WARRIOR VI- the Final Piece!

Here it is! The last piece of ARMOUR!!

Every warrior needs a weapon and what's better than a sharpened sword?

Our oldest grandson bought himself an authentic one. (Not the plastic sabre-type with the glowing light that kids and grown men enjoy hitting one another with) This one is real, long and dangerous looking, especially to his grandma. He honed his talent for using it and, after a time, killed a rodent that had evaded his mother, proving his skill and prowess to us all. I don't know about you but I think I'd really have to work hard before becoming successful at thwarting a small and quickly moving target like that.

The Sword of the Spirit represents God's Word - both protector for us and destroyer of the enemy.

The secret is to keep it sharp. Just as a soldier wouldn't dream of going into battle with a less than pristine weapon (gun, sword, or whatever) we also must keep sharp! How? Read, read, read, and learn more and more! For: protecting ourselves with the truth, and proving our enemy wrong.

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is ALIVE and ACTIVE. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)

POWERFUL STUFF!

I'm a member of a few writing and reading groups on Facebook and I know -- there is much good literature out there. We can all expand our minds in many, many ways but honestly, the more I get into the Bible the less I want to read anything else. I haven't always been enamoured with the Word of God. (There's the embarrassing and transparent truth.) I could list the reasons why, but all pale as far as any valid excuse goes.

At times, I'd be satisfied with a few verses here and there, just to "get me through the day", but now I yearn to submerse myself into the Word. I want to study and dissect it.

Of course, I'm no longer chasing three kids around, running to work, doing ten loads of laundry daily and making food for people 24-hours a day. (Okay. That's an exaggeration but doesn't it feel that way when you're engulfed in those years? Call it PTSD, but I'll never forget.)

I believe God has grace for busy parents, whether they work inside and/or outside their homes. Sometimes reading one verse or inspirational thought is a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT in a busy day.

Unlike me, my husband reads the whole Bible in one year. Every year. I applaud him, and every other person who does this, but I'm not that quick a study. I must mull most passages over in my mind, and pray for wisdom as I slowly read. Interestingly, God has never failed to help me with this, as proven by His promise in James (see below). Thankfully, we don't have to be brain surgeons to comprehend the Bible!

And ... it's the BEST READ EVER!

So ... there is a reason I should stop complaining about technology!

I don't know about you but I'm not stellar at the memorization thing. Thankfully, when I was young, I went to Sunday School and a church group called Pioneer Girls. And no, we didn't have to wear dresses with aprons and keep our hair long. I learned many verses then, which stuck, but do I remember the references? Not so much. I can find the verse in my head but I'm like "huh?" when searching through my brain for the reference. For that reason alone I love Google!

You can simply speak the verse (or parts of it) into your phone ... and voila! There it is!

(I should stop complaining about technology now, but ... I probably won't.)

I am now going to share some of my very favourite verses and hope they encourage you as they have me ...

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

James 1:2-5 (NIV) - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it WILL be given to you."

I LOVE THAT!!!! (I don't enjoy the trials part as much, but He promises perseverance so that's good!)

Our wrap-up for this WARRIOR series:

Here's a quick list for our WARRIOR needs! Lets be EXCITED to stand FIRM! (From Ephesians 6:14-17)

1. The belt of TRUTH

2. The breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

3. The feet fitted with the gospel of PEACE

4. The shield of FAITH

5. The helmet of SALVATION

6. The SWORD of the SPIRIT which is GOD'S HOLY WORD

NEXT TIME: A fantastic way to think about PRAYING! (the rest of the story ... )

AND ... the WINNER of a FREE BOOK this month is: Thelma T (from Regina) Congratulations!!