t seems like in Texas, our season goes straight from summer to winter, and this year was no different. The eighty- degree days roll right on along until there’s a cold snap and we have highs in the thirties. This year, it fell on a weekend we needed to clip cattle for a show. First, we had to gather up our gloves, stocking caps and winter coats. Once we got outside, we realized both of our kerosene heaters were out of fuel. Its not that we didn’t watch the weather to know it was coming, we’d just been busy and weren’t prepared. In our walk with Jesus, we can also get caught being unprepared. When times are good, we might get a little too busy and fail to read our Bible, fail to praise God for all the gifts He’s given us, and neglect our relationship with Him. When something bad happens, maybe and illness or death of a loved one, stress at work, or financial strain, we start praying right away. We call on Jesus when we need Him and pray real hard for Him to get us through our messes. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:10-18, “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on
the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” The thing is, we don’t know when we are about to be attacked. If we aren’t wearing the full armor of God all the time, we leave ourselves open to being attacked. Maybe you haven’t said that little prayer inviting Jesus into your heart, asking forgiveness for your sins, and proclaiming to follow Him. If so, today is the day. Maybe you’ve said the prayer and are following Him, but you’ve been putting off getting baptized. Just do it. Be ready for the storms that come by nourishing your relationship and praying to Jesus, reading your scripture, and keeping armed for whatever storms may come your way. ■
76
KEEP PRAYING FOR ALL THE LORD’S PEOPLE.
Powered by FlippingBook