"Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart." Ephesians 6:6
Wanting to find meaning in the meaningless tasks of life...trying to make purposeful choices...desiring to have joy in the journey...making attitude adjustments...striving to serve out of love...
So why is it that my imperfections are so much more noticeable than what I occasionally get right?
Why is it that just when I think I've made improvements, out of left field comes another notice that I'm still striking out more times than not?
Why is it that when I'm experiencing the wind rising me up, someone wants to keep me grounded?
I want to say I don't understand, but unfortunately, I do.
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:11-18
Lord, help me remember my only defense against the devil's schemes is You. Time in Your Word and with You in prayer make all the difference when being attacked. Help me be prepared for battle each day. Forgive me when I've let my defenses down and am an easy target for flaming arrows. And, remind me, (and I need it often) that pleasing others is only remotely possible if I, first, please You. For in pleasing You, I find myself looking to the One whose opinion really matters. In Jesus' name...Amen!
Wanting to find meaning in the meaningless tasks of life...trying to make purposeful choices...desiring to have joy in the journey...making attitude adjustments...striving to serve out of love...
So why is it that my imperfections are so much more noticeable than what I occasionally get right?
Why is it that just when I think I've made improvements, out of left field comes another notice that I'm still striking out more times than not?
Why is it that when I'm experiencing the wind rising me up, someone wants to keep me grounded?
I want to say I don't understand, but unfortunately, I do.
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:11-18
Lord, help me remember my only defense against the devil's schemes is You. Time in Your Word and with You in prayer make all the difference when being attacked. Help me be prepared for battle each day. Forgive me when I've let my defenses down and am an easy target for flaming arrows. And, remind me, (and I need it often) that pleasing others is only remotely possible if I, first, please You. For in pleasing You, I find myself looking to the One whose opinion really matters. In Jesus' name...Amen!
Great post! :-) So true.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations
Oh so true. Be encouraged today...and tomorrow...and all the days you take your stand.
ReplyDelete