Over the Christmas week I had planned out a post for Sunday. God had other plans - of course!
We had an awesome Sunday School lesson followed by a spirit-filled communion service with a good New Year's message from our pastor. There is too much material for one post so I am choosing the Sunday School message first.
I will condense and paraphrase the lesson that was written by our wonderful teacher.
Imagine yourself a soldier and this message is coming from your commanding officer.
Troops! I have gathered you together to pass on a message from our Supreme Commander in Chief. You need to be prepared for the War of 2012!What a great message!
Our enemy has been prowling to and fro to find weaknesses where he will attack. He is going on the offensive as he fears his time may be growing short! Be aware of his camouflage: deception, distraction and misdirection. He has an arsenal of weapons he will use wherever and whenever possible: doubt, confusion, fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of loss, lust, greed, depression, threats, intimidation, shame, guilt, loneliness, disease and more. Note that many of these are mental weapons although there are physical weapons too.
He will use booby traps, mine fields and roadside bombs - ieds to wound us and weaken our troops.
Use your personal guide to discern the camouflage and dangers.
The enemy will set up blockades to supplies so make sure you are prepared physically and mentally. Work together; be a band of brothers; let the strong help the weak; do not allow any friendly fire and leave no one behind.
If you hear reports make sure you authenticate them with your manual. If you get caught in a bad situation don't hesitate to call for backup. Dig in your line, stand firm and wait for reinforcements. Do not retreat.
We have fire power to help us in the fight. Be aggressive, not passive. Use the powerful name and influence of our Supreme Commander in Chief. Don't fear the enemy but make sure you put on all of your armor (Ephesians 6) every day so that you have the necessary protection and weapons for this fight.
Then move forward with assurance that, with your Supreme Commander in Chief in charge, you will have peace and spiritual victory in 2012!
Here is a song we sang in service that fits this message better
than the one I had picked out ahead of time.
A verse for today:
Romans 13:11-12
New International Version (NIV)
The Day Is Near
11
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come
for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer
now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
I am praying that in 2012 I will be more 'God conscience' in every moment of every day.
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