SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1354

“Every Day”

Therefore …since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:19-25

Under the old covenant only one man entered into the Holy of Holies once each year to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the people’s sin.

Jesus changed all that when He ushered in the New Covenant of Grace. It was symbolized when the temple curtain was torn in two upon Jesus’ death on the cross. Atonement for our sin was made once and for all, for all time.

Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. – Matthew 27:50-51

As the author of Hebrews writes in our reference Scripture, we now have the confidence to enter the holy places all day, every day. The question is, ‘Do we?’

Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. – Psalm 145:2, 88:9

We all have everyday routines that we follow: Get out of bed, personal grooming, breakfast, medicines, commuting to work or school, and many variations on the theme to start and end a typical day in our life. Is prayer, worship, praise, and fellowship with our Lord part of our everyday activities?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Everyday Prayer: Our lives can often get off-balance, and we find ourselves rushing through our morning and daily routines. We dare not be late for work, school, or tee time so we may skip breakfast and take shortcuts on other activities.

Prayer and quiet time, resting in the presence of our Lord is certainly not going to happen. Jesus gave us the example of a balanced and disciplined life of prayer.

And (Jesus) rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. – Mark 1:35

Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Everyday Equipping: We may rush out into the world dressed, but we are not equipped, nor are we equipped for the spiritual battle that is certain to ensue. We should not neglect our physical health and bodily nourishment, nor should we neglect our spiritual health either.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-18

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

Everyday Witness:  An off-balance life is not the best witness of our Christian walk with Jesus. Being spiritually anemic we cannot give what we do not have. Jesus had a demanding ministry schedule, yet He maintained a life balance of work, rest, and prayer.

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. – Luke 21:37-38

In a similar manner, the disciples continued Jesus’ everyday ministry after His resurrection.

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. – Acts 5:42

All Day, Every Day: May the Lord rebalance your life and equip you through His Word for spiritual battle. May the Holy Spirit guide you in a life discipline of ministry, witness, rest, and fellowship as you walk with our Lord, Jesus.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; – Hebrews 3:13