DELIVERED TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT

01/04/2024

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son..." (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).

By confessing the Lordship of Jesus over your life, God delivered you from the power of darkness. The enemy's rights to harass, afflict, and keep you in the dark were entirely nullified. Moreover, God ushered you into the kingdom of His Son, endowing you with the rights of a citizen. As Philippians 3:20 states, "...our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Indeed, the primary responsibility of the citizenship bestowed upon you is the authority to approve or reject any spiritual agenda, whether godly or ungodly, proposed for the inhabitants of the earth and its rulership. This is emphasized in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 where it states, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Notably, the scripture places utmost importance on the exercise of this right, stating "first of all," and links our ability to live peacefully on earth in godliness and reverence to the faithful discharge of this duty to God. 

This implies that if we find ourselves not currently experiencing peace in godliness and reverence, encountering restlessness, godlessness, crime, hunger, or perversion in our neighborhoods, cities, or countries, then we have an ongoing need for supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for the people and leaders of the world. Our mandate encompasses all peoples, and there is no earthly boundary limiting your ability to exert Godly influence through prayer. As long as there is any form of cruelty on earth, our responsibility endures.

Many within the Church often believe that their lack of peace and tranquility is due to the need for deliverance from some evil force, leading them to hop from one church to another. However, realizing that they have been delivered from the domain of the enemy and embraced a citizenship in the kingdom of God can shift their perspective. The peace and quietness they seek become by-products of actively participating in God's Kingdom. To be an engaged participant in God's Kingdom, it is crucial to become intimately familiar with 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Without this understanding, the experience of heaven on earth for both you and the rest of humanity, whom God has called you to preserve and protect, may remain elusive.

Faith-Filled Confession

I have been delivered from darkness to light with the purpose of preserving and protecting humanity from the schemes of the enemy. In Jesus' name, I rise to fulfill my responsibility. I am God's response to the cries of many against the darkness and cruelty they have experienced in this world. Hallelujah!

Day 3 of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Praying for Pastors and Ministry Leaders in our city and Nation

• Pray for God to open doors of opportunity for these ministers to make significant impacts for the kingdom in our cities and nations. May they preach, teach, and be vessels of God with boldness. Pray for unprecedented support, unity, and oneness in their congregation and family, aligning with the vision and message God has bestowed upon them.

• Pray for ministers facing severe persecutions, that they are strengthened to stand firm in all the will of God, and for the deliverance of those imprisoned for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Scriptural References

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:3).

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27).

"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19). 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 9-11; Matthew 4