[Faith-talk] Fwd: Morning Thoughts for Monday, June 6, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: June 6, 2011 7:26:32 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Monday, June 6, 2011
> 
> Ephesians 6:10-18 (NASB)
> The Armor of God
> [10]  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.[13] 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. [14] Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, [15] and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; [16] 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.[17] And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
> [18]  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
> 
> Good morning precious family!  What an opportunity awaits us this morning.  I'm not sure about you, but my weekend was filled with interaction.  Much more than normal, the Lord brought the lives of people into mine for sharing.  As I "hung" with loved ones, talked with loved ones on the phone, texted loved ones, Skyped loved ones, I felt the presence of the Lord hovering over my words, thoughts and feelings.  It was hard to tear myself away from each encounter, and now the longing to relive those minutes makes me even more aware of just how precious each of those lives is to me, and how much more they are loved by God, who created each one in His image.
> 
> I know without a doubt that following such a fulfilled experience, there comes an opportunity for Satan to attack, through those emotions, fears, doubts that so often beset each one of us.  What I saw this weekend were people who were longing to be reconnected with loved ones; with people who were living in fear of false perceptions, and allowing those fears to block interactions with others; with people in transition in their relationships; with those facing spiritual and professional obstacles.  Each of these challenges can be overcome only through reliance on the Word of God, His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus gave us the example to follow in life.  God outlined this example through His inspired Word - The Bible.  He brings those words to life through His Holy Spirit, working in our own lives to quicken our minds, hearts and souls to His truth.
> 
> I made some commitments this weekend, and received some from others, which will require our mutual dependence on God's love and guidance.  The project being undertaken has tremendous potential to impact the lives of countless people facing the realities of life without the support of godly, involved earthly fathers.  It is a long-term project that will require daily guidance from God's Holy Spirit and obedience from those involved to His Word of Truth.
> 
> Please pray that as this project is pursued, and many will be involved, each person would be clothed in God's full armor, and well trained in wielding the Sword of the Spirit, the words of truth of their experiences, challenges, failures and successes.  May all that is written bring glory to God and be helpful to man.  May those involved be persistent, faithful to the truth, and constantly in prayer for guidance.
> 
> May God richly bless this day in each of your lives!
> 
> <3Steve:-))