Joni And Friends 19 March 2024 Devotional Message
Joni and Friends 19 March 2024 Devotional Tuesday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: First-Line Defense
“O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:6, 12
By all rights it was a battle God’s people should never have won. The odds against King Jehoshaphat and his outnumbered troops were astronomical. The frightened king had no strategy, no chariots, no allies, no time, and no army worth writing home about.
But he had a secret weapon. He gathered the people and poured his heart out before God. He didn’t rattle his saber or make a patriotic speech. He just prayed as though his life depended on it—and it did. God answered, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15). Within days the enemy was completely routed. The secret weapon? Praise!
When it comes to a frontline defense against the Devil’s attacks, we often bypass praise and scramble to do something—anything—to remedy, rectify, or resolve the problem. Make lists, set goals, get counseling, go shopping, raid the fridge, read a book on the subject, or talk about it with others. But praise? Yet we learn from Jehoshaphat that praise must always be our first line of defense.
Try memorizing, if you haven’t already, the doxology:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Now say it! Sing it in the shower as you start your day. Think about it while you’re waiting in line…at the fast-food drive-in, the bank window, or the grocery store checkout. Say it at the dinner table to replace your usual blessing for the food. Finally, whisper it as you feel yourself drifting off to sleep at night.
Today, Lord, may praise be my first line of defense against the Enemy.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY