Watchmen Where there’s a clashing of adversaries on a battlefield, there are those who are called to rise up, maintain their own position, and continually communicate details of the conflict for those within their ranks. As these watchmen rise to a prominent visible position, they become an obvious target for the enemy. To take out these heralders would be great for the attackers, but it would be even better if confusion could cause those watchmen to turn on each other and let go of the unity that is their strength. We have been called to join together in this time of fasting and take a prominent position against our adversary, the devil. In prayer we are to maintain a vigilance and a continual communication in the Spirit for the protection, provision and guidance of those within our ranks. As we are faithful to assume this role, we become an effective threat to the enemy’s schemes and, therefore, a prime target. He would like to take us out, but would like for us to also take someone down with us. As our greatest strength is in our unity of the Spirit, it is to this exact area that he sets his sights. Within the guise of spiritual ascendence there is vulnerability to an assumed spirit of perception, the gift of seeing faults in others. Though diligently standing against the threats of the enemy, we have to be careful to not somehow move over to his side. By simply noting the error in those for whom we’ve been called to minister reconciliation, there is risk of lobbing some friendly fire of accusation. If he can only get the body to magnify its fallacies, it will lose its powerful identity in Christ. While this can be a real vulnerability during this time of flesh denial, there also is an opportunity for love to triumph yet again. As we truly occupy the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus, we will lose capacity to find fault that has been covered with the blood. Notes Set to serve in the Spirit Isaiah 62:6-7 (NKJV) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, [7] And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. What is the enemy’s threat? Revelation 12:10-11 (NKJV) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. [11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Called into companionship not segregation. 1 Corinthians 1:9 AMPC [9] God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:9 AMPC [9] For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God… Filled with God’s hope-filled love – given while sinning – love vs condemnation Romans 5:5-6 (NLT) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Everything made new with purpose - reconcile 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (TLB) So stop evaluating Christians by what the world thinks about them or by what they seem to be like on the outside. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, merely as a human being like myself. How differently I feel now! [17] When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! [18] All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. [19] For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. Our righteousness – compromised by angered offense James 1:19-20 AMPC [19] Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20] For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. Incredible opportunity – walk in the light – annihilating the enemy’s threats. 1 John 1:5-7 (TLB) This is the message God has given us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. [6] So if we say we are his friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. [7] But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin. Overview: Our enemy’s weapons are accusations and condemnation that question identity in Christ. In pursuing God in prayer, it is possible to join with the enemy in looking at others after the flesh. By new life in the Spirit, we haven’t received a spirit of criticism, but a ministry of reconciliation. Walking in the light of God’s presence, there is forgiveness and salvation for us and those other fault-carriers. Love’s unity wins as we yield to the heart of God in prayer Action: Humbly approach the throne of grace for help with the need for humility and the fruit of the Spirit. Intentionally embrace what God has declared over others that have a perceived error. As grace and righteousness are received without deserving, allow that same Spirit to flow through you to the others in need of restoration. Prayer: “Let my meditations and prayers be acceptable to You as I desire to occupy this place You’ve called me to in prayer. Keep me from the dangers of spiritual ascendence that would enable a critical and accusing attitude towards others. I have freely received mercy and forgiveness from You. Let this same mind and passion be in me, seeing and magnifying the good.” Declarations: In this time of conflict, I set myself apart to serve in prayer and readiness for the body of Christ. Looking to Jesus’ example, I will keep the joy set before me of seeing people united with Him in newness of life. I am empowered by the Spirit to no longer see people after the limitations of the flesh, but only after their identity and completion in Christ. Walking in the light of my Father’s presence, I am kept in fellowship and powerful unity with my brothers and sisters.