(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Eat the Frog – LISTEN HERE)
Cinco de Mayo
I was curious. I’ve heard of “Cinco de Mayo” and it seems to be a significant holiday in the Mexican culture. Some have labeled it “Mexican Independence Day” (which is incorrect.) So is it just an excuse for a party, mariachi music and margaritas? Perhaps.
The day marks a battle between French forces and the Mexican resistance army. Napoleon in France saw an opportunity to gain a foothold in Mexico and pushed the Mexican emperor and forces to Puebla de los Angeles. A French force of 5000 met a rag tag 2000 Mexican fighters on May 5, 1862. By the end of the day the French retreated after losing 500 men and the Mexican fighters claimed victory with a loss of 100 men. The day marked a win and momentum for the resistance against France. (More info HERE)
Every win is worth celebrating. So if this works for a party on May 5th for you, go for it.
Winning the day can seem like insurmountable odds. Perhaps there are days where our emotions are heavy, the tasks in front of us difficult, and the heart do do them is minimal. Days come when we feel like giving up and giving in.
What makes a difference in battles where one army is outnumbered? Sometimes strategy, but often times heart. The one who has the greater to lose will fight the hardest to keep it.
Why eat the frog? Why put the Lord first?
We don’t want to lose. We want to stay engaged in the spiritual battle and know that we need strength each and every day to stay in the fight. We know our energy gets sapped, our soul gets tested and our mind gets drained. So what’s the answer? Every day “eat the frog.” Allow the Lord to begin your day.
2 Corinthians 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
We need the inner renewal and we need the strength to stand amidst the waves of life that come crashing. Jesus encouraged:
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
The word of God is the strength for your faith and the guidance for your life. The spiritual enemies will be ready to fight today…with the power of the living Jesus, be ready to fight back…confident of victory through Jesus!
Apply: What battle is before you today? What promise of God gives you confidence to engage in that battle?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for renewing our hearts and strengthening our faith to engage and win the spiritual battles each day. AMEN.