Yesterday was an exciting day. Because our Mayor is recuperating from surgery, I (as Vice-Mayor) had the great honor of attending the press conference hosted by Wives of Warriors in her place.
The organization had raised enough money to purchase sixteen bullet-proof vests. One of our officers here in Blue Springs (Brandon Clayton) was selected to receive a custom-fitted vest.
I know Brandon. He's a fine young man who loves Jesus and loves his family. He also loves law enforcement. I wanted him to be one of our policemen because I trust him to help keep our citizens safe. On the other hand, I feared for him to be one of our policemen, because I didn't want him to be in harm's way, even to keep us safe.
The first time I saw him in uniform, my heart swelled with pride and sank with fear. "Keep him safe, Lord," has been my prayer every time he works.
When Brandon was selected to receive a bullet-proof vest, I felt like my prayers had been answered. The vest Brandon receives will be custom-made to fit him. He's worn protective gear before, of course, but this is the first time he's had a vest made especially for him. It covers his vital organs. It's snug around him.
It will keep a bullet from getting through.
I am immensely grateful for the gift of the vest and the protection it will provide.
As disciples of Christ, we, too, are in need of protection.
The gift we need has already been given. Ephesians 6 describes the full armor of God. We are to put it on, Paul wrote, so that we can stand firm against the temptations the evil one sends our way. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith are all available to protect our most vital organ, our hearts. The helmet of salvation is given to protect our minds.
There is one big problem that's common to both bullet-proof vests and the armor of God. They only work if we put them on.
If an officer leaves his bullet-proof vest on the shelf, it is no surprise when a bullet finds it mark.
If, as believers, we choose not to don our protective gear, we should not be surprised when the enemy's flaming darts of temptation find their mark.
Temptation will come. It's part of the life of a disciple. Falling to temptation is optional, because we have protective gear to keep us safe. If we will wear it.
~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T FORGET ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHT WITH FRIENDS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:00 PM. WE HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In case you missed one of this week's posts, here are the links: Things I've Learned: There is a God and I'm Not It, Cutting Down a Tree and Praying for Miracles, and The Tree That Preached a Sermon, The Wounded Deer and the Unsaid Words, Being Angry Without Sin, Starting Over: It's Not as Easy as It Seems, and Behavior That Demonstrates Belief.
The organization had raised enough money to purchase sixteen bullet-proof vests. One of our officers here in Blue Springs (Brandon Clayton) was selected to receive a custom-fitted vest.
I know Brandon. He's a fine young man who loves Jesus and loves his family. He also loves law enforcement. I wanted him to be one of our policemen because I trust him to help keep our citizens safe. On the other hand, I feared for him to be one of our policemen, because I didn't want him to be in harm's way, even to keep us safe.
The first time I saw him in uniform, my heart swelled with pride and sank with fear. "Keep him safe, Lord," has been my prayer every time he works.
When Brandon was selected to receive a bullet-proof vest, I felt like my prayers had been answered. The vest Brandon receives will be custom-made to fit him. He's worn protective gear before, of course, but this is the first time he's had a vest made especially for him. It covers his vital organs. It's snug around him.
It will keep a bullet from getting through.
I am immensely grateful for the gift of the vest and the protection it will provide.
As disciples of Christ, we, too, are in need of protection.
The gift we need has already been given. Ephesians 6 describes the full armor of God. We are to put it on, Paul wrote, so that we can stand firm against the temptations the evil one sends our way. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith are all available to protect our most vital organ, our hearts. The helmet of salvation is given to protect our minds.
There is one big problem that's common to both bullet-proof vests and the armor of God. They only work if we put them on.
If an officer leaves his bullet-proof vest on the shelf, it is no surprise when a bullet finds it mark.
If, as believers, we choose not to don our protective gear, we should not be surprised when the enemy's flaming darts of temptation find their mark.
Temptation will come. It's part of the life of a disciple. Falling to temptation is optional, because we have protective gear to keep us safe. If we will wear it.
Today, the enemy will sling flaming darts of temptation your way, so be sure to put on your armor. It's the only way to be sure you finish the day as safe as you began it.
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day,
and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Ephesians 6:13-16 nasb
~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T FORGET ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHT WITH FRIENDS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:00 PM. WE HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In case you missed one of this week's posts, here are the links: Things I've Learned: There is a God and I'm Not It, Cutting Down a Tree and Praying for Miracles, and The Tree That Preached a Sermon, The Wounded Deer and the Unsaid Words, Being Angry Without Sin, Starting Over: It's Not as Easy as It Seems, and Behavior That Demonstrates Belief.
#wivesofwarriors #bulletproofvest #protectivegear #armorofGod #shieldoffaith #disciple #JesusChrist
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