Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (KJV)

Do you have extra oil?

What does it mean to be prepared? The Bible tells you to be alert and aware as you fight in this spiritual war. You need to recognize the devil’s schemes, plots, and plans. You need to know what you’re dealing with and equip yourself for each battle you fight in this war. 

1 Peter 5:8-9b Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion [roaring in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], (AMPC)

The greatest strategists in the world examine their enemies. They understand their opponent’s inner workings and methodologies. Great football coaches watch the film clips of the next team they will compete against. Boxers watch videos of the boxer they’re going to be fighting next. These tactics and practices are invaluable to you as well. 

Matthew 24:43  But you should know this: If the owner of a house had known his house was about to be broken into, he would have stayed up all night, vigilantly. He would have kept watch, and he would have thwarted the thief. (TVT)

From the day the Lord saved you, you became a soldier in His army. You have fought in this war, whether spiritual leaders taught you or trained you, or if you just went it alone. You had to because your enemy, satan; the devil stalked you. Now you know it is your spiritual responsibility to understand how the enemy works in your life and what tools you have to combat him. This is what it means to be prepared. This is how you bring extra oil. Your lamp doesn’t have to run out. You do not have to become a casualty of war. As a side thought, ask yourself these two questions: 

1. What causes your lamp to flicker?
2. What causes you to burn your oil faster?

You get ready by diligently seeking God. You prepare and get additional oil for your lamp when you spend dedicated time in prayer. The Father will help you examine your activities to see how the enemy comes against you. Not only will He show you how, He will show you when and where, enabling you to be ready. When the enemy comes in like a flood, you can lift up a standard if you still have oil for your lamp. 

The greatest incentive is if you keep oil in your lamp, you can be ready when the King comes.

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Father, I thank You for preparing me. I will have oil when You come. I thank You for Your power. Your Spirit flows through me to replenish and refresh me. I repent for the doors I have opened and how the enemy has used those entry ways to exploit me. Thank You for forgiveness and being faithful to speak to me and draw me. Please continue to deliver me and help me allow You to close those doors. Your presence shines a light in the darkness. I can see the devil at work trying to destroy my life. I want to understand how he can still trap me and how he has tricked me in the past. I want to be diligent in my time with You, which will make it difficult for him to trick and trap me in the same ways repeatedly. I want to draw closer to You, then I can see the enemy through Your eyes. I want to see what new tricks he is planning against me and confound him by Your Spirit. I want to stand victorious in this fight. Father, I know You could stop the enemy from attacking me. Help me not to become shaky when You don’t. I know You are developing me. Thank You for every preparedness drill because I learn from them, and I am trained by them. I thank You for the revelation that this is spiritual warfare. I can win. I won’t be found lacking…

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here: