REMEMBER WHEN? Operation Iraqi Freedom--battle time in our world! You read about it, reviewed it in the nightly news--and rolled down the sandy roads right along with embedded reporters--24/7! We saw the war move from horror and hell to hoopla and happy folks in the streets of Baghdad. We watched the Saddam statue fall, and his sculptured head roll down the city streets he once held captive.
We watched Iraquis dancing in the streets, flying high the USA flag, shouting in victory and celebration. We rejoiced too--and then faced realism. For terrorism STILL stalks the land; the battle is NOT over!
Battles are common--in our world, in our homes, in our churches, in our schools and ministries--wherever mankind resides. A sad commentary on the real heart of men, even saved men, when the Lord of heaven is not in control. God help us--for there's a more formidable foe standing at the gates of hell, cheering on the discord, the discouragement, the distresses and the defeats of those who "fight the good fight of faith."
So what to do? God is enlisting each of us in His army--to storm the gates of hell, to tear down the statue of the enemy, to triumph over evil and claim the victory in the Name of the Lord. So grab your gear, get on your Christian armor and let's go storm the gates of hell! The Commander-in-Chief leads us on to victory--by our testimony, His Word and the Blood of the Lamb!
Storming the Gates of a Diseased Body: There's Healing in His Name!
So you're a perfect "10"? Congratulations--the rest of us are not! We deal with breaks, bumps and bruises--our bodies are mortal; sin and disease has entered our world and broken down our bodies--cancer, AIDS, heart disease, paralysis and a host of disorders whose names we cannot even spell. There's pain in us and all around us as the devil stands at the gates in seeming triumph.
But one day that stands alone in glorious triumph, Our Lord stormed the gates of Hell, broke down the barriers of disease, won the battle, and "by His stripes we are healed." Because He made the way, we too can storm of gates of hell, in His Name and power, and know there is miraculous, divine healing for our physical bodies. Whatever your need, don't give up--hold onto His Word, march ahead--and knock down the Gates of Hell in the Name of the Lord!
Storming the Gates of a Discouraged Soul: There's Hope in His Name!
So you're always on a "high"? Congratulations--the rest of us ride a roller-coaster of emotions--the highs AND lows of life! We deal with discouragement and doubt. One day we're on the mountain, the next day, in the depths of despair. Hurts of the heart, dark thoughts in the mind, sadness in the soul. We're not alone--David in Bible days experienced the same emotions--read the Psalms for proof of HIS humanity--and you will relate to your own!
But one day that stands alone in glorious triumph, Our Lord stormed the gates of Hell, broke down the gates of discouragement and won the battle for us all. Now we can say, along with David who found victory in his soul, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 43:5)." Don't give up--hold onto His Word, march ahead--and knock down the Gates of Hell in the Name of the Lord!
Storming the Gates of a Defeated Spirit: There's Help in His Name
So you're ever the "winner"? Congratulations--the rest of us fail and falter in the reality of our own humanity. We're no different than Elijah. One day we win, on the "high" of victory against the evil one; the next day we're under the juniper tree--down in spirit, wallowing in the depths of despair, asking, "Why me, oh Lord; why me?" We've all been there--the enemy delights in "downing" the servants of the Lord, in bringing our very spirits into despair and defeat.
But one day that stands alone in glorious triumph, Our Lord stormed the gates of Hell, broke down the barriers of defeat, and overcame the enemy by His preciuous Blood. We follow in His steps, refusing to be defeated and rising with a spirit of determination, we march ahead--and knock down the Gates of Hell in the Name of the Lord!
There's wholeness in the Kingdom of God. He has won the victory, triumphing over the enemy of our spirit, soul and body. We now can triumph too, marching forward in His Name and with His Word, as we too storm the gates of hell, individually, finding victory for body, soul and spirit. Claim it today.....and know that it's not the end--while the devil was defeated at the Cross, he still roams the earth, tormenting and trying in battle the believers of the Lord. His doom, however, is certain. One day, He will be sentenced to the lake of fire, and Christ Jesus, our Lord, shall reign forever and ever. We will walk through the Gates of the City, perfectly whole, in the Name of Our Conquering, Victorious, Blessed, Ever-Living Lord.
You're a believer? Well, believe it - believe His Word and be set free from the bondage of the enemy in the Name of the Lord and in the power of His Word and Blood. He is risen--and He is Lord! He is LORD! HE IS LORD!
--Copyright 2003 by Peggie C. Bohanon. All rights reserved.
If you enjoyed this devo, there's lots more at The Devotional Buffet.
Featured links: "'Twas the Night before Easter!"
"The War & the Word: God's Peace in the Storm."
The Christian Armor Room at Peggie's Place.
