March 17, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . They Learn By  Seeing, So He'll Learn To Glass. But Will He Learn To Read God's Word In The Wilderness? (Raymond R)

Bible Study Verses

Ephesians 6:13-18

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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (NKJV)

Thoughts

This scripture in Ephesians is one of my favorites. It makes me feel as if I'm gearing up for a battle! However, sometimes it's tough to have quiet times with God, isn't it? Men especially have a difficult time with this because, frankly, reading scripture sometimes seems about as important as shining our shoes! 

A hunter will spend months in physical training preparing for a big hunt, weeks at the range, and countless hours poring over his gear. Looking at these things, we see that the ability to discipline ourselves is there, so why the difficulty with setting aside time to be with God and read His Word? Maybe it's because we don't see our life as a great battle. 

(Ruben C)

Action Point

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world,"1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV).

This is our battle, not our pastor's or our more spiritual friends. Don't think others will fight this one for us. 

If we're not connecting with Him, we're gonna be connecting with something else.

 

God is the Mighty Warrior. Learn of Him. Look what He did for David in 1Samuel 17. Then, read what happened to King David when he had his armor off in 2 Samuel 11:1-5.

God has given you the gear you need, warrior, right there in His Word. Use it as if your life depends on it!!! It does!!! Remember; it's not an intellectual thing, it's about connecting with God. 

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Taking a Bible with us on a hunt or fishing trip is an excellent idea. We can read during our down time or while in a stand. Admittedly, I can also fall asleep pretty quickly under these circumstances, so I like to take other books as well! A book inspired this devotional that I feel is so good and relevant to my spiritual walk that I can't help but recommend it to you. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge will inspire you to dig deeper in the Word, and he is clearly an outdoorsman to boot. On the first page he takes you with him on an elk hunt! If you have read it, read it again. If you haven't, get it, and I am certain you will grow from it.