Wielding the Weapons

Therefore, put on EVERY piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then AFTER the battle you will still be standing firm. [emphasis mine]
Ephesians 6:13 NLT

Our associate pastor taught yesterday about being prepared for the struggles in life - to not just face them willy-nilly but to strategically plan how to deal with them. It got me thinking about how my nephews are training (one in the Marines, one in the US Army). 

Zane and Preston didn't sign up and immediately get thrown into combat. They had months of basic training, and then more months of additional training, and review and practice of all the training, constantly honing their skills, and preparing, disciplining themselves to be at the ready. As US servicemen, they are prepared to wield their weapons.

As soldiers of the Cross, shouldn't we be just as prepared? Shouldn't we be building up our most holy faith so our shield is long and strong enough to quench all the fiery darts of satan and his minions? Shouldn't we be sharpening our skills with our sword (the Bible) and learning how to slice and dice the wiles of the enemy with the Truth of God's Word? Are we training, honing our skills? Do we review and practice? Are we disciplining ourselves to be ready? Are we prepared to wield our weapons?

Prayer:

Father, 

           Help us to learn to fight in Your power and might. Give us the mind of Christ so we are able to wield our spiritual sword effectively to pull down strongholds. Remind us to praise You in all circumstances, giving thanks for those trials that serve to only make us stronger in You. Give us clean hands and a pure heart before You, O God! We want to still be standing firm with You after the battle. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorites - You've Got Skills!

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Hebrews 5:14 NLT

Skill development is a big deal. Go to Google* and type in 'develop skill' and you'll be amazed at what comes up. From Harvard Business Review to wiki.com, lots of people and organizations have opinions regarding what skills you need not only for work, but for LIFE. You'll find how long they say it takes to develop a skill, and it varies, but they all agree it takes a daily commitment and dedication to develop said skill.

In our passage today, the solid food reference has to do with the meat of the Word - the adult understanding and application of it. Don't you find it interesting that the skill acquired by training is the seemingly simple ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong? 

Have we been training properly? Are we referring to the manual? Have we developed the skillset? Are we utilizing it? If not, why not? We WILL be tested.
*www.google.com

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for using the simple things in life to confound the wise. Renew within us the desire and fight to do what is right. Holy Spirit, continue to train us to clearly see right from wrong as daily we seek God's face. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* You've Got Skills!

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Hebrews 5:14 NLT

Skill development is a big deal. Go to Google* and type in 'develop skill' and you'll be amazed at what comes up. From Harvard Business Review to wiki.com, lots of people and organizations have opinions regarding what skills you need not only for work, but for LIFE. You'll find how long they say it takes to develop a skill, and it varies, but they all agree it takes a daily commitment and dedication to develop said skill.

In our passage today, the solid food reference has to do with the meat of the Word - the adult understanding and application of it. Don't you find it interesting that the skill acquired by training is the seemingly simple ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong? 

Have we been training properly? Are we referring to the manual? Have we developed the skillset? Are we utilizing the skillset? If not, why not? We WILL be tested.
*www.google.com

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for using the simple things in life to confound the wise. Renew within us the desire and fight to do what is right. Holy Spirit, continue to train us to clearly see right from wrong as daily we seek God's face. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen