Psalm 68:1-2  ‘Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.’

DAILY READING – •           Ephesians 1; Ezekiel 4-5; Psalm 150

On Oct. 4, 2018, four American soldiers, along with four Nigerien soldiers and an interpreter, were killed in a conflict that has sparked an angry debate among U.S officials in Washington . The anger was over why these soldiers were sent on an assignment they were not well prepared for. The casualty for America has been the largest loss of its soldiers during combat in Africa since 1993.

The dead soldiers  were  part of a military convoy of 30 Nigerians and 11 Americans who were in Niger for training. They had set out that morning  into the deserts of Niger, prepared only for a routine, low-risk patrol with little chance of encountering the enemy. But while they were out in the desert, they suddenly received  another instruction. American intelligence officials, had gotten information about the possible location of a local ISIS  leader. And so these soldiers were sent to locate the camp of this terrorist.  But it was a risky mission that required more number of soldiers. Moreover, these soldiers were not fully equipped for such an operation.  As they embarked on the new assignment, they failed to locate any militants. Instead, unfortunately, the militants found them. Short on water, they had  stopped outside a village before heading back to base. It was there, barely 200 yards from the village, that the convoy came under deadly fire from fighters loyal to ISIS.

Though outnumbered and outgunned, the troop bravely fought to stay alive. However, four Americans and five Nigerians, were eventually cut down under the barrage of heavy gunfire. The last minutes of these soldiers  were recorded on a military helmet camera worn by one of them. These soldiers had died because they entered a battle, they were ill prepared for.

Luke 14: 31,33 ‘Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.’[NLT]

As disciples of Christ we are called to warfare. But we can’t afford to face the enemy at any time ill prepared for the battle. Many people have become victims because they went into warfare without adequate spiritual preparation. We are fighting a vicious enemy who has no mercy. And to win we must come against him fully armed.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. We must therefore put on the whole armour of God. We must engage the weapons of our warfare which are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. These includes such weapons as prayer, fasting, the Word and Praise. The weapon of praise is especially essential to our total victory. This is because Praise brings God’s Presence  and whenever God arises, His enemies must be scattered.

Anytime you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed in any battle,  switch to high praises, to bring God on your side. It doesn’t matter how great the opposition, when God is on your side you have the majority on your side.  Indeed if God be for you who can be against you?

Psalm 68:1-2 says ‘Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.’

God’s enemies will always perish at His Presence. In His Presence great obstacles become miracles. Therefore as we fast and pray, let us also engage the weapon of praise. Oftentimes praise proves to be even more potent than prayer. After Paul and Silas had prayed, it was as they praised God that an earthquake erupted that brought their deliverance. You may pray amiss, but you cannot praise amiss.  Through the weapon of praise, our victory in every battle is guaranteed.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to always maintain a tempo of high praises around me. As I praise You, I know You will arise to fight my every battle. Thank You Lord, for Your Presence that always makes the difference in my  life  in Jesus Name.

Quote

The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222.