We are in a spiritual war and we are constantly under attack from a powerful and unseen enemy. We have armor that can protect us. In addition, God Himself is willing to come to our assistance. We need to keep in constant communion with Him through prayer.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
"Did I Wake You?"
This morning, at about 8:15, as I was getting in my truck to come to the church office, my phone rang. I answered it and the person on the other end - a dear friend and brother in Christ - said, "Did I wake you?"
I get this pretty often, and I'm not sure why. At almost any time of the day I will get calls from my church members who will start the conversation by saying, "Did I wake you?"
Is it because they were afraid of waking me up?
Is it because I sound groggy?
Is there something about my voice?
I am an early riser. Since I was in junior high school (many many years ago) I have usually set my alarm for 5:00 AM. I rarely sleep in, but sometimes I get up even earlier. By 8:00 AM I have been active - exercising, reading, writing, praying, etc. - for just about three hours. (I most definitely have had at least one big cup of coffee.)
Of all the hours of the day, I love the early morning hours the best... the dawning sun, the bird songs, the fewer interruptions.
"Did I wake you?" What, at 8:00 or 9:00 or 10:00 or 11:00?! Not likely!
Why would people think they woke me up? I worry that they think I'm lazy and I sleep in until noon everyday. Maybe they get up early, but they think everybody else sleeps in late. Maybe they think pastors are especially likely to sleep in late. Maybe they just think that I personally am the type of person who sleeps in late.
I don't know, but it does make me nervous!
I get this pretty often, and I'm not sure why. At almost any time of the day I will get calls from my church members who will start the conversation by saying, "Did I wake you?"
Is it because they were afraid of waking me up?
Is it because I sound groggy?
Is there something about my voice?
I am an early riser. Since I was in junior high school (many many years ago) I have usually set my alarm for 5:00 AM. I rarely sleep in, but sometimes I get up even earlier. By 8:00 AM I have been active - exercising, reading, writing, praying, etc. - for just about three hours. (I most definitely have had at least one big cup of coffee.)
Of all the hours of the day, I love the early morning hours the best... the dawning sun, the bird songs, the fewer interruptions.
"Did I wake you?" What, at 8:00 or 9:00 or 10:00 or 11:00?! Not likely!
Why would people think they woke me up? I worry that they think I'm lazy and I sleep in until noon everyday. Maybe they get up early, but they think everybody else sleeps in late. Maybe they think pastors are especially likely to sleep in late. Maybe they just think that I personally am the type of person who sleeps in late.
I don't know, but it does make me nervous!
The Whole Armor
The enemy is dangerous, but we have a full set of armor to use against him. It is not enough to know that the armor is available. We need to put it on and know how to use it.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Using God's Armor
The armor you need depends on the kind of attack you are going to face. God has provided us with armor so that we can face spiritual enemies. He urges us to put on this armor and use it effectively.
Most Christians know the armor is available - but how is it supposed to be used? This message is about using the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of the Gospel of peace.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Be Strong!
In ancient times, before an actual battle, opposing armies would stand on opposite hillsides shouting insults and challenges. They were trying to intimidate each other. If they could shake the confidence of the enemy, perhaps some would run away before the battle began.
We are in a spiritual battle and our enemy wants to intimidate us. But God says, "Be strong!"
We are in a spiritual battle and our enemy wants to intimidate us. But God says, "Be strong!"
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