Battle Cry

Once more the morning-light breathes on the night and Time expands

Once more we touch the floor toward the door of its demands

And though we do not know what may unfold within its call

Once more we trust the One who goes before us through it all

The poppies blow in Flander’s Field and none can drag Death’s deep

To resurrect what Heaven seals within its sacred keep

Then we should give more earnest heed where hours bleed their vaunt

To He who knows our utter need in spite of what we want

That You should hear our prayers at all oh God, is hard to grasp

We fall then call and oh, it seems we should not dare to ask

Yet God, so rich in patience does not bar his mercy-door

But fills the night with morning light and grace to fight once more

Ephemeral unfolding, moments mold from present, Past

And soon if Time persists the mists of morn form shadows cast

Upon the field where need and yield insists on our return

Where morning light breathes on the night new life-lessons to learn

…once, on a hill at Calvary the God which we fight for

Sent His One Son to set us free forever-evermore

Love is His single weapon; come and lift its banner high

For now once more He fills the night with morning’s battle-cry

© Janet Martin

The Whole Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Eph. 6:10-18