Devotion for Thursday, July 20, 2023

“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven (Revelation 12:7-8).

Are we seeing what happened, or what will happen.  This age has been a war between principalities and forces of darkness.  The answer is the cross where Christ, once for all, conquered sin, death, and the devil.  But the battle still rages.  In this war, where will you end up?  On which side will you land?  This is the question for us all.  Will you live as one who follows Jesus?

Lord, as the storm rages I find I am often confused and feel all alone.  But this is the lie of the wicked one.  You promised that You are with me forever.  Lead me, O Lord, and guide me according to Your goodness to stay the course of following You.  I can hope that I get out of this life unscathed, or I can live in the reality that, no matter what happens, I belong to You.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, on the path of salvation.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to know that in You I have hope that is not just for today, but forever.  Lead me to hold this in my heart always.  You have given me a new heart in You, and only in You will the heart, which is a heart like Yours, bear the goodness and mercy which You gave me from the cross.  Help me to stand firm in the truth.  Amen.