Based on “Jesus Prays for His Disciples – What Can We Learn?” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/18-19/12, Message #MB521; Daily Devotional #2 - “Keep Your Helmet On!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): As our Lord Jesus prays for His disciples, He is joy-filled to be returning to His Father's side in Heaven (John 17:13-19). This is the same joy we can have because of the obedience of Christ to the Father on our behalf. We, too, will be seated by His side; indeed, we already are seated beside Him in heavenly places! It is the joy of knowing the love, truth and character of God and the gift of our salvation from Him that is our strength. In His presence is the fullness of joy, and we have joy when we know the truth. Twice, Jesus mentions the truth of the Word of God in His prayers for us. Pastor Mark said joy is a confidence in the Lord. Praise God, for our confidence is in the truth of Christ Jesus! But, just as there is absolute truth, there is absolute deception, from which our Lord prays we will be kept safe. Our enemy seeks to steal our joy and steal our confidence in the truth of God. When we take a stand for Christ and our faith is challenged, how can we keep the joy of the Lord?
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:17-18) Bear in mind, we have more available to us than just a helmet! (Ephesians 6:10-18). When the enemy attacks and seeks to distract, discourage and separate us from a right relationship with God, we have spiritual armor given by God to protect us from Satan's schemes. This armor is just as real as the war waged against us. The battlefield is in our mind, and we are commanded to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, comparing every thought that enters our mind to what we know is the standard of the Word of Truth, which is our sword. Any thought that isn't consistent with the Truth is to be replaced with the Truth. Keeping our Helmets of Salvation in place through prayer keeps our minds focused on Heaven. Reading the Word of God keeps our minds and hearts focused on Heaven. Without this time spent with the Father, we are not going to keep our eyes fixed on the horizon and may be easily led astray. When we realize we have forgotten to pray and read the Word regularly, we need only to confess we've forgotten to communicate with our Lord, and He will forgive us and cleanse us, and our communication is restored. Nowhere else is there such mercy and love available to us. It is God's constant love and mercy that motivates us to share this astounding truth with those around us!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1) Prayer: Lord, You are so gracious and good. Thank You that You have prayed for us and continue to make intercession for us before God Almighty, unceasingly. You never grow tired or weary. Please fill our hearts and lives with Your joy as we learn to continually pray to You and listen to you through the reading of Your Word. When we forget, remind and restore us. Bless us and keep us, Father. Thank You for Your constant desire to lead and protect us, and for Your tender heart of love towards us. May we be Heavenly minded for ourselves and those around us, for Your glory. Amen.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Luke 22:30-31; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Philippians 3:20-21
CH
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.