This week Naomi and I have been deer hunting. Now don’t worry you non-hunting types! As of this writing no animals have been harmed. But not for lack of trying! I am more of a hunter, not so much a gatherer!
But in my hunting this week I had a lot of time to think. I couldn’t help but thinking like a hunter. I mean, when I hunt there are certain things that I do that prepare me as a hunter. I wear hunting clothes. I put things in my pack that I will use through the day and, if I am successful, I have items to process the meat to get it from the field to the table. This is a given. It doesn’t matter if we’re hunting with a rifle or a bow and arrow, if I am going to be successful I need to do this. And I got to thinking, do I do that in my Christian walk? Paul lays it out for us in the Book of Ephesians how to have a successful day as a Christian. There are things all around us that want our attention. From our jobs to our co-workers and on and on. How do we stand as a Christian in this world? Paul tells the church at Ephesus to, “Put on the full armor of God.” In the 13 verse of the 6th chapter of Ephesians Paul tells us to put this armor on, “so when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” I love that! Put on the full armor, do what you can do and then just stand! Paul here isn’t talking to the whole army. He’s talking to us as individuals! Stand your ground! No retreating in Gods army! STAND! Paul tells us to stand firm then with the belt of truth. Who is truth? Jesus Christ! Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” 1st we have to know Him as our personal Savior! Have a relationship with Him. Not a Sunday religion, but a daily relationship. 2nd, Paul says to put on the breast plate of righteousness. 3rd, your feet need to be fitted with the readiness that comes with the Gospel of peace. Not fitted to run from problems, but when problems come (And they will come!), we can have the peace that it takes to meet them head on! 4th, the shield of faith that takes care of the flaming arrows that are shot at us in temptation and anger and fleshy things. Then 5th, the helmet of salvation. How in the world do I do all of that you ask? Every morning before you leave home you read your Bible and you pray for strength. Then you go out and face the world and just stand your ground! You pray for me and I’ll pray for you. Naomi and I love you all.