Today's devotional
Vigilance is the need of the hour. Soldiers in war zones know full well that a moment's lapse can be deadly. As long as there is an enemy, and a state of war, there is a need for preparedness.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6.10-12)
On a few occasions, I've stepped off of a cruise ship on to a tropical island paradise. My only real sense of vigilance then was to watch my wallet and guard against any pickpockets who might wish to exploit American tourists. The scenario would be much different, however, if I were stepping into hostile enemy territory where bullets might fly at any moment, or lethal land mines lurked beneath the sand and soil. Any awareness of a battle and enemy would have made all the difference.
Reality is, we live in a land of war. The battle and enemy are hidden, but real nonetheless. Thus the need to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might". Vigilance demands preparation with armor, and an awareness of what we truly face. At any moment, we might face a "terrorist attack" - an assault in the form of persecution for our beliefs; ridicule from a friend, coworker, or family member; division and conflict within a harmonious relationship. Unless we are aware of the battle and the enemy, we are perilously prone to defeat.
Battle paranoia will cause us to the see the war and enemy even in places and ways they do not exist. Naiveté', however, will cause us to be blissfully ignorant of the real perils around us. Convinced in our minds that it is safe enough to play near a rattlesnake will do nothing to minimize the danger.
The best battle preparation, to this writer's way of thinking, is personal vigilance, and active participation in a "spiritual platoon". In other words, personal immersion in the practice of prayer and Bible study, and active participation in an authentic body of believers. Don't dare go the battle alone, or unprepared!
The war is real, but winnable - "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4.4) Stand strong. Be prepared. Join forces with other soldiers. Watch out, but always look up. May the victory be yours today.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6.10-12)
On a few occasions, I've stepped off of a cruise ship on to a tropical island paradise. My only real sense of vigilance then was to watch my wallet and guard against any pickpockets who might wish to exploit American tourists. The scenario would be much different, however, if I were stepping into hostile enemy territory where bullets might fly at any moment, or lethal land mines lurked beneath the sand and soil. Any awareness of a battle and enemy would have made all the difference.
Reality is, we live in a land of war. The battle and enemy are hidden, but real nonetheless. Thus the need to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might". Vigilance demands preparation with armor, and an awareness of what we truly face. At any moment, we might face a "terrorist attack" - an assault in the form of persecution for our beliefs; ridicule from a friend, coworker, or family member; division and conflict within a harmonious relationship. Unless we are aware of the battle and the enemy, we are perilously prone to defeat.
Battle paranoia will cause us to the see the war and enemy even in places and ways they do not exist. Naiveté', however, will cause us to be blissfully ignorant of the real perils around us. Convinced in our minds that it is safe enough to play near a rattlesnake will do nothing to minimize the danger.
The best battle preparation, to this writer's way of thinking, is personal vigilance, and active participation in a "spiritual platoon". In other words, personal immersion in the practice of prayer and Bible study, and active participation in an authentic body of believers. Don't dare go the battle alone, or unprepared!
The war is real, but winnable - "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4.4) Stand strong. Be prepared. Join forces with other soldiers. Watch out, but always look up. May the victory be yours today.
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:59 AM
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