[Joel's Lessons] Preparation (Aug 28)

[Joel Warren]

When you go on a trip, you often have to take some time for preparation. You think about all of the things that you will need while you are away and then you make sure that you have them packed with you when you leave. Some trips require more preparation than others. When I flew to Boston in February, I had to pack light because of baggage policies with the airline. I made sure that I had clothes for work and also a few things for off-hours. I packed my swimsuit because the hotel had a pool. I made sure that I had the appropriate personal care items. I made sure that anything that wouldn’t pass security was in my suitcase which would be checked baggage. I also brought my work laptop, iPod, GPS, and cell phone. That didn’t require much preparation and I had everything that I needed while I was there. A camping trip, on the other hand, requires a bit more preparation because there are so many more things you need, such as equipment, food, and utensils, not to mention a different set of reservations and itineraries. If I were to travel abroad, that would even compound the process. Every time that we travel to see my grandparents, I sit and think for a few minutes before going out the door, mentally checking off items from a list. It is important to have everything that we need for a trip, as well as a job or task that we might accomplish at home.

Imagine how much more planning and preparation must be made for scenarios of life-and-death importance that come up in life, spiritually speaking. For those situations, God’s got you covered. He’s already done the planning and preparation. But you have to take it.

Eph 6:10-20 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Belt – Truth
Breastplate – Righteousness (equity of character or act, right living, right being)
Shoes – Preparation of the gospel of peace (ready with good words of peace, rest, and quietness)
Shield – Faith (persuasion, belief, assurance)
Helmet – Salvation
Sword – Word of God
Disposition – Prayer with perseverance (persistence; don’t give up!)



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Posted By Joel Warren to Joel's Lessons at 8/28/2011 01:00:00 PM