To The Battle!

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

Today's Passage: Joshua chapter 1
Memory Verse: Joshua 1: 6-7

Every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening before leaving the green room for praise and worship, we shout out: "To the battle!". Earlier this year, we received the revelation that what we were getting ready to do before the Word came was not merely singing songs. On the contrary, it was about going before our brothers and sisters on a spiritual battlefield to take new territory for them and eventually for ourselves.

But what we have found on this journey of fighting with and for one another is that it's very easy to get sidetracked, as today's passage suggests. One of the things that causes a loss of focus is fear of failure. Joshua watched Moses live a very successful life with God speaking to Him and leading him and the Israelites through every battle. Now that it was his turn, it would've been very easy for him to let fear overtake him and keep him paralyzed. Rather than move forward in faith, we may not be able to participate in our victory.

Another thing that we need to watch out for is selfishness. God told Joshua to tell the Israelites from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh that they would have to wait for their portion of the land until all the other children of Israel received theirs. That meant THEY couldn't enjoy wealth and peace until everyone else did. What?! Does God really expect us to leave our place of complacency and war in prayer, praise and worship for others--even those who may not understand what we're fighting for? Yes. It is a requirement.

If I understand this passage correctly, then God is calling us to put away all fear, laziness and complacency in order to go to a new place He's taking us to. The reign of Moses (the old way of accessing God and receiving blessing from Him) is gone. Now He wants total obedience, unity and boldness in order for us to take new territory-- for others as well as for ourselves. This requires the basic understanding that WE MUST COME OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE. We can't be stuck in the way we've always seen it done. If we let go of the fear, we will see untold growth in this new season of power and anointing. Everywhere our feet tread, God has already given it to us. But we must engage in the battle for one another. So, let's all go... TO THE BATTLE!!!!!

Prayer: Father, You've already prepared us for this new season by making us uncomfortable in the old places. Like a mother eagle that ruffles up the twigs in the nest, we can't stay where we are. We must go and take by force what You've so richly provided for us. May we remember to be strong, courageous, selfless, and obedient, following Your every step into new territories. As we claim them for Your kingdom, may Your great Name be exalted in this earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.