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.
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
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For 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.
13 Therefore 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.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take 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
VIDEO
Lyrics in English
My Soul Be on Thy Guard
George Heath
My soul, be on thy guard,
Ten thousand foes arise,
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.
Oh, watch, and fight, and pray,
The battle ne’er give o’er,
Renew it boldly every day,
And help divine implore.
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.
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.