Monday SHINE....
Reading Plan for week of 9/24-9/28:
- Monday 9/24: 1 Corinthians 14
- Tuesday 9/25: 1 Corinthians 15
- Wednesday 9/26: 1 Corinthians 16
- Thursday 9/27: Haggai 1
- Friday 9/28: Haggai 2
Happy Monday, sweet SHINE girls!
Can I just be honest? I really wanted to skip today's post. I'm tired, my head hurts, and the last thing I felt like doing was turning on my (slow) laptop and typing.
Guess who talked me into it? I will give you one guess....
GOD!
I was arguing with Him in my head saying this: "Do I really need to post today? Everyone knows where we are in our reading. If they don't, all they need to do is look back at the reading plan. Simple! I don't really think it's necessary to post today. Do You really think I have to?"
As soon as I was finished with my complaining, I remembered the post that Rebekah did last Tuesday about putting on the Armor of God.
Some days, I feel really really good. I don't necessarily feel like I have to stay so "close" to the Lord. I get a little too brave and think, "oh, I got this today. i think i can skimp on my time with Him."
Do I have to even tell you that those are the days when the enemy punches me right in the gut as I am carelessly coasting along?
Oh yes. Every.Single.Time.
So, as I thought about the importance of putting on His Armor daily, whether we think we need it or not (we do!), I thought about this "feeling" stuff.
No, I didn't feel like posting today.
My body was feeling tired and it was screaming to go to bed.
However, My Father was telling me to stay the course with Him. Do it anyway.
Obedience won over my flesh this time. (you are probably thinking I should have stayed in bed.) :)
How many times do we let our feelings win over our obedience to Him?
How many times do we give in, give up, and go with the easy path?
How many times do we let our emotions/feelings and mouths get the best of us instead of using wisdom, patience, and humility?
For me, it has been too many times to count.
Isn't it always harder to do the wiser thing??
Yes, sometimes (most of the time) it is. But, oh the way you feel soon after making that better choice.
I think that feeling must be God's gift to us when we please Him. When we choose obedience over our flesh, He gives us that indescribable warmth and peace that only can come from Him.
It's Monday, girls. Let's put on our Armor. I know you're tired, sweet girl. I am too.
Let's do it anyway. For Him. But ultimately for us.
Let's pray on the Armor of God this morning, what do ya say?
(This prayer is from my favorite book of prayers by Germaine Copeland.)
To Put On the Armor of God
by Germaine Copeland
In the name of Jesus, I put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.
Therefore, I take unto myself the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. I stand, therefore, having my loins girt about with truth. Your Word, Lord, which is truth, contains all the weapons of my warfare, which are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
I have on the breastplate of righteousness, which is faith and love. My feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. In Christ Jesus I have peace and pursue peace with all men. I am a minister of reconciliation, proclaiming the good news of the Gospel.
I take the shield of faith, wherewith I am able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; the helmet of salvation (holding the thoughts, feelings, and purpose of God’s heart); and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In the face of all trials, tests, temptations, and tribulation, I cut to pieces the snare of the enemy by speaking the Word of God. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
Thank You, Father, for the armor. I will pray at all times — on every occasion, in every season — in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end I will keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints. My power and ability and sufficiency are from God Who has qualified me as a minister and a dispenser of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ].
Amen.
