Vital signs- Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

Cruise Ship Living

In the late 1940s, the U.S. constructed a ship. It was a warship. It was used to carry 15,000 troops across the sea, with machine guns, and bombs, and all manners of weapons of war. 

Five years later, that ship was remodeled into a cruise liner for presidents, senators, and congressmen. 

Instead of holding 15,000 troops dressed for battle, it now held 2,000 nice, little cruise bedrooms. It was refitted with six swimming pools, clubs, an entertainment system, and dancing. What was meant to be used for war was now a place of luxury and ease. 

I wonder if some of us become like this ship. We start off ready for battle but after a while, look for the easy and luxurious life. You lose your purpose.

Have we forgotten what we signed up for? We're in a war! We must prepare ourselves!

In video games, your character often starts off without armor and as you face stronger enemies you acquire stronger weapons. As the game progresses, each level brings a more difficult enemy, but also a more powerful weapon. 

The kingdom of God is just like that! As you face battles, you are leveling up your spiritual armory. You are learning which tool to grab for every situation that you face. You are preparing to fight for your personal revival. 

Prepare yourself! Put on the armor of God. You've got the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness. Not righteousness because of what you've done, but the righteousness of what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. 

The finished work of Christ covers your past, covers your present, and empowers your future. You have the belt of truth. Your feet are shod with the gospel of peace. You hold the shield of faith, which blocks every fiery dart from the enemy, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. These are your weapons; these are your defenses. 

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you have power in His name. When you're facing obstacles, or even opportunity, you have the authority to claim your victory. 

There's a promise for every problem that's in front of you. God is with you; He's for you. Isaiah says that there isn’t an exhaustion you could go through that God doesn’t have the strength to walk you through. 

You don’t have to walk in fear. You don’t have to be afraid. God goes before you and behind you. 

God told Joshua, "I'm giving you success. Everywhere your foot touches, you shall prosper." 

Will there be walls? You better believe it. Will there be giants? You better believe it. Will there be spear throwers? You better believe it! God gives us power, promises, anointing to preach the Good News, and the strength to bring deliverance to those in captivity. 

It is time to step into a personal awakening with Christ. Are you ready to reach new levels in your walk with Christ? Are you ready to charge against the enemy and take new ground? 

You are on the cusp of revival. Don’t wait to step into the fullness of God’s promises for your life. Allow God to wake the dead things in your heart and to breath life into your dry bones.

“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬