WATCHWORD:
For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b]16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:12-17
Meditation:
Pages from a Prayer Journal, Part 2
[NOTE – As mentioned in yesterday’s Watchword, I have been journaling, off and on for nearly 40 years. During part of that time I was in a study group where journaling was one of five disciplines http://bosworth30.com. Many of those entries, prayers and conversations with God, recall the circumstances at the time and can, now, provide inspiration for meditation. I offer the following as an example:]
“Tuesday, 2/28/84 — Paul’s wise advice to the Ephesians, is so true for me — those elements in my life which cause the greatest problem and disrupt my Christian commitment most, are not flesh and blood. My biggest enemies are within myself and how I perceive the world around me. When Jesus said: “Get thee behind me, Satan,” he was not talking to Peter, he was speaking to his own temptations, the temptations of a human being. I ask the same. I know that I must prepare myself to resist temptation and to trust my Lord and Savior to direct me and to control my life. This day I must rest fully on you, Father. Help me, as I begin this day of most difficult decisions, to have compassion and to know that justice without mercy can be cruel. Help me to always keep you foremost in my mind and in my heart. Let the actions that I must take and the thoughts which are mine today be blessings to you, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
My professional life was spent working with college students in various capacities, often with counseling or disciplinary responsibilities. I recall clearly what motivated me to write the above journal entry. There was a serious problem with a group of athletes, violating college policies and creating disruptions for other students. The problems were serious enough that the Athletic Director and I had discussed at length whether I would approve the recommendation of expulsion made by the student court. We both knew these young men; the AD knew them as athletes, while I knew them in various roles on the campus. So, we struggled.
The prayer I entered in my journal, was the one I made just before meeting individually with the men. “Now precious Heavenly Father, in a matter of hours, I ask for your wisdom, I ask for your compassion, show me the best way to deal with these young men, in ways that glorify your name while at the same time builds on their faith, and their future.”
As we have lived our lives, we have had multiple times when we must turn a decision over to the Lord, maybe because the choices are difficult and, in our thinking, none of the choices are good. Maybe it was a life-direction decision that you had to make; a change of job, a change of location, maybe it was a decision of the heart. You really want a clear word from God, you want His choice to be your choice. So, you pray and you pay attention to how the Spirit may move you.
There was nothing magical about the decision I ended up making, back then. Disciplinary action was taken, equal measures of justice and mercy. The door was left open for their return after a period of time, and most of them did. I know that in the end, God was in charge. Thank you, Lord.
God’s training ground. I think my own faith was strengthened by this experience. We should never lose sight of the fact that everything, I mean everything, that touches our lives has already passed through the hands of the our Lord. He has equipped us, he has prepared us, and our role is to trust that and rest in His presence. God bless us all in the decisions we must make today. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Help me, Lord to adopt an attitude of complete honesty, honesty with love and compassion, honesty with mercy. Father there are so many times when I am not honest with myself — help me to face whatever this day brings with strength and with your loving care. Thank you, again Father for your son Jesus Christ you died for me. For my sin, so that I may stand with honesty and love. What an incredible gift! Let my actions and my words and my thoughts of this day truly demonstrate your presence and my willingness to let you take control. Thank you, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
