Day 20: Awake, Put on Strength, and Go Out!

Come Before Him in Worship: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! See Jesus: the One who upholds the universe by the word of his power, He is seated on his throne and his kingdom is established forever. Praise him that his government and his peace have no end!

Reflect: It feels as if the past couple of years, with COVID, financial hardship, isolation, the political divide in our country, etc., have been one long season of winter. Has your passion for God and his kingdom diminished? Has spiritual complacency set in? Let’s examine ourselves for such things and then bring whatever we find before the Lord in repentance. God makes it clear in his word, that the might with which he works in the world through his Church varies according to the Church’s receptiveness and faithfulness. If God’s arm seems to slumber, it is because his church sleeps. A person’s capacity to receive determines the amount received, and a person’s desire determines his capacity. Jesus said, “According to your faith, be it done to you.” God gives as much as we will, as much as we can hold, as much as we use, and far more than we deserve. The story of Elisha and the widow teaches us that as long as we will bring our empty vessels to God, the oil will flow. And as many as we have faith for him to fill, he will fill (2 Kings 4:1-7)! So it is with the Spirit in us. So let us rouse ourselves from our sleep! We are engaged in a fight for the world around us! Let us put off any “filthy garments” we’ve acquired and clothe ourselves with the “beautiful garments” of his strength. Let us with passion, put on garments that are consistent with that of a holy nation and a kingdom of priests!

Respond in Prayer: Father, how do you remain in peace when there is so much chaos and pain surrounding your beloved ones? What is your perspective of our city and our nation these days? Have I fallen asleep to the spiritual battles that rage around me? Holy Spirit, I want to be completely clothed in the garments of my new identity. Will you show me the grave clothes that I unknowingly still put on? Grant me the courage to put off my old identity as you reveal the reality of my new life in you. I purpose in my heart not to resist any part of the life, purpose, and position that You died to give me. Give me faith that overflows to the world around me.