"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.
Truth, righteousness,peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.
God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message
"Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
Scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
Set these once-broken bones to dancing,
Don't look too close for blemishes,
Give me a clean bill of health,
God, make a fresh start in me,
Shape a Genesis-week from the chaos of my life."
Psalm 51:7-10 The Message
Some battles I am facing feel like I am David, young and ill-equipped, taking on the monster Goliath backed by all his well-armed troops. I love food, and as the wife/mom/chief cook at home, it seems I am always in the kitchen, planning meals or preparing them. Sometimes all three meals for the day at once,at around 6:30 am! I also love to cook and bake and according to my fan club, have some talents in this area. It is a blessing, but also at times a curse...the temptation to eat too much, or make less than healthy choices, or snack when I shouldn't, or nibble as I make meals, is just too much. Especially when, though I don't own a scale, my measuring tape says my health is at risk. It is so easy to rationalize and justify my choices, I certainly need David's firm conviction that the Lord can and will overcome any battle before us. You will no doubt hear more on this topic as I read Lysa TerKeurst's "Made To Crave", and struggle through the self-reflection questions...it is rare that I find a book I don't want to read, but here is one I have been avoiding, and am reading in a painfully slow manner, because of the battle.
Another battle is discouraging me, as my church and prayer group community are both facing struggles and dissention. Neither are presently a place I am enjoying, though I am trying to "keep the faith" and struggle through. I am praying that the Lord will give me the weapons I need to protect myself...His Word and prayer, especially praise, have been keeping me going when I feel like giving up the fight. My hope and prayer for both communities is that God will soak us in His Spirit and scrub us clean, and set our feet, heart (and dry bones!) to dancing as His presence fills us with new life and growth.
God, make a fresh start in me, and make a fresh start in my church and prayer group. Shape a Genesis-week from the chaos of my life, and our community life. Blow the Holy wind and flame of your Spirit upon us all, that will cleanse us, renew us and rekindle the fire of Your love in us all. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen
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