Battle: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 10

“The sun stopped in mid-heaven, and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a human voice; for the Lord fought for Israel.” Joshua 10: 13-14

Because the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel within the land, five kingdoms allied to attack them. Because of the attack Gibeon cried out to Joshua for aid. And because Joshua turned to the Lord in prayer the sun stopped in mid-heaven and the battle completed. Because the Lord fought for Israel.

There are many trials in our lives when we wonder when the release might come and sometimes we may forget that some battles can be won in a day—if we are in prayer and the Lord fights the battle Himself.

Whether an immediate need or long term, there can be no permanent victory apart from the Lord’s presence. And often we are not willing to wait for His full answer but jump into a skirmish on our own. And then days—weeks—even years later the sin, the enemy, returns in fuller force than ever before.

Ephesians 6: 10-20 gives us the means and the reminder that God’s armor is ready for daily covering for us as well today. That the danger lurks unseen as well as seen and we need His covering—just as Israel did—that we might be able to resist on that evil day and stand firm.

“Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.”

Lord, please help us to remember that whether the battle is stretched over time or when time stands still, there is no completed victory unless in Your power. Give us courage to stand and fight when you say. And only trust in Your plans no matter how extraordinary.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 130:5 & 7

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Shout

Armed warriors

clutching courage

real or imagined

prepared to die

in battle

storming Jericho’s walls.

Commanded instead to

walk seven days

then SHOUT.

When did words alone

bring victory? Hearts

murmured—yet to

Yahweh stayed obedient,

confusion turned to awe.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 17:16, and he said, “The Lord has sworn; the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

There are battles won once for all, not to be repeated. There are battles warring like invading ants, a persistent, continual threat.

God proclaimed victory over Egypt. God promised permanent war versus Amalek.

Jesus said, “It is finished!” On the cross He vanquished sin and death. Victory, once for all. Yet it is a battle repeated with each decision an individual makes to accept or deny His truth.

Daily our lives pound with unbelief, disbelief. We battle fear for a lifetime. Yet Jesus’ outcome changes not. It is done.

“The Lord has sworn.” He is warring against Amalek in each generation, calling His people to Himself, standing in the breach.

Thank you Lord, that You fight for me. Thank you for Your victorious outcome. May I stand my ground when each skirmish hits, firm in Your conquest.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 33:11

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

The plans of His heart from generation to generation.