// DAY THREE //
EMPOWERED
Empowered people have authority (someone has authorized them). They are made strong and have great confidence and ability to make decisions.
Scripture: “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” – Luke 10:19
Reading: Let’s make a distinction. Yes, we are called to be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:7). Although, we know that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ through the cross and his resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:18). What is going on here? Why do governments seem to be at odds with Jesus? Why are they sometimes persecuting his very church? Where is our power over this evil that Jesus is talking about in Luke 10:19? Why doesn’t he do something in his authority? Where is our authority now as we have the Holy Spirit in us?
The authority that Jesus gives us takes the world and turns it upside down. We are no longer concerned about our life, our possessions, our experiences, or our status. As the Holy Spirit enters us and makes a home in us, the authority through Jesus Christ over the “serpents and scorpions” of sin becomes real and vibrant. We fight a totally different way. We live a much different way in the present world than most. The Lord has given us great authority in this world, but not in a way the world sees necessary or important.
When we trust in God as our protection – that he has the ultimate power and authority over our souls – this world is secondary. We come to find out there is more going on than meets the eye. We fight not against flesh and blood but against things not seen (Ephesians 6:12). Actually, Ephesians 6:10-18 has great insight into our authority in Christ as we get ready for daily battle.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:10-18
The world translates many things into weakness that just isn’t so in the Kingdom of God. In the world, truth is constantly being attacked, righteousness is lame, the gospel is nonsense, and salvation isn’t necessary.
Oh, that we would stand firm in Jesus Christ, on every level, and live like he lived! The world needs warriors, not at all like the world sees a fighter, but people that will serve, love, laugh, weep, and pray like Jesus.
When we know the authority we have in the kingdom, when we know our security, when we believe in who we are in God, we are empowered. Our Spirit becomes much less indecisive. We become strong in our spirit, but oh so empathetic to the spirit of the hurt, lonely, tired – the ones seeking to be filled by the One True God. And the baseball community is in desperate need of men empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Prayer Prompts:
Thanks – Oh Lord, thank you for displaying your power in and through creation from the beginning of time. Father, you have always had the authority over everything in this world and in heaven. Thank you for coming to earth, in the form of your Son Jesus, as a man and submitting to many of the things in this world, but all the while being the strongest person that ever lived as the Spirit worked through you. You never let your guard down. You displayed the perfect power of the Spirit in you. Thank you for showing us that it is okay to laugh, cry, be angry, and frustrated as we conform to your image. There is a right time and place to feel all of those things as your Spirit works in us – and we’re so grateful for that perspective of you as you took on human flesh. And as we live and breathe today, thank you for providing us all the armor we need to fight in this battle for souls!
Confession – Sometimes my armor weighs heavy on me, Lord. Why do I feel like it’s a burden to fight for you when you have done so much for me? I’m sorry for not taking my authority against evil in this world seriously. I let the enemy creep into the gates of my life and in turn, into the gates of my family and the ones closest to me. I let the world sneak into the lives of others. I don’t fight with my whole heart… I don’t love at times. I don’t share the hope of Christ Jesus. I don’t do so many things that I should! Why is that?
Ask – I know that your grace is sufficient for me. Lord, fill me with the power of your grace in the gospel. I need you, Lord! Straighten me up! Give me power in my bones. Renew the hope of the gospel in my heart and mind – and help me believe again how important my role is in this ministry. Protect my heart and mind as you empower me and those around me in Christ to put on the armor that you supply. Guide my hands and feet as I love others as you have loved me.
Reflection Questions:
1) Where does the Lord need to patch up your armor?
2) Do you believe that you have authority in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit over the devil’s schemes?
3) Do you feel weak today and not confident in how you make decisions? Why is that?
4) How can others help you today? Will you humble yourself today and ask a brother to link arms with you on the battle field? Will you share the burden in the fight against sin?
5) How can men in Full Count Ministries equip you better to accomplish your goals in baseball ministry?