Occupy your conquered territory

No army invades an enemy territory just to leave and allow the enemy to return and rebuild. A powerful and wise army attacks and conquerors it's enemy and then works to sustain total domination. This weekend the men on the Journey Conference inflicted heavy casualties on the enemies of their soul and many have declared a well fought and deserved victory over areas that have dominated them for years. It is time for celebration! It is time to shout and sing and yes dance in a chorus line if you like for God has delivered your enemy to you and shown Himself strong.

But don't be lulled into a false since of security and loose site of where you are and what you must do. Your enemy, like a roaring lion, the Bible says is seeking for the right time when you are least expecting it, to counter-attack. You have won the battle, but the war goes on. Now it is time to fully occupy your conquered territory. In the military there is a position in which the soldier’s fire arm is held across his chest at an angle and this position is called 'present arms'. This is the position a soldier hold his weapon when presenting honor to a superior and also the position a weapon is held when standing watch. In this position the soldier is prepared to both protect and respect those he has committed to serve.

We must be vigilant. Don't give up the ground you have fought so hard to regain. Present Arms. Be prepared to defend your victory by occupying your conquered territory. What does that mean? It means establishing new habits and patterns in the areas of your life that you are taking back. Did you get victory over anger? Extend forgiveness and grace to those who have hurt you. Have you decided you will no longer live a solo lifestyle? Call up a couple guys and meet them after church Wednesday for appetizers at a restaurant.

This is your time! Make your victory complete by your occupation. Oohrah!