Nougat 20

Hi my dears

I hope you have been enjoying or at least gaining new insights regarding warfare and upskilling to be a strategic seasoned warrior. I too have gained insights in this series. When we spoke about the shield of Faith, I think we paused to consider that we are expected to fight together. We also mentioned our ‘battle’ buddy, the person who has our lives/backs and vice versa. Did you realize that looking out for our battle is an important part of our warfare prep? See for yourself in today’s Holy Nougat

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are instructed to

A) stay alert: ie to be on constant watch for the safety of ALL believers everywhere

I remember looking at a recent photo of some members of my family and being able to spot the military personnel by their watchful stance. Though ‘at ease’, they positioned themselves in the photo shoot so that their backs were not exposed and they had the widest cross-sectional view of the space. Their loved ones were placed between them.

That is what God calls us to – to position ourselves spiritually to get the best vantage point for our fellow believers. We are to ensure that each other’s backs are NOT exposed to enemy attack (ouch); rather than be the ones to tear them down.

I think about Christian’ responses to other Christians whose perspectives differ from our own (and I said our, cause I’m also guilty); and realize that we are often so divided and divisive, the enemy doesn’t have much work to do. We’re already at war with each other. It’s no wonder some non-believers doubt our integrity; for we are not protective of each other. And no, I’m not talking about condoning wrongs; but there MUST be ways to disagree in Christ without battling each other! A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

If the enemy of our souls is without; then we MUST protect, not reject each other.

and

to continuously pray for ALL believers with intentionality.

That protection detail includes Prayer. Targeted prayer for known needs; and Praying in the Spirit for the unknown. Praying in season and out.

And before we argue that we don’t know how, let’s consider the news headlines and pray especially for believers living in each space making the headlines. We pray for those under persecution wherever; for those caught in wars, climate crisis, abusive situations, food and water insecurity; for those on the frontline, for the sick, the shut-in, the hurting, crying, dying and expectant … There is so much ground we can cover in our prayer for each other. It begins with a variation of

‘Dear God’ …

We can’t worry about whether others are watching out for us until we are doing likewise.