Preparing For Combat

How do we prepare for combat?

For something will (without a doubt) test where we are at

Since time began man has been at odds with each other.

In the very first family Cain murdered his brother.

What gets our ire sparked most severely

What are the values we hold to most dearly

How in the muddle of this human race

Of political, ethical, theological debates

Can we be equipped for the battle at large

and know what to do when our tempers cry 'CHARGE!'

The Armor of God 

Eph.6:10-17

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, 

but against the rulers,

against the authorities, 

against the powers of this dark world 

and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, 

you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, 

with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 

15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, 

with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

How long this trampled...

...sampled orb

has weathered seasoned ways...

(this morning the snow has returned to its rightful October place😊)

How long this trampled, sampled orb has weathered seasoned ways 

Where man forgets to give the Lord His righteous due of praise 

Where constant combat wages twixt desire and despair 

As human heart engages in fight-to-the-death warfare 

And never ought to leave exposed one vulnerable part 

Lest the sly serpent’s hate should penetrate with fatal dart 

How often we leap out of bed and seize the ready rod 

Then dash into the fight without the full armor of God 

Aha, man’s confrontation with temptation is severe 

If we rush into battle without God’s protective gear 

And not until we realize our dilemma is grim 

Is careless pride cut down to size as we call out to Him 

Who can afford to disregard the Lord’s prerequisite? 

The power of His might is not an accidental fit 

But with sober intention the wise soldier puts in place 

The infallible armor of God’s righteousness and grace 

So that we may withstand the arrows of the enemy 

And be equipped to fight the good fight unto victory 

© Janet Martin 

My Soul Be On Thy Guard

  

Lyrics in English

My Soul Be on Thy Guard

George Heath

1. My soul, be on thy guard,
   Ten thousand foes arise,
   And hosts of sin are pressing hard
   To draw thee from the skies.
2. Oh, watch, and fight, and pray,
   The battle ne’er give o’er,
   Renew it boldly every day,
   And help divine implore.
3. Ne’er think the vict’ry won,
   Nor once at ease sit down;
   Thine arduous work will not be done
   Till thou hast got the crown.
4. Fight on, my soul, till death
   Shall bring thee to thy God;
   He’ll take thee at thy parting breath
   Up to His blest abode.