Romans 13:11-14 "And do this, understanding the
present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because
our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly
over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put
on the armour of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies
and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and
jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think
about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." NIV
Two of my dogs have been attacked in the last 9 months
by a large, vicious, bully of a dog in our neighbourhood. One of the dogs, Sam,
our little 7 pound Yorkie came within a quarter of an inch of losing his life
from one of these attacks. After all how does a 7 pound lightweight, minding his
own business, have a chance against a 70 pound heavyweight looking for prey?
I'll tell you how. His owner designs and sews for him,
his own strong but lightweight suit of armour that he wears when he is out
walking and running on the trails. Made of sturdy yet comfortable canvas and
studded with strong, sharp carpet tacks, any attacker is bound to be repelled
quickly if he ever clamps his slavering jaws on Sam again.
We too, as God's children are ever under the threat of
attack; attack from the temptation to sin. To embrace the deeds of darkness
which have the power to clamp on with a vengeance, to any and all unsuspecting
persons.
But praise God, for just as I designed and sewed a
suit of armour for Sam, God in his wisdom and mercy has also prepared a suit of
armour for us that we might repel and withstand the attacks of temptation from
the darkness which come our way. Christ Jesus, through the power of His Holy
Spirit is our armour of light: Armour which clothes us each and every day as we
yield ourselves; our mind, body and will to his will and way.
So, today as this new day has dawned, let us each wake
up and put on the armour of light. Let us choose to clothe ourselves with the
Lord Jesus Christ that we might walk safely and unencumbered amidst our day with
hope, confidence and victory, as our sinful nature is repelled and silenced into
defeat.
Prayer: Father God how gracious and merciful you are
to us your children. Thank you for your Son, our armour of light who repels the
darkness both within and without. Bless us with yielding lives to his light each
and every day for indeed our salvation is nearer now than when we first
believed. In His name we ask these things. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
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