Draw your sword.

Draw your sword. Really, it’s the Lord’s armor not mine. After memorizing Ephesians 6 when I was a youth, I learned early to put on the armor of God to prepare for the day’s battles. Those spiritual battles that I cannot see. I have been studying the importance of each piece lately. I recently watched the movie “The Last Samurai” and researched details about the history of the katana. A newborn Japanese Samurai receives his sword at birth and may even follow him to death. Unfortunately, they are so attached to the weapon that the Samurai and soul are like one. What high value is placed on that sword! A lot goes into the creation of one. They are revered. The last part of God’s armor that I take up is the Sword of the Spirit- the Word of God. Revered? Yes. Valued? Yes. Attached? Yes. So, I ask the question: How much time do I spend in His Word? Prepare for battle. Read His Word. Mediate continuously. Draw the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6: 10-20)

I'm so hungry!

I'm so hungry! Give me something right now. Okay, I'll be honest. I'll grab some potato chips first or my favorite snack, Cheez-its. What I should be grabbing first is fruit. What a great blessing-apples, strawberries, blueberries, etc.! Speaking of blessing, Esau gave his blessing away for a bowl of stew. In a moment of desire, he sold his right to be the spiritual leader for his family, not to mention the material benefit. "Esau despised his birthright." I hope I never prefer the pleasure (temptation) of a moment over the blessing my Father has for me. Stop. Think a minute... I'll have a bowl of fresh fruit. It's my choice. (Gen. 25:. 29-34)

Should I witness?

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Should I witness?

Should I witness? Yes. Should I dine with sinners? It is inevitable. Should I surround myself with evil? No. There comes a point when I must draw the line. I ask: “How can I know when I must remove myself? David shares in Psalm 101:6: “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me:…” I must interact and share my faith with the masses, but I cannot take up home with them. My time of retreat needs to be with those who are strong in the faith. Seek them out. Fellowship with them. Dine, break bread, and pray with believers whose lives produce fruit and are blameless. This righteousness is possible because the body of a believer houses the Holy Spirit. These people are the ones who will minister to me. Who can I hang out with today that will feed me spiritually, so I will be ready to witness? I am meeting with my mentor in the faith right now.

Sing and Shout.

Sing and shout. I know I sing, but I rarely shout. "Come," that sounds like an invitation to me. God's hands hold the innermost parts of the Earth, the tops of the mountains, and the seas. All belongs to Him. I'm shouting! Then, immediately I "bow down in worship" and kneel before the Maker. -Psa 95:1-6

Am I too old yet?

Am I too old yet? Absolutely not. May I never stop witnessing! I have mentors older than I am still at work for God's Kingdom growth. I want to flourish like a palm tree. A certain species of palm can grow nearly 200 feet in height. I want to stand tall for Christ and produce fruit no matter my age and "stay fresh and green, proclaiming...The Lord is my Rock". -Psa. 92: 12-15.

Scared. No.

Scared. No. There is no need for me to fear any terror night or day. No form of corruption can touch me either. After watching a documentary on penguins, I learned that the father bird cuddles the unhatched egg for up to two month under his feathers for protection against the harsh, cold winds of Antarctica. How much more does the Father cover me with His against all danger? "...under His wings I find refuge." -Psa. 91: 3-6

God's Timing

Sometimes I find myself questioning God's timing on matters. But I should continually believe and trust in the Lord. I aught to daily say, "You are my God...Deliver me from my enemies" and those who seek after me. There is no need for me to take control. Psa. 31: 14-15

Worthless Idols

I say I commit myself into the Lord's hands, but how often do I hold tightly to useless... worthless idols. Idols like my job, my pride, my money, my relationships, my worry, etc.? "Redeem me, O Lord!" Psa. 31: 5-6

Your Right Hand- prayer 2

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Prayer 2

I just don't know what else to do, so I relinquish myself all over again. I have come to the end of my resources. The right thing to do now is give myself to You again today. You provide me with Your strength and power. Help me learn the true way to trust in You today. All I need today, Lord, is Your grace. My being with You feels me with such joy. 

Your right hand will guide me (Psa. 139)...