Hey Gang: Did you know the world is filled with God’s object lessons? Several days ago we helped a friend split wood in preparation for the coming fuzzy white stuff season. He had several types of wood, some split easy and some were more difficult.

But he also had some Elm in the pile and I noticed that if I tried to go at the strength of the piece of Elm, the eight horse splitter did not have the power to penetrate and split the log, but, if I moved it to an inch or so from the edge, it would, with a great deal of grunting, split the log. It also weakened the log enough that I could then attack the inner parts of the log and complete the splitting job.

Throughout the day each time I ran into a piece of that tough Elm tree God reminded me of Paul’s words in Ephesian 6:10-13 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Notice in verse eighteen Paul gives us the prerequisites of success in our battles with the evil one: First, “Pray at all times in the Spirit”, second, “Be alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints”.

Ern Baxter, the preacher’s - preacher, once commented that as long as we keep the armor of God in place, the Devil cannot tell us from Jesus. I certainly believe in that analogy. When I am locked into God’s power supply, I find my days are filled with a peace and joy that surpasses human understanding but, when I go my own way and allow Satan to control my day, it is dumpster time.

Soooo, my young friends and family, take a minute and make sure you have your armor in place before you begin to deal with the darts of the powers of darkness this day.

Blessings,

Gramps