Being a sheet metal fabricator and installer, one thing I've always wanted to build was a suit of armour. I've looked at plans but realized that I was not skilled enough at my trade to take on this project in any way or fashion. Years later I found out that the Bible talks about putting on the armour, in fact as I look it up in Ephesians 6:13 in my NIV Bible it says, "Therefore put on the full armour of God," wow when I first heard that, I wondered what in the world could that mean. After a friend patiently went through and explained it all to me it was amazing to know how we can prepare ourselves for each day by putting on God's Armour. I remember a wise old friend once explained about the spiritual life in of each of us, and that as Christians we need to put on the armour of God each and very day, as there is an enemy out there trying to destroy us.
I was building some duct work one day in our sheetmetal shop and as I would take a new, shiny piece of metal, cut it to size then I could take it in both hands and I could wobble it to make all kinds of weird noises. Then as I slid that piece of metal into my brake and did what we sheet metal guys call cross breaking to that piece of metal and pulled it out I no longer could make any funny noise with it. That piece of flimsy metal was transferred instantly into a firm strong new piece of metal that I then could continue to build with. I then put a fold on each side and I had a ready to use end cap. Now I could have taken that new part I had built and put it up on a shelf and left it there thinking that's real nice, I 'll just leave it there for myself. It would never have accomplished it's purpose as part of a duct system that could have heated a home, as it is a vital part of the system that sends heat thru the duct system to all parts of the home. You know even a slow learner like me comes to realize that that's us, as part of God's plan. First there's the floppy, noisy me, then we come to the cross where we are broken and instantly we are made into new creations. New creatures in Christ, the old is gone, the new has come. Now we can choose to say, "well, this is a great life and it seems really safe so I think I'll just keep it to myself and not get involved." Or we can attach ourselves to a great spirit filled church and to ministries that are doing all they can to share the love of Jesus and the hope and purpose He has for each and everyone of us. We can share with as many people as possible, doing everything we can to improve their thinking about who they are and how they are living their lives. Sharing with them what the Lord can do to fill them with a purpose that is so exciting and worth living for. That's living with purpose P.T.L.
Today we headed out to the ranch with a load of materials that Kendra donated to the ranch from her newly renovated fitness center called "MISFIT." Thanks Kendra! We took our two grandkids with us and Ben of course, so they could help find that perfect tree that would work for our home. So exciting to have a tree right from our own Ranch, that's a miracle for us. Lord willing, next Christmas will be at the Ranch. God is good all the time!
The Armor of God
"Therefore we we put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to stand, we'll stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around our waists...
Lord we put on the belt of truth. We choose a life style of honesty and integrity. Show us the truths we so desperatley need today. Expose the lies we are not even aware that we are believing...
With the breastplate of righteousness in place,
And yes Lord, we wear your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit us with your holiness and purity - defend us from all assaults against our hearts.
And with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace...
We do choose to live for the gospel at any moment. Show us where the larger story is unfolding and keep us from being so lax that we think the most important thing today is the soap operas of this world.
In addition to all this, we take up the shield of faith, which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one...
Jesus, we lift against every lie and every assult the confidence that you are good, and that you have good in store for us. Nothing is coming today that can overcome us because you are with us...
We take the helmet of salvation...
Thank you, Lord, for our salvation. We recieve it in a new and fresh way from you and we declare that nothing can separate us now from the love of Christ and the place we shall ever have in your Kingdom....
And we take the sword of the spirit, Which is the word of God ...
Holy Spirit, show us specifically today the truth of the word of God that we will need to counter the assaults and the snares of the enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day...
And we pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, we'll be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Finally, Holy Spirit we agree to walk in step with you in everything - in all prayer as our spirits commune with you throughout the day.
We also pray, that whenever we open our mouths, words may be given to us so that we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. In Jesus' name we pray" Taken from Ephesions 6: 13 - 19
Thank you Lord for your armor!
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