HOWChurch | Online - This Means War 5-Day Devo

Day 1: Preparing for Spiritual Warfare

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

Devotional: As we enter this season of intense spiritual warfare, we must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. Just as Nehemiah faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we too face challenges in our spiritual lives. Today's reading reminds us of the importance of putting on the full armor of God.

Reflect on each piece of armor mentioned in the passage. How can you strengthen your faith (shield), deepen your understanding of salvation (helmet), and sharpen your knowledge of God's Word (sword of the Spirit)? Remember, prayer is our constant communication line with our Commander-in-Chief. As you go about your day, practice "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), keeping your spiritual armor intact and ready for battle.

Day 2: Standing Firm in Faith

Reading: Nehemiah 4:1-9

Devotional: Nehemiah and his people faced ridicule, threats, and discouragement as they rebuilt the walls. Yet, they responded with prayer and perseverance. In our lives, we often face similar opposition when we're doing God's work or growing in our faith.

Consider the "walls" God is calling you to rebuild in your life. It could be restoring a broken relationship, overcoming a harmful habit, or deepening your spiritual disciplines. What opposition are you facing? Like Nehemiah, bring your challenges before God in prayer. Then, make a plan to "set a guard" (verse 9) against the specific threats you're facing. Remember, God is fighting for you, but He also calls you to stand firm and do your part in the battle.

Day 3: Unity in the Body of Christ

Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Devotional: In Nehemiah's account, we see the power of God's people working together, each doing their part to rebuild the wall. Today's reading reminds us that we are all part of one body in Christ, each with unique gifts and roles to play.

Reflect on your place within the body of Christ. What gifts has God given you to contribute to His kingdom work? How can you use these gifts to support and encourage others in their spiritual battles? Remember, we are stronger together. Reach out to a fellow believer today, offering encouragement or practical support. As we unite in Christ, we present a formidable force against the enemy's attempts to divide and conquer.

Day 4: Overcoming Weariness

Reading: Galatians 6:9-10

Devotional: The work of rebuilding the wall was exhausting, and Nehemiah's people had to remain vigilant day and night. In our spiritual lives, we can often feel weary from the constant battles we face. Today's verse encourages us not to give up, promising a harvest if we persevere.

What areas of your life are you feeling weary in doing good? It might be in prayer, serving others, or resisting temptation. Acknowledge your fatigue before God, but then ask Him for renewed strength and vision. Remember, our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Take a moment to recall past "harvests" where your perseverance paid off. Let these memories fuel your determination to keep going, knowing that God's timing is perfect.

Day 5: Victory Through Christ

Reading: Romans 8:31-39

Devotional: As we conclude this week's devotional, we're reminded of the ultimate victory we have in Christ. Despite the intensity of spiritual warfare, nothing can separate us from God's love. Nehemiah and his people completed the wall against all odds because God was with them. Similarly, we can face any challenge knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ.

Reflect on the battles you're currently facing. How does knowing that God is for you change your perspective on these challenges? Take time to praise God for His unwavering love and the victory He has already secured for you through Christ. As you go forward, carry this truth with you: no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You are on the winning side, so stand firm, keep building, and trust in the God who fights for you.

Hey, chat with friends about it!

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church community! Here's a short discussion guide based on Pastor Free's sermon "This Means War".

Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to His message and to guide your discussion.

Here are some key message takeaways:
1. We are in a season of intense spiritual warfare.
2. God created us for combat, not just comfort.
3. The enemy attacks our most vulnerable areas.
4. We must continue building and fighting simultaneously.
5. Unity and preparedness are crucial in spiritual warfare.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon states, "The warfare is intense because I did not create you for comfort; I created you for combat." How does this perspective change your view of the challenges you're facing?

2. Reflect on Nehemiah 4:6 - "So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." What "walls" are you currently building in your spiritual life? What obstacles are you facing?

3. The sermon mentions that the enemy attacks our most vulnerable areas. Can you identify an area in your life where you feel most vulnerable to spiritual attacks? How can you strengthen this area?

4. Discuss the concept of being an "occupying army" rather than an "occupied army." What does this mean to you in practical terms?

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying prepared, even when refreshing oneself (Nehemiah 4:23). How can we maintain spiritual readiness in our daily lives?

6. Reflect on the statement, "Nobody fights anyone who's doing nothing." How does this motivate you in your spiritual journey?

7. How can we support each other as a small group in times of spiritual warfare?

Here are some practical application points:

1. Spiritual Armor Check: Take time this week to review Ephesians 6:10-18. Identify any pieces of the spiritual armor you may be neglecting and commit to "putting them on" daily.

2. Vulnerability Assessment: Prayerfully consider your areas of vulnerability. Create a plan to strengthen these areas through prayer, Scripture memorization, or accountability.

3. Unity in Warfare: Commit to praying for one another daily this week. Consider setting up a group chat or email chain to share prayer requests and encouragements.

4. Building and Battling: Identify one area of your spiritual life you need to "build" (e.g., prayer life, Bible study, serving others). Create a specific plan to grow in this area while remaining vigilant against spiritual attacks.

5. Trumpet Response: Practice being more responsive to spiritual "trumpets" - calls to prayer, worship, or community gatherings. Make a commitment to respond promptly when you hear these calls.

Closing Prayer:
Close your discussion by praying together, using the declaration from the sermon's closing as a guide. Pray for strength, unity, and perseverance in spiritual warfare.

Scripture for Meditation:
Encourage one another to meditate on Nehemiah 4:14 throughout the week:
"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes."