Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV): Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.
Maybe you’ve watched it, have seen a preview, or have heard peers talking about the non-stop action drama “24”. It centers around one man, Jack Bauer, who is the president’s and few other officials’ trusted friend and confidant. As the on screen clock ticks down for the hour/day Jack is fighting, negotiating, hiding, running, plotting, and doing whatever it takes for the ultimate good of the country. He barely sleeps. Ironically, although not surprisingly, he is misunderstood by most of the people he is fighting for. No, I’m not encouraging you to watch “24” but to live 24/7 for God.
With the pressures of work or school or both, the challenges of the single life or the marital relationship, the duties of raising kids or being a role model, and the expectations of others and personal disappointment who has the time or energy for deep, consistent communion with God? The knowledge of its importance gives way to fatigue and the desire to escape it all. As exciting as the Jack and his show may be, most of us wouldn’t want/don’t want the constant conflict and turmoil. Yet we are in a 24/7 “pressure cooker” of eternal proportions.
The unseen enemy of our lives, Satan and his minions, do their best to keep us entangled with the worries and excitement of this life while making time with God and living for God appear burdensome and even scary. The truth is heart felt prayer to God and a Holy Spirit lead reading and study of the Bible in a quest to know Jesus Christ better it the nucleus of success and victory. It is at the core of a godly lifestyle.
Jesus, who is not only Savior and Lord but also our Example, was under constant bombardment. He had the weight of the world on His shoulders, our eternal destiny in the balance. Yet, Jesus was always victorious because He fought for time with His Father in Heaven. Late in the evening or early in the morning He would be found pouring out His heart to the Father or quietly listening for instructions for the day. Occasionally, He would converse with the Father all night. The reward? Power and Strength for Victory, and Love for family, friend, foe, and frienemies. The fight of worship begins… NOW!
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Note: Worship is a life of devotion. Devotion is defined in the The American Heritage® Dictionary as ardent, often selfless affection and dedication, as to a person or principle. Religious ardor or zeal; piety. An act of religious observance or prayer, especially when private.
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