Word, Giving Thanks Through Prayer, through Praising His Holy Name through Supplication and the asking of Forgiveness and the forgiveness of others. By Singing Praises to Him and having Fellowship with others.
By reading his Holy word we will have the sword of the spirit to fight the evil the devil throws our way. Not just punching aimlessly, but landing haymakers and body blows to the evil ones plans and schemes.
Give thanks. This is what God asks us to do first, honor Him for He is worthy. Jesus says when He teaches us to pray; “Our Father who are in heaven hollowed be Your Name”. Give thanks with a great-full heart because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son! The evil one hates this.
Then we ask for forgiveness for ourselves from others. Unforgiveness is what gives the devil a foothold, it is pain inflicted upon ourselves. Do not give the devil a chance to use this sin.
Supplication, God wants to take our burdens, give them to Him otherwise the Devil will pile on the burdens of worrying and doubt. Give God today and let tomorrow worry about itself.
Sing, the Devil also hates songs that praise the Holy One. Singing Hosanna in the Highest gives us strength and peace.
We must also do this fighting with others. We have angels fighting with us and for us, we must also ask others to come along side us and fight with us. Jesus had Peter, James and John. Who are you doing life with. Who is going to battle with you! We must have this core group. Our fight, our match our game cannot be win alone, it is meant to be played together. Jesus did not send His disciples out alone. He sent them two by two. Therefore they had each other and God and a chord of three strands is not easily broken. Wherever two or more are gathered in my name there I am in the midst.
These are the ways in which we can fight and defeat the schemes of the enemy. Even if we have strayed from this course we can get back by doing these things and defeat the evil one and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. That is the business and the game our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is in. And He is the undisputed Champion of the World!
Lord, thank you for giving us the tools to defeat the enemy. Help us to use them. Help us to seek you first, praise you first and ask forgiveness. We know if we do those things all the other stuff will be taken care of. Help us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We pray all these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!