Battle Ready Series — Harvest Assembly

Battle Ready Men’s Devotionals

Day 1: The Lord is a Warrior

Scripture:

Exodus 15:3 “The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name.”

Discussion: As we begin the process of preparing for the battle, we must first put things into perspective. Exodus 15:3 states it clearly, “The Lord is a Warrior”. Many Christians never view Jesus this way. We see Him as a man of peace, and He was. We see Him as a miracle worker, and He was. We see Him as the One who died for our sins,and He did. But many do not realize that He fights for us. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and He has grafted us into His kingdom to be participants in the warfare occurring on earth.

The battles are real. We must fight for our marriages, our families, our friends, and our co-workers with His kingdom in mind. This is not a battle of the flesh, but a battle in the spiritual realm. 2 Corinthians 10:3 states, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God”. The first thing we must get in our hearts as we move through this series is that “the Lord is a warrior” and that the weapons of our warfare are nothing that we can wield with our hands. His preeminence must be established in our hearts with an awareness of the spiritual nature of the fight.

Prayer: Lord, I come to you to declare that You are the ultimate Warrior. You are the One that equips us to engage in the battles of life. Today I commit myself to understanding the preparation required to engage in the warfare to see your kingdom come on earth. Jesus, teach me to pray for my loved ones as well as those that are in your heart. Make my heart break for what breaks your heart. Equip me to fight for my nation and the world, and help us to be a prayer catalyst for change. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Day 2: Positioning Ourselves for the Battles

Scriptures: Acts 13:22 “... He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’

John 14:15-16 If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

Discussion: There have been many occasions where we lose perspective of exactly what is important to God. Many messages have been preached and taught on what it means to be prepared (and we will touch on some of them later), but none I believe is more important than recognizing exactly what our obedience means to the Lord. For much of King David’s life, he was obedient. Notice I didn’t say perfect. Our perfection is only found in Christ-apart from Him there’s absolutely nothing we can bring to the Father. But what made David’s relationship with God was his immediate repentance when he did sin. I’m not talking about a quick “I’m sorry God'', but more of a brokenness that comes from understanding how sin separates us from Him. Jesus really highlighted the importance of how we live our lives when he said… “If you love Me, keep my commandments''. If you’re reading it correctly, you understand that this wasn’t a suggestion. Preparation for battle ultimately involves the condition of our hearts. If our hearts aren’t right before God, it can quickly be used by the adversary to bring doubt to the promises of God, thereby getting us out of position for the fight. Unrepentant sin or disobedience hinders our ability to fight. Today I want to encourage you to bring your life before the Lord and lay it before the cross. Allow Him to remove any hindrances to the warrior destiny God has in store for you.

Prayer: Father, today I come to you to lay my life before you. I know that there is absolutely nothing hidden from Your sight–that You know everything about me. Today I ask that You would examine my heart, bringing every unrepentant sin to light.

(Take this time to pause and reflect on things in Your life that aren’t right before God). Read Psalm 51:1-13

Pray… Lord thank You for forgiving me of all my unrepentant sins. Now, I ask that you would create in me a clean heart and establish a steadfast spirit within me. I thank You, Lord, for the grace and mercy extended to me. Prepare my heart to walk in all Your ways so that I can step into battle free of condemnation and guilt–ready to fight the battle You have called me to wage. I stand before You, ready to serve. Amen

Day 3: Preparation for the Battles

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:13-18 –Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…

Discussion: There is a great deal to unpack in Paul’s description of the armor of God. Most of us have heard countless sermons on this topic. Over the next couple of days, allow us to share what stands out to us in Paul’s admonition. First, the language Paul is using, “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”, is letting us know that the adversary is there and is planning on bringing the fight to us. The Holy Spirit, through Paul, is telling us to get ready. It’s not “if” the battle is coming, it’s “when” the battle is coming. The armor Paul is speaking of is not physical armor-it’s spiritual armor. Remember on Day 1? We discussed that our battles are not carnal, but mighty through God. Paul is now telling you what protection we need to “put on” to fight. First, “truth”. Truth is everything that is consistent with the will, character, and being of God. It’s the first thing that the enemy attacks when he comes at you. It’s a method he’s used from the beginning when he asked Adam and Eve “did God really say?” As warriors, we have to be grounded in the truth, or the enemy's lies and doubts will gain a foothold in our lives. One of the most visible pieces of the armor is the breastplate. Paul tells us to put on the breastplate of righteousness. So, what is righteousness? Basically, it’s living a life that is pleasing to God, based on His standards and values. Now tie those last two sentences together… our lives should be a demonstration of his standards and values. The third component speaks of shoes and the gospel of peace–meaning that everywhere we go, that peace should be the message we bring. The gospel of peace refers directly to Jesus as THE RECONCILER in mankind's relationship with God. Without the peace that Jesus brings, there is no reconciliation–in other words, the message of salvation.

Prayer: Father, today as I continue to prepare myself to fight the fight, I acknowledge my total reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, the battles I fight would be futile. I’m asking now, come Holy Spirit. Fill me. Baptize me with the power to be a witness of Your goodness to the world. I understand that I am in a battle but I know I don’t stand alone. Your Word says that You will never leave me or forsake me–my confidence is not in my flesh, but solely in You. Train me to stand and fight in these evil days. Change my complacent heart into a heart burning for Your kingdom to come. Allow the breastplate of righteousness that I wear, representing the life I live, to completely reflect Your standards and Your values. Help me to die to my flesh daily. Lastly, Jesus, allow me to be a messenger of Your peace wherever I go. Allow me to be a minister of reconciliation by bringing the Prince of Peace into a world that so desperately needs Him. Amen

Day 4: Preparation for the Battles (part 2)

Discussion: Yesterday, we went through truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. Today we begin with a scripture that starts with the words “above all”. What follows is the words “taking the shield of faith… to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Now that we understand that attacks come, it’s easy to see why Paul used a shield as a metaphor for our faith. Our faith in God is our root system. It is the very thing that allows us to tap into the life-giving relationship God has for us. So many scriptures pertain to our faith. (Mark 11:24, Ephesians 3:16-17, Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Peter 1;8-9, and many more). Our faith in Jesus is the strength in which we stand. That’s why Paul wrote, “above all”. Our faith in God gives us the perseverance to endure. Paul’s reference to the fiery darts provides a picture showing that a man without faith will eventually fall victim to his injuries. Our faith in Jesus will prevent the darts from having their intended impact. The next piece, the helmet of salvation, is a direct representation of protecting our thoughts from the enemy, particularly, the knowledge that salvation is only found in Jesus. The helmet represents the piece of armor designed to reject any other message promoting someone or something else as the way to God. The sword of spirit is the Word of God. This is the first of two offensive weapons discussed in the passage. The power and effectiveness of the Word was best demonstrated by Jesus himself when Satan attempted to tempt Him in the wilderness (Matt 4). Satan tempted Him three times, and Jesus fought the temptation with direct references from the book of Deuteronomy. It is important for us to get the Word of God in our hearts. It is the weapon given to us that will break the back of the enemy. The last piece, but definitely not the least, is Paul's admonition that we must be men of prayer and men that pray in the Spirit–meaning that whether in tongues or not, our prayer must be driven by the heart of God. Knowing God and His will are crucial to our warfare.

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your love for me. I thank you that you know me better than I know myself. You are my strength and the lover of my soul. I look to You today and ask that You would make Your Word come alive in my heart. I acknowledge that I haven’t been fighting my battles the way I should have. But today, I declare that I will continually be clothed in Your armor and using Your weapons to fight the battles before me. I proclaim that there is salvation in no other name. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I decree that I will pick up Your Word and study it so that I may be able to rebuke the lies of the enemy in my life, the lives of my family, and for those You bring me in contact with. Teach me to pray, Lord. Continually pour Your Holy Spirit upon me. Allow me to pray as He leads. Amen

Day 5: Understanding the Battlefield

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Discussion: Any military leader would tell you that the most important thing you must know in battle is who your enemy is and their capabilities. Our battle is no different. For over 2,000 years, the church has been battling enemy forces in the trenches. There’s an important distinction that is warranted here. We still fight battles, but the war has already been won. For example, the United States won the war in Iraq, but the military continued to fight terrorist elements long after the war officially ended. Jesus won our war, but we continue to fight the satanic elements who are terrorizing the world. Paul described these enemies as being organized in principalities, powers, rulers and spiritual hosts. It is imperative that, as men of God, we understand not only how we fight our battles, but who we are engaging. Most of the time, people are a product of their environments, and their actions reflect it. Early in my walk with Christ, I can remember getting angry, frustrated, broken, and many other emotions relating to how people treated not only myself but others as well. My prayers were directed at the people. What we must understand regarding this scripture is that people are influenced and afflicted (in most cases) by the adversary and his forces. This is why we don’t fight with natural weapons but rather fight through spiritual means. In other words (go back to yesterday), we fight with the Word and with prayer. We fight with the power of God in every situation. If there is a need for peace in our families, we don’t overpower the situation with misplaced authoritarianism, but rather by doing what the Word says and lifting up our prayer to the Lord. If we encounter the sick, we declare and pray. Whatever situation you can think of, our approach should always be the Word and prayer first. Through that, He will provide the wisdom to deal with the attacks of the enemy.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You today for the truth and insight provided in Your Word. I thank You for the understanding provided in scripture regarding spiritual warfare. I thank You that You did not leave us alone in this battle, but that You are fighting with us and for us. As I pray, open up my spiritual understanding of the battle. Allow me not to see my enemies as individuals but as you describe them in the scriptures. Holy Spirit, help me to pray. Give me understanding and the words to fight the battles. You are God, and in You I place my trust. Amen

Day 6 Worship is a Weapon–Time is of the Essence

Scripture: Colossians 3:2 –Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth.

Discussion: For the devotional today, I’m going to reference an article I read on crosswalk.com. The article gave some reasons that worship is an essential part of our walk with God (and if I may add) essential in our preparation for spiritual warfare.

Worship keeps us focused on God, not ourselves
Worship prioritizes our hearts and lives.
Worship is a witness to the world of our love for Jesus.
Worship readies us for what is to come.
Worship feeds our soul and spirit.

Keep in mind that the type of worship I’m referencing is not a slow song to God but rather a life lived for Him. One of the greatest things we can give to God in worship is our time. Too often in this busy world, the thing we have the least of is time, and more often than not, our time with God is one of the first things to go when we prioritize our day. I’d like you to look back to the list and replace the word “worship” with the words “time with God.” You see, we can understand everything about our armor and our adversary. We can “know” about God and His goodness, but unless we genuinely spend time with Him, we can never really say that we genuinely know Him. Time with God teaches us His nature and allows us to know His heart. Imagine inviting Him into the time you’re spending reading the Bible and asking questions to Him regarding things you may not fully understand. Imagine spending time with Him in praise and worship exalting Him in your life, declaring His goodness and power. Time is important in your preparation. It is an investment that will reap great rewards. Draw close to Him, and He will draw close to you (James 4:8). Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33).

Prayer: Lord, I understand the value of spending quality, unhurried time with You. I ask you to forgive me for not correctly prioritizing the most important thing in my life. Busyness and misplaced priorities have

prevented me from seeking You the way I should have. I ask today that you would allow me to rearrange schedules, get up earlier, stay up later… whatever it takes to sit in Your presence so that I may know you better. It is my desire to know you more so that my life may be a pure reflection of You. Amen.

Day 7 – Eliminating Pride – Walking Worthy of the Calling

Scriptures: Ephesians 4:1 –I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worth of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Discussion: I can’t say it any other way… Pride is a killer. Ultimately, pride exists as the root of every sin. Pride is the sin that precipitated Lucifer being cast out of heaven. And unfortunately, pride is still negatively impacting the world. At its core, pride is demonstrated by people living their lives contrary to what God commands. Pride brings division into wherever it is allowed to operate. As we are going through this series on “Battle Ready,'' we need to understand that not only do we wage this war with God on our side, but with our brothers and sisters as well. Pride should not exist among us. Jesus spoke to this clearly in Matthew when he taught that “a house divided cannot stand.” We must become men who do not allow pride to operate in our midst. Paul’s statement to the church in Ephesus should be the very foundation of all our relationships–lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering (patience with a purpose), love and endeavoring to keep unity. As we wrap up the first week, let us prepare our hearts to be men who unify the body of Christ and not divide it.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your immeasurable love for us. I thank you that you sent Your Son to die so that I may live. Just as You commanded, allow me to die to myself so that Jesus can live through me. Prepare me, Lord, for the things to come. I asked that you strengthen and equip me for the work you have for me. I ask that you deliver me from all forms of pride. Break in active areas off at the root and replace it with humility. Allow me to walk humbly before You and before the world that I might be a reflection of You. I thank You now, Lord, for the work You’re doing in my life. Amen.

Day 8: Why Should I Engage? Is Intercession My Calling?

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) –With all prayer and petition, pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.

Discussion: Over the years, there have been many discussions regarding intercession. I have heard many people say they’re not “intercessors.” Allow me to start this first devotional by stating that whether you have ever admitted it or not, EVERYONE is called to pray—NOT just a select few. The gifts of God are spoken of in three different books of the Bible (Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Ephesians), and none of them list prayer as a gift. Prayer is the way that we communicate with God. It’s how we express our heart to Him and agree with heaven regarding the things happening on earth. Understanding both the intimacy and the authority prayer offers is a lifelong endeavor. In one moment, we are expressing the deepest pains of our lives to God. In another moment, we are agreeing with heaven as warriors, praying to the Father in Jesus' Name in the power of the Holy Spirit, casting out demons, healing the sick, and waging warfare against the enemy. Today, we want to encourage you to step into a calling we all share: that of a prayer warrior. Prayer will move the hand of God, bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. So, let’s get busy this week as we work through the devotional topics. Set aside time to engage. As we move through the week, we will highlight prayer subjects in which we can all engage. Let’s go!

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge today that I may not have been praying as I should have. I understand now that I have a part in this battle and that I just cannot sit on the sideline. Give me the heart of a warrior—a man with a purpose. Don’t allow me to grow complacent in these times. Set a fire in my heart and place the words in my mouth. Allow the passion that drives You to be the passion driving me. Give me Your eyes to see, Your ears to hear, and Your heart to feel. Change me, God, into a man who is after Your heart! Amen.

Day 9: Christ over Culture

Scripture:

Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your Word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Discussion: I spent much time in Psalm 119 while studying and preparing this devotional. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. As many of you may know, the psalm focuses on the importance and power of God’s Word in our lives. This is a common theme throughout scripture, including in the New Testament. The writer of Hebrews (4:12) describes the Word of God as “sharper than any two-edged sword that cuts between the soul and spirit and is a revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” More than anything, the Word of God will strengthen us while, at the same time, exposing sin in our lives.

The influence of sin in the life of a believer is nothing new. It began in the garden and continues today. Our engagement in battle today involves our unwillingness or resistance to adopt or tolerate what are becoming ‘cultural norms.’ Cultural norms today consist of advocating for the murder of the unborn, the acceptance of sexually immoral lifestyles, the adoption of ungodly governmental policies, etc. For men, the enemy continues to bombard our lives with pornographic images, attacking our minds and causing many to continually adopt worldly mindsets and succumb to sin. Porn and sexual immorality have become prevalent not only in television and movies but are also widely found on all social media platforms. James 1 states, “Temptation comes from our own desires… These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled…” King David is a prime example of what happens when we look at women with ungodly intentions. David’s sin of lust led to adultery, which ultimately led to murder and the death of his son. Full obedience is necessary for us today if we are going to defeat the constant onslaught of sexual images that are presented to us daily. The Lord is calling for us to be pure and not allow ourselves to be desensitized to sexual sin. Engagement in battle as a Christian man is to actively resist the temptation of sexual immorality and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us by renewing our minds (Romans 12). The toughest battles we fight are often in places where we think no one is looking. The war for purity is fought when no one else is around – where the only battlefield is in your mind. Pick up the Word of God and be transformed. Give the enemy no place in your heart or mind. FIGHT THE FIGHT!

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your abundant mercy and grace today–the mercy that gives me forgiveness that I didn’t earn and the grace that empowers me to live my life for You. I plead the blood of Jesus over my life today. Search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me. Today, I rebuke the attacks and temptations of the enemy and declare Your lordship over my life. I promise to guard my heart and mind today and live in purity before You. Strengthen me in times of weakness, anointing me with more of the Holy Spirit. Let Your will be done in my life. Amen.

Day 10: Christ over Culture (part 2)

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2—And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Discussion: Paul understood the influences of culture and the possible negative impacts on the believer's life. He understood the influence of culture could desensitize us and prevent us from hearing the voice of God. Paul stated that our bodies should be given to God as a living and holy sacrifice. There are many things the world has deemed legal that were once considered shameful. The “legal” sensualities and culturally accepted indulgences will negatively influence us. Indiscreetly watching hours of television late at night or scrolling through the internet for hours throughout the day will undoubtedly wreck our relationship with God (let's say the word again) by desensitizing us to His call for holiness.

Psalm 119: 9-16 provides a roadmap for purity:

Obey God’s Word.
Follow its rules.
Hide God’s Word in your heart.
Learn God’s principles.
Recite His laws aloud.
Rejoice in God’s decrees.
Study His commandments.
Reflect on His ways.
Delight in His principles.
Remember His Word.

We all live very busy lives. Jumping from one task to the next, taking in information at such a high rate of speed, we can’t correctly absorb it all. We fail to properly manage life, and it simply happens around us. As life is happening, impurity sneaks in. So, it is very important that we reflect on God’s ways. Sit down at the end of each day, look over the situations you encountered, and ask yourself the question… “According to God’s Word, would He be pleased with how I handled each situation I encountered?” We must establish ourselves as pure, holy men of God who turn away from sin and seek His will. No matter what the culture deems acceptable, we must keep Christ over culture.

Prayer: Lord, give us strength to live a pure and holy life. There are so many things fighting for my attention daily. Help me to determine which things are allowed to have a voice in my heart. Help me, Lord, to engage the enemy properly by taking back my purity and seeking after You, no matter the cost. Amen

Take time to read Psalm 119 (you won’t regret it!)

Day 11: The Battle for the Children

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Discussion: There are several key areas we must direct our attention to as we work through this warrior challenge. Over the next few days, we will address engaging in prayer for our families. Next, we will be engaging in prayer for our nation, and last, we will discuss the importance of engaging in prayer for our church.

As men (fathers, grandfathers), it is important that we diligently pray for our children and live our lives as godly examples to them. These spiritual elements can create a solid foundation for them to serve the Lord. Parents sometimes emphasize children attending church, but do not truly demonstrate a life of prayer and Bible study. They hear us praying over our meals—and that’s good—but they never really experience us praying over them or for them. They hear the scripture in church but seldom hear scripture taught or discussed in the home. One of the primary ways we engage in the battle for our children is to ensure we spend time with them, developing their spiritual growth and their relationship with Jesus so that we can discern their hearts and answer questions. They have each been given different talents and abilities that are specific to them. It is our job as fathers to guide them on their journey. That said, be intentional in leading your children in the ways of the Lord; make it hard for the enemy to try to convince them to go astray. They depend on you and your prayers.

This warfare (prayer) should also be happening for the souls of ALL children. It’s no secret that the enemy is razor-focused on influencing young people today to walk away from God. Our role in this battle is to LEAD, GET INVOLVED and most importantly, PRAY. Lead by setting an example in the way you live. Get involved by showing young people that you care. And pray diligently against the ungodly influences of media, educational institutions, and peer relationships that pull young people away from God. Remember… we wage our warfare in the spiritual realm (Eph 6). This is why we must act!

Prayer: Father, I come to You today in the Name of Jesus to bring the children before You. Help us to pray as if their lives depended on it—because it does. Lord, you know the influences the enemy brings against our children— sexual immorality, gender confusion, no sense of right or wrong, and deceptions of all kinds. We pray today that you will allow us to be a positive influence for the children. You said in Psalm 91 that You would give Your angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways – today, we lay hold of that promise over their lives.

Take this time to pray specifically for your children and the young people God lays on your heart.

Day 12: More Than Just Happily Ever After

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25 “… love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing Word of God.”

Discussion: What if God purposed your marriage to be more than just happily ever after? A few years ago, I received a book from a friend called “Thirty-one Prayers for My Wife.” A husband and wife co-authored the book, and its purpose was very simple. For 31 days, you would pray each day for your wife. You would spend time praying for her spiritual growth; you prayed for her self-esteem; you prayed for her purpose, her calling, and so on. Not only did you pray for your wife, but each day, there was a section in the book where you wrote down your prayers for her. After reading the book and writing prayers for my wife each day, it has been a blessing to be able to read back over those prayers and see how she has grown in so many areas over the years.

If you read the scripture in Ephesians carefully, Paul says a pretty radical thing... “He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean…” He used the wording for what He did for the world, “gave up His life,” in how we are to be with our wives. It’s a powerful revelation for us as husbands when we come to grips with the fact that Jesus uses us to make her “holy and clean”--teaching, supporting, respecting, and loving her as Christ loves us. As husbands, one of the most important things we can do for our wives is pray for them. Pray for them in your quiet time, and pray with them daily. The calling for the man in the home is to lead. The scripture is clear regarding our influence, and we must step into the calling Jesus has given us. Let’s commit to being men of God who seek to do the Lord's will in all areas of our lives over the course of this warrior challenge.

Prayer: Lord God, we would like to take the time to thank you for our wives. Thank you so much for providing us with a helper, a friend, and a true love. Please allow our marriage to be an example of our union with you. Help us glorify You with how we deal with one another, care for one another, and raise our families. You are an awesome God, and we desire to grow together in You!!!

Day 13: One Nation Under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4— I urge you, first, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

Discussion: Just as we have prayed for our families, we must also commit to praying for our country. The Word of God directs that we are called to pray for our leaders; this includes all branches and at all levels (federal, state, local). We are called to pray for our leaders to ensure they are given every opportunity to hear and act according to the will of God. We must pray for their safety and salvation. There are many examples in the Old Testament where God appointed ungodly leaders over Israel to punish the nation. Knowing this and seeing the pattern of our government over the last few decades should be a clear warning to us. We must pray!

History tells us that God founded our nation for a purpose. Over the past 200+ years, we have made our mistakes, but this nation's impact on the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ is undeniable. The rights and freedoms we enjoy were purposefully addressed in our constitution as our inalienable rights. As we pray for America, we must also continue to pray for freedom of religion—the right to express and live out our faith in Christ without reprisal. As Christians, we must also view our nation from a biblical perspective. As we do, we see a nation that has largely separated itself from God. Our prayers must target those areas. Satan has made significant strides into the seven primary areas of influence: (1) Religion, (2) Family, (3) Education, (4) Government, (5) Media, (6) Arts and Entertainment, (7) Business. For the sake of our nation, the Church must be aggressive in its warfare against all areas of satanic influence.

Prayer: Lord, in your Word, we are instructed to pray for our leadership and for our nation. Our prayer for those in positions of power is that their hearts are softened to you and your Word and that they become responsive to Your leadership and call on their lives. Help them to hear Your voice. Help us also to stand on Your Word and not support leaders who make decisions that will harm Your children and dishonor Your kingdom. God, we also pray against the satanic influence over our nation. Father, break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Give us spiritual vision to know the adversary's work and bring our hearts into alignment with Your kingdom in prayer. Make us warriors for Your kingdom, Jesus. Give us boldness and purpose. Establish our feet on the high ground, teaching us to pray with authority. Today, Lord, we declare 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” God, let this be me. Amen.

Day 14: Prayer for our Church Leaders

Scripture: I Timothy 5:2,3 –Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them -not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Hebrews 13:17–Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Discussion: As we engage in warfare regarding our church, we must place prayer for our Pastors at the top of the list. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, reminding him to inform the people to pray for our church and our Pastors. Being a minister and pastor is a difficult calling. Out of all the office gifts listed in the Bible, the pastoral calling comes with the most interaction with people and church oversight, therefore making them the most prone to all areas of spiritual warfare. It is a sad fact, but some of the strongest attacks of spiritual warfare come from within the church. Hebrews 13:17 provides great insight into why we must submit to our leadership. They are watchmen over all of us and will be required to give an account to God regarding us. As we understand the purpose of the warrior challenge, let’s be men who do not criticize or find fault but instead fully support and pray daily for our Pastors.

Prayer: As we pray, pray for protection for them and their families, and pray they would walk in Godly wisdom and discernment. Pray for their health. Pray that their faith would not fail and that their giftings would be used to strengthen and build up the body of Christ. Pray that God would place in them a humble heart. Pray for our pastors as if our spiritual growth and maturity start with them. Pray that they stand on the Word as they unapologetically preach the gospel. Pray that the fire of the Holy Ghost would be present in aspects of their lives and that their hearts would truly burn for revival—that Harvest would be a beacon of light with the outpouring of signs and wonders resulting in massive numbers of people coming to Christ.

Day 15: You will receive Power!

Scripture:

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:1-4 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Discussion: As we step into the sustainment portion of the Battle Ready series, I believe the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of being ready to serve Christ with our whole hearts, wherever, whenever, and however He desires. He is the One who lights the fire, but He will not light it in a reluctant or unwilling vessel.

One of the things I notice in the church is that most men ignore or do not desire the promise of Jesus regarding the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1, Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” In Acts 2:1-4, it happened. Then, in verses 38 and 39, Peter declares this outpouring of the Holy Spirit is for ALL generations to come. Why do so many men struggle to pray, read scripture, be leaders (or influencers), struggle to witness, and struggle to live Godly lives? The answer is simple–we as men fail to allow the Holy Spirit to immerse (or baptize) us with Himself. Some may even be reluctant because they fear what change or disruption the Holy Spirit may bring to their day-to-day lives.

With the Baptism of the Spirit comes a passion to serve–a passion to see the lost saved and the sick healed–a passion to live out a holy life, representing God in a manner worthy of Him. Peter, who previously denied Jesus three times, after the Holy Spirit baptized him, stood on the steps in Jerusalem and preached the gospel to thousands of Jews, seeing 3,000 people added to the church. You see… the Holy Spirit brings power to our lives that changes everything! He can take a mere man, with all his faults and problems, and turn him into a force for the kingdom. The Spirit will change the way you pray (fight). He will change the way you understand scripture. He will change you to your core, reprioritizing your life for His purposes.

The sustaining power of God is found in His Spirit.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today that You didn’t leave us alone. I thank You for including me in Your plan for the redemption of mankind. I know, Lord, that there is nothing in me apart from You that can accomplish anything for Your kingdom. Jesus, You said in Luke 11:9 - “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Today, Lord, I ask you for more of the Holy Spirit. Come with fire and give me the desires of Your heart. Empower me to fight the fight and fill me to overflowing with Your Holy presence. I love you, Jesus, and want to serve You with all I have. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill me. Amen

Day 16: Character Matters

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Discussion: Yesterday, we read about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today, our focus is on how the indwelling of the Holy Spirit changes our character. Paul talks about the “works” of the flesh in the preceding verses in Galatians 5 (19-21 - please read). These character traits, unfortunately, are still found in the lives of men in the church. He lists 17 things and then states, “Those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Let me suggest a word study of verses 19, 20, and 21–it would be of great value). Scriptures like these let us know that with God – Character Matters! The good news is that God did not leave us alone to deal with these ungodly character traits. As we grow in Christ, He begins changing our character. Paul even changes the words to show the difference (works = flesh / fruit = Spirit . . . and fruit grows). Sustaining our walk with Christ and our position as battle-ready warriors involves the Holy Spirit developing the fruit (or character) in our lives. So, let’s search our hearts today to see if any of these character traits are part of our lives. The Holy Spirit knows us, so let’s allow Him in His mercy to do the work in our hearts to change us so we can be a reflection of the love of God in the lives of others.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today for Your grace and mercy. I thank You for loving me completely and desiring to leave nothing unfinished. I also thank You for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. Holy Spirit, I give my life, with all my character faults, to You. Change me from the inside out. Allow the fruit that comes through my relationship with You to grow. Remove habits or attitudes from me that are not aligned with how You created me to be. As I submit to Your guidance, develop a character that allows me to walk in love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Day 17: A Fighting Force

Scripture: Matthew 18:19-20 Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Discussion: Please don’t take the title of this devotional lightly. In sustaining the fight, we must band together to engage the enemy. Please allow me to get a little personal with this one. Over the many years of leading small groups, I have built what I believe are life-long relationships with some very special brothers. These are the men I go into battle with–men that have my back as I have theirs and men that I trust completely. These relationships were not built overnight. They were forged over time through good times and rough times. These are men I pray for and pray with. These are men I study and worship with. These are my brothers in Christ, and they help sustain my faith. These brothers will speak the truth to me whether I want to hear it or not, holding me accountable for my relationship with Christ, my family, and the church. Our relationship is not superficial. We know the names of each other's wives and children and what each one does for a living. We do life together, and I wouldn’t want to do life without them.

Look at Jesus’ words above… “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Did you get it? Jesus participates in our fellowship–He is present where we gather. As men of God, it is vitally important to our spiritual formation to be in relationship with other men. Don’t miss this opportunity. As we conclude with this Battle Ready series, find men to gather and grow with. Set dates and times of your meetings and make them a priority. Over time, you (if you’re serious about the commitment) will grow as a fighting force for the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, I ask today that You connect me with a group of men to help sustain me in the battle. I have read the example You have set when You gathered Your disciples–all 12 of them. I have read how they followed You and, after Your resurrection, banded together to form the Church. Help me establish and experience relationships with other men so we can bring the kingdom of Heaven to earth. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Day 18: Check Your Sources

Scripture:

2 Timothy 2:14-16 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth. Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Discussion: Often, when we hear 2 Timothy 2:15 preached, we hear it about the importance of studying the Word of God, which is very important in the life of a believer. However, we often fail to read the verse before it when Paul warned the church about the importance of believers not arguing about the truth. In these last days, there are going to be many people who come with a gospel other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. The internet is filled with misinformation about the Bible. False teachers will continue to spout lies. Some distort the truth, some dilute it, and some simply delete it by saying that God’s truth no longer applies. But no matter how many people follow the liars, the solid foundation of God’s truth never changes, is never shaken, and will never fade. When we follow God’s truth, we will live God’s way, as stated in the Life Application Study Bible. As prayer warriors, we must sustain our faith by spending time with God and understanding His Word. Paul tells Timothy to remind the early church to

remember the truth and share the Word of God–Verse 2 says, “Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” Paul emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth with trustworthy people because Paul had already experienced false teachers who once served with him in ministry and had already begun leading others astray. Read about Hymenaeus and Philetus in I Timothy 1:20 and II Timothy 2:17,18. When you know

the truth of God’s Word, it makes it harder for false teachers to convince you of a counterfeit Christianity.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to come out from among the world and not just be separated, but stay separated. We desire to know You for ourselves. Help us to read, study, and understand Your Word. Lord, we want to be more like You daily, and we want to be pleasing in Your sight and not ashamed when we stand before You.

Day 19: We Leak! Take Time to Refill!

Scripture:

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength. Seek His presence continually.

Mark 1:35 And arising early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went to a desolate place and there He prayed.

Discussion: Busy days, cluttered minds, and misplaced priorities plague almost all of us. We wake up in the morning, get that first cup of coffee, and begin thinking about the day to come. Before you know it, we’re out the door with our minds focused on our jobs or other tasks, and we have forgotten to put the first thing first–our time with God. The other day, I heard a Pastor say something that resonated with me… “If you are like me, and perhaps you are, your heart longs to make a real impact in this chaotic world. You long to put your hand to something of eternal significance. If that’s you–then go to Him. Spend quality time alone in the secret place with Jesus. Hear Him. He will set your heart on fire.” Intentionally setting aside time with Jesus will change your life. It’s a place where you not only spend your time talking with Him but more importantly, you spend time listening to Him, focusing on His presence. Our first scripture in this devotion comes from a song of praise by King David–” seek the Lord and His strength”. None of us is exempt from leaking (growing tired and weary). This means that if we don’t spend time with the Lord, refilling with His presence, we will soon be operating on our own strength. His presence brings the strength to our souls that we need to live this life and do His will. If Jesus, the Son of God, did it when He walked this earth, we should live by His example–get in a quiet place and be strengthened by His Spirit!

Prayer: Father, I come to You today asking that You forgive me for not spending the time with You I should have. I understand that I can do nothing in my own strength but that in my weakness, You are made strong. Jesus, reset my priorities. Let my daily worship begin as I get out of bed. Remind me to intentionally come into Your presence daily. Let it become a habit, a necessity for my life. Set my heart on fire today–allow my relationship with You to intensify until I am wholly consumed. Amen.

Day 20: Wielding the Sword

Scripture:

Isaiah 66:2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my Word.”

Psalm 138:2 (KJV) I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name.

Discussion: Simply put, God’s Word should be honored and revered. If our relationship with God is right (humble and contrite), the Word will become the agent of change (Hebrews 4:12), and God will bless our lives. I want to encourage you today to prioritize the Word of God in your life. Don’t be satisfied with strolling through scripture to gain some familiarity or promise, but study it (2 Timothy 2:15)! As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight the Word for you. You will find strength, comfort, conviction, empowerment, and confidence in the Word.

Take a look at Isaiah 66:2… are you ‘that man”?

Prayer: Father, I thank You so much for Your never-ending love for me. It’s true, Your words are powerful. Make me the man Isaiah speaks of… a man who is humble and contrite–a man who trembles at Your Word. I ask today, Lord, that as I read Your Word, it will come to life in me. I humble myself before You and ask that the Word examine every part of my life–every motive and action. I open my heart to You, Holy Spirit. Have Your way in me. Amen.

Day 21: Guarding Your Heart

Scripture:

Joshua 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandments and the law, which Moses

the Servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Discussion: What does it mean to be diligent in obeying the commandments and “keeping our heart”? The word “diligent” means to be careful and attentive to one's work or duties. Diligent men don’t just rush through their lives; they work to earnestly do things right. As men who desire to genuinely guard our hearts, our focus should be on what the Lord instructs us and not on the things of the world that could easily distract us. 1 John 2:15-17 says it this way… “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” How often do we equate the heart with love? This is the point… what you have your affections set on is what you love. The only way to truly guard our hearts and strengthen our weak areas is to make Him our priority and reject the things of the world. Our hearts are important to God. As the Proverb states… from it flow the wellsprings of life.

So, as we close out this last devotional, let us offer some suggestions for guarding your heart:

Study the Word
Make prayer a priority
Set boundaries in your life to stay away from temptation
Journal
Get involved in a men’s small group
Get involved in ministry at church
Never think you have all God desires to give you–always press in for more

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you have done. I understand the value of guarding my heart so I won’t sin against you. I ask you, Lord, to reveal the areas where I am weak and subject to sin and bring me to a place of repentance.

Pause and reflect.

Jesus, I want more of You. Just as David was identified as a man after Your own heart, bring me to that place. Let me love what You love and hate what You hate. I ask today for more passion and a willingness to decrease so that You may increase. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done and for all You are going to do in my life. Amen.

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