"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.." - Revelation 12:1 (NIV).
Our leading verse is one of the most important there is for any believer. In almost all cultures blood offerings were the gateway to God and blessings. Among the Hebrews we see Isaac was once slated to be sacrificed; but God substituted him for a lamb (Genesis 22:1-8). Moslems still celebrate this occasion as Eid al Adha where they engage in ritual animal slaughter. Ancestral cultures always insist on blood sacrifices- from fowls, animals and even humans. Yet for believers Jesus has paid the full price through his own blood- the believer has already overcome any threat or foe- through the the "blood of the lamb"!
This is the power from which all our victory springs. And who has not seen how demons tremble once there is mention of the "blood of the lamb"! The "blood of the lamb" is our cover - in all situations. It is not amulets, as for some, or sacrifices, as in many religions, but the "blood of the lamb!"
Whenever a believer overcomes the enemy, he, must give testimony of that victory. The enemy hates the testimony of believers because it strengthens the body of Christ and also inspires faith. When people know that by the "blood of the lamb" victory is theirs, it scatters the enemy.
What is your challenge? Unlike other faiths which exert on followers to engage in blood sacrifices- Christ has done that for you. Claim the "blood of the lamb" to cover that troubling situation. And with victory never hesitate to share your testimony, for in so doing, you further "overcome him"!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, with the "blood of the lamb" I cover all my affairs, seeking protection from you, that I may testify of your goodness and power, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
