If It's Time for War...It's Time for Worship!

As we all know, life is a war zone....and we, as Christians, are always at the front lines as we defend our faith each day...one battle after another. If we are to be successful and victorious, then there are a few things we must do before we wage war against our enemy and his minions....we must follow the example of that greater leader of the Israelites, Joshua, and do as he did before he lead God's people into battle to conquer and to gain the Promised Land of their forefathers.

In Joshua 5: 10-15, we see Joshua and the people poised just outside Canaan, waiting to move out into battle to claim the promise of God. They had just finished observing the Passover; had eaten of the produce of the land and their last meal of manna...they were just waiting for the signal from their leader, Joshua, and they would move out. But scripture tells us that while Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him, sword drawn and ready for battle. Joshua asked, "Are you for us or for our adversaries? "And he replied; "No, I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come."

What happens next is really quite remarkable...So Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?" And the commander of the Lord's army said to him, "Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so. (my emphasis) Joshua 5:14-15

You see, this young, inexperienced leader knew what he was up against and he knew where his strength would come from; so before battle, HE WORSHIPED THE LORD OF HOSTS and listened to the commander of God's army. And that is the lesson for each of us.

Before we climb into our car each morning ...off to the office; the front of a classroom; the bench in the courtroom; or on the way to drop the kids at day care...we need to prepare for the battle that will come our way today...the war that can only be won when God is at our side and his Holy Spirit is directing our counter moves against the wiles of the Devil.

God is ready to give us the battle plan that will lead to victory; bring honor and glory to his name; and just perhaps, save one of those caught in the throes of the war for the souls of man...someone you know and love. But without that time of worship...that time to remove our sandals (the cares of this world) and stand on Holy ground(the presence of God the Father) and hear the voice of instruction from the Commander, we will most likely suffer defeat, discouragement and despair...all because we went to battle unprepared.

So today, make this simple commitment...spend time in worship at the beginning of each new day ...bow before the Lord and hear his voice...give each battle and its outcome over to Him..and let the Holy Spirit go before you to clear the minefields of this world so that you might fight the good fight and live in victory.

Waging war...worshiping the Commander of our Faith,

WPQ