Devotion
Have you ever raised a banner?
Maybe you were marching for a cause or raised one for a special occasion such as the birth of a baby, a birthday, homecoming, or retirement. Or maybe you were completing a race or even overcoming a challenge. When a friend of mine finished her last breast cancer chemo treatment, a neighbor presented her with a celebratory banner reading: “Congrats! You’re done! You did it!” This banner represented that her battle fighting the cancer in her body was complete.
You have likely heard the phrase: “You’ve got this!”
Instead, how about recognizing where your strength comes from?
You are not alone! The Scriptures remind us: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
So why go it alone when you don’t have to? The banner that you can raise is “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” kind of strength!
Do you feel a need to refocus your point of rally as it relates to some struggle, or in your witness? In personal evangelism, how are you doing in building relationships with women who are not yet in the faith?
Psalm 60:4 reads, “But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rallying point in the face of attack.”
King David believed that God had cast off the broken nation of Israel, yet he persevered in flying the banner of alignment and trust in God. The verity about God – who He is and what He has done – called that this banner be raised.
The idea of the banner was connected to Israel’s dependence on God and His victory for them. When Amalek fought against Israel in Rephidim, God demonstrated victory that came to His people as Moses, supported by Aaron and Hur, prayed on the mount and Joshua went forth to battle. After that triumph Moses built an altar, and called the name of it “Jehovah Nissi,” that is, The Lord is our Banner. Therefore, for the sake of that banner, the cry for deliverance was raised, so deliverance would be found for those God loves.
David understood that his rescue would be established in greater allegiance to God, not less.
Questions for Discussion:
- Is there a banner that you want others to see when you face attack? What is your testimony of alliance with and deliverance by God?
- How can you refocus yourself and remember that “He is your rallying point”?
- Who will you love toward Jesus this month?
Anne Schneider
Northeast Field & Leadership Development Director
Who is she? Where is she?
She is that woman who needs to know Christ. She is in your community.
Prayers
- Take a moment with your group and ask God what banner you need to raise up together. Is it one of boldness, courage, or maybe trust? Sit in silent prayer together to allow room for the Holy Spirit to speak.
- Ask God for the name of a woman who may be struggling with shame and longing for a banner of freedom. Consider sharing your story of freedom with her. Something that God has freed you from and continues to free you from.
- Pray about what you can do to proclaim the Gospel during the season of Lent leading up to Easter. It can be a simple act of love. For accountability, share with each other what God speaks to you.
Outreach Tips
- Take a step to share your Story of Now with a friend this month. If you aren’t sure what Jesus is doing in your life right now and how to share it, visit https://stonecroft.org/evangelism-tools/ and watch The Story of Now.
- What ideas do you have for caring for a woman in your life during Lent? How can you show the love of Jesus in a tangible way? Think of someone you can invite to church during the Easter season. Extend an invitation to church and an Easter celebration meal.
- Being hospitable is a great way to care for others. Invite a woman over for a meal, tea, or coffee. Ask her about her life and listen well to her and to the Holy Spirit. Ask how you can pray for her.
Next Steps
Add your own personal thoughts and prayers.
What steps will you take this month to say “yes” to Jesus? How will you share the Gospel?
We Pray. God Answers. We Go!