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Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses (Joshua 1:3, ESV).
Setting a perimeter means defining and determining your territory and then setting the boundary defenses of your possession.
In the military, you set the perimeter with barriers, forms of observation, and guards. It’s almost impossible to freely drive onto a military base without checkpoints, barriers, and, if necessary, machine guns opposing you.
With our territory and the evil one prowling about, we need to set our perimeter and walk it daily — checking the security of our fence, making sure we are alert, and then having confidence in our preparation.
Be assured of one thing — we will be attacked.
The Apostle Peter writes, “Your adversary prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Humorously — and I don’t think this thought is entirely Biblical — but with the devil prowling our city, let’s make the perimeter at our church so secure that he goes next door to the Lutheran church.
Check the security.
Jesus teaches that winds will rage, rain fall, and floods arise, with the solution being a strong foundation. How are we doing with daily prayer and Bible meditation? Do we have a spirit of worship and praise? Or have we allowed bitterness, moral compromise, and vain pride to rust our gates?
Paul encourages us to be “Strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
Chip Ingram, in his book The Invisible War, says. . .
The full meaning of this command is captured in this expanded translation of Ephesians 6:10: “Allow yourself to be continually strengthened by the power already made available to you in your new position and relationship with Christ.” It is the power that raised Jesus from the dead and now dwells in you.
Stay alert.
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13, NASB1995).
We can’t be alert constantly.
Realizing this several years ago, I began reviewing my upcoming daily schedule during morning devotions. I might pray, “God, give me patience when I meet this brother,” or “Father, I will need Your power with my funeral message today,” or “Father, is there anything that You want to tell me in advance before I begin the day?”
I walked the perimeter of my upcoming day. Often, I’ve received comfort, power, and a readiness for my daily assignments.
Have Confidence!!!!!
Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
As believers, we walk in the authority of Jesus, able to bind strongholds, loose the angels of God, and leap buildings in a single bound (borrowing one from Superman!). Self-condemnation, succumbing to temptation, and fearfulness are never on God’s agenda for our day.
Let me quote Chip Ingram again. . .
We do not fight for victory; we fight from victory.
Let’s Walk Our Perimeter Daily!