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Our lives follow a pattern of ebbs and flows. We can all look back and clearly see the blessings and trials that made up each day. If we are not careful, however, the trials which seem to linger will weigh us down. Sure, we are thankful for the blessings. But they seem to fade into the distance while our trials grow clearer by the moment. It seems that nearly every day, I talk to people who are “trial-centered” at that moment. They may be experiencing one of those days on which Vance Havner proclaimed, “God marks across some of our days ‘will explain later.’” We cannot explain every trial we encounter.  And even for those we believe we can … it’s possible we understand or will explain them wrong.  Yet, they come to us all.  We all need perspective in our trials.  We all need each other.  We all need God’s Spirit to endure and understand.

Reading the phrase, “so that we despaired even of life,” would get anyone’s attention. Obviously, a situation so dire that would cause a person to mouth such words is worth examining. Paul, in describing the hardships he endured in the province of Asia, wrote those words to the church at Corinth. He also used the words, “…under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure…” (2 Cor. 1:8b)  to describe a bleak situation. We may not have experienced the depth of Paul’s difficulties, but we all have had our own “under great pressure” moments. And, quite frankly, there have been times where we all wondered, “can I get through this?”

Paul’s perspective on his hardships has great meaning and is wrought with wisdom. “…But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Cor. 1:9). Isn’t that what we should be doing all the time anyway? After all, don’t we all live from one trial to another?  Only in truly relying on our Lord will there be sufficient energy to endure well. Don’t forget, He raises the dead! A full reading of the first chapter of 2 Corinthians relays a confidence that can be ours. Paul had no doubt that God, who had delivered them from deadly peril, would continue to do so. How is your confidence about your trials and your tomorrows?

There is more to our trial story. Namely, that we need each other. No one would debate that point, but how do we need each other? Look at what Paul told the Corinthians. “…On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers…” (2 Cor. 1:10b, 11a). Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to know their prayers would play a part in deliverance. I don’t know about you, but the words in bold have escaped my attention when reading this passage (maybe a hundred times). Paul made it crystal clear that he needed their help, in the form of their prayers. Dear Christ-follower, as you see others walking through trials, they need your help … your prayer help. Paul looked for the supernatural provision of God to come through prayer. So should we!

We may not feel like our prayer time will have that much effect on another’s situation. But we need to leave the results to God, and simply pray. Others need us…in prayer. Just this afternoon, my daughter Lindsay made a prayer statement that stopped me in my tracks. It was tied to the fact that she trusts my prayer life for her situation.  She needs my help through prayer… just like someone needs your prayer time today.

Paul was beset by trials. You may encounter someone today who is weighted down. Trials are a fact of life.  It is equally a fact of life that the prayers of the righteous are effective. Who in your life needs your prayer today? You know who they are and what to do for them – Pray right now!

We are all creatures of habit to varying degrees. If we are not careful, our lives can become so conditioned and patterned that each new today looks nearly identical to the yesterday that ended at midnight.  This month becomes a replay of last month, and years pass by with little noticeable difference. One of the dangers of habitual living is the thwarting of any real spiritual growth and transformation in our lives. As I sit down to work on this article, I am sensing a real need to break out of some ruts which are moving into my daily routine.  The creature of habit is always in great danger of becoming stuck in a rut!

Two weeks ago, I was at a conference in Vancouver, Canada. I was thousands of miles from home, but still very much stuck in my daily routine. I was up and out the door early to make sure I got in some spiritual reading (a good rut).  I needed breakfast, and found a Starbucks for coffee and a cinnamon roll (a not-so-good rut). In arriving early at the convention center, I sat down amid a sea of people, the majority of whom were not American. Before I knew it, I was engaged in a conversation with a young man from the Philippines.  Almost instantly, he told me he was a Christian (an uncommon conversation starter) and it was obvious that he loved the Lord. As our conversation continued, he pulled up journeyonword.com online and read an article. He was so encouraged that he sent it to his Facebook page. I was challenged by my new friend’s boldness.  Thank you Elmo for being God’s instrument in interrupting my rut!

If you and I had a conversation about last week (or two weeks ago, or two months ago), you would likely be able to give me the ways in which you are conditioned to live.  You would tell me about someone who is less than fun to work with (and they will never change).  The discussion might then drift into the pace of life that is weighing you down (and never seems to change).  We would probably discuss how there is never enough time to relax with those you love (too much to do).  You may even bring up that you love God and want to grow in faith, but also how it’s just not happening (because right now you are only squeezing Him in).  We may even chat about how stress has become a constant companion in your life (and never seems to leave).  Yes, we could have the same discussions about last week, last month and last year.  If you and I are not careful, we condition ourselves to live in ways that are harmful both physically and spiritually.  What a rut we can get into!

Whether or not the things in the last paragraph sound familiar, I am convinced you know the areas where you are in a rut. I confess that I do! The question is, are we ready to recondition our lives? I don’t think for a minute the conditioned circumstances of our lives will magically disappear. But I do believe there is an answer.

In my personal reading, I came across a definition of wisdom that makes a lot of sense to me.  Wisdom can be defined as the mind of God revealed to us. In the midst of our circumstances, God provides the direction and encouragement we need for each day.  I don’t believe that ruts are a part of His design for us. Just this morning in my quiet time, I was reminded anew to seek wisdom. Seeking His wisdom will help us make the decisions which will recondition our lives. If you have too much stress, too little time, too much negativity at work, too much weight (literally), not enough time to spend with your family, and have this “just squeezing God in” feeling, what would His wisdom tell you to do? Remember, God is willing and always ready to speak to you.

In confessing that “I am sensing a need to break out of some ruts,” I wonder if you are also feeling the same way.  If so, will you consider doing what I am doing? Evaluate the rut(s)!  Once you sense a rut, confess it and seek the Father’s wisdom to change. Don’t let the next week, next month or next year look like the same old rut. Thanks Elmo!

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)

If we can help you move beyond today’s struggles (ruts), please send us a note to journeyonword@gmail.com. We care and want to help!

Last Sunday was Father’s Day.  I am continually reminded, that while I always want to be the best dad, there are still times when I fall short of my expectations. I remember one less-than-stellar dad day when I had a cell-phone conversation with my daughter that, shall I say, wasn’t fair to her. Fortunate for me she’s a good forgiver, so my follow-up call and apology were accepted.

Yesterday (6/21) was our daughter’s birthday, and an occasion of another dad–daughter moment.  It wasn’t a less-than-stellar dad day … more like a momentarily scary one. We’ve had a ritual for many years where I call my daughter at the exact time she was born. It’s fun, humorous and sentimental all at the same time. But yesterday she didn’t answer (and she knew I was calling).  For the first several calls, it didn’t affect me. Eventually, I became a bit unsettled based on our tradition. In my head, I knew everything was fine, but my emotions were a bit distracted.

Recently, I have been doing a study on God’s all-knowing nature.  Yesterday I was reminded that God knows all about my momentary emotional turmoil. He knew what happened. He knew my thoughts and concerns. He knew everything about the situation; just as He knows all about your situations and thoughts right now!

David, in one of his beautiful psalms, provides us a clear understanding of God’s knowledge concerning our grumpiness, our thoughts … our everything!

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I am going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in!
Psalm 139:1-6 (MSG)

Can you accept the fact that He knows what you are thinking before you think it, and He knows what you are going to say before you say it? Without a doubt, God is all-knowing and omnipresent. Our struggle is that we give assent to these great truths, yet often live on a path parallel to them. If the Creator of the universe who gave His Son for our salvation already knows everything, doesn’t it make sense that we would want to continually intersect our lives with His design?

It’s easy to agree with that rhetorical sentence, but when we struggle with thoughts, attacks by Satan, real pain and various other stresses, we often move away from or stop short of God’s plan. Too quickly, we can find ourselves speaking with harshness, thinking negative thoughts, asking why and simply running our lives on a parallel track from His purpose. But He knows everything!

My Father knows before I “go grumpy” and when I get unsettled with worrisome thoughts. He knows our thoughts and what we’re going to say even before we speak it. In spite of how we drift and often blow it, He cares (beyond our comprehension), He understands (even when we don’t understand ourselves), and He is willing (with His gentle hand of grace) to meet us at our point of need. No matter what is happening in your life right now, give it all to the Father. He already knows all about it, so why not relax and rest in the fact that our all-knowing God will guide you through what He already knows is happening! Amen!

PS: My daughter had inadvertently (I hope) set her phone to ‘do not disturb’ when dad was dialing her … but God already knew that.

I awoke this past Saturday in the natural course of sleeping.  It was the first time in recent memory that an alarm did not beckon the beginning of my day.  It was a picture-perfect morning; bright sunshine, low 70’s temperature and a hint of a cool breeze.  Noting the ideal conditions, I grabbed my fresh cup of hazelnut coffee, my morning sacred time materials, a book I’ve been reading, my sketch book and pencil box and headed for our quaint outdoor niche.

The time was as glorious as the morning.  My sacred time was rich and meaningful.  I wrote a note to a dear friend; I sketched for the first time (in I can’t remember how long); and I received an incredibly encouraging email from a friend.   At no time did I lose sense of the noises of nature which surrounded me, but at times it was if they were superseded by the beautiful silence of study and thought.

As I finished the natural course of my sacred time and gathered my things to return to the house, two small birds caught my eye.  They were in the outer reaches of my periphery, perched high on top of the neighbor’s fence.  I turned my head and fixed my gaze on them.  They seemed to be looking directly at me.  They chirped first to me, then to each other, and began the most interesting synchronized hopping I have ever witnessed.  They hopped along the fence for several feet and then onto and across a telephone wire.  With each hop they alternated directions.  For the bird nearest me, their first hop (and mid-air twist) resulted in them facing the opposite direction.  The bird’s friend simply hopped and kept its gaze locked on me.  In their next hop, they both completed a mid-air twist and traded opposing positions.  During the full length of their frenetic “dance,” neither bird faced each other,  nor ever faced the same direction. They hopped and alternated in perfect rhythm.  One always facing me, one always facing away.  The dance was over in less than a minute, and it was the oddest and most beautiful thing all at the same time.

As the tiny birds flew off, I sat and reflected on my truly sacred morning.  I personalized the words of Psalm 8:4.  “Who am I that you would be mindful of me?!  Who am I that you would care so uniquely and deeply for me?!”  I so do not deserve the gifts of that morning.  With all that God has created and cares for, how does He work so specifically and so lavishly in my everyday?  How many times do I not take notice of the synchronous dance of the “birds” he brings into my life?  I am convinced there is “tiny bird” beauty in every day.  There are people (and the things which make them uniquely them) which God brings into my life to bless and grow me -– to show Himself to me.  Father, may I reject the things our great enemy uses to obscure and mute the beauty you have for me in every single day.  May I turn and gaze at every tiny bird you bring into my life.  May I stay present in the moments you have authored for us to spend together.  May I notice their synchronous hopping and see You in it.

There is beauty in even the darkest days.  Draw near to God.  Spend time daily reading His Word and talking with him.  Steal away to a quiet and solitary space at times to commune more deeply with Him.  Allow all of it to soften your heart, tune your ears and focus your eyes to observe the beauty He gifts in every single day … and experience Him in it.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard. [Or — there is no speech
or language where their voice is not heard.]
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
Psalm 19:1-6

We have all experienced a radiant sunrise or a breath-taking sunset and can join with the psalmist in proclaiming the grandeur of God in the morning or night sky.  I had occasion to read Psalm 19 during my sacred time with God one morning this past week.  I have been taking full advantage of the cool spells we’ve enjoyed recently in Lower Michigan and have relocated my sacred space to the quaint outdoor niche we’ve created.  (As an aside, I looked up the definition and synonyms of niche to ensure I wasn’t just being fancy, and I found that my choice couldn’t have been any truer … a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing; a place all one’s own.  I pray you have one of those for the time you regularly spend with God.)  As I read the words, my mind went to stirring sunrises and sunsets I’ve experienced in my life.  The time I was compelled, as my uncle and I drove a lonely road in Northern Michigan at dusk, to pull the car over and physically get out and stare at the sunset, which literally made the horizon appear to be on fire.  Its sunfire yellows, blazing oranges, haunting grays and deep purples were unlike any I’d seen painted together before …  The skies display his craftsmanship.  I don’t believe there is one of us who would dispute that the hand and person of God is evidenced in a sunrise or sunset.  The radiant morning sky, the brilliant blue noon-day sky, and the stunning sky at sunset … these are unmistakable evidences and bold proclamations of God’s existence, craftsmanship and glory.

Yet, what of the sky I was looking at that particular morning?  The sky which was a consistent palate of creams and grays.  The sky so thick with dusty, cotton-ball clouds that daylight was the only proof that the sun had risen.  This sky was far from grandeur.  This sky obscured any evidence of the radiant sun which was traveling across it.  And so it is with the life of every follower of Jesus.

There is no denying the existence of the light within us.  We are all made in His image, but His Spirit enters us at the moment of our genuine belief.  It is a light which can never be extinguished.  It is a Son which produces breath-taking sunrises and stunning sunsets visible to all who stand long enough to gaze at us.  While the light can never be extinguished, it can be obscured — obscured by the dusty, cotton ball clouds of our circumstances or sin.  The circumstances and sin, that is, that we allow to remain – that we allow to imprison us and blot out the light that cannot be extinguished.

If one was to look at you today, which sky would they see?  Does your relationship with God and daily steps in following Jesus display his craftsmanship?  Do they proclaim the glory of God?  Do they “speak” and “make Him known” to a world who desperately needs Him?  The breath-taking sunrises, stunning sunsets and brilliant blues at noon are rarely cloudless.  The clouds many times enhance the experience of what your eyes take in.  We are not perfect, but we are redeemed.  Our lives should be the canvases upon which the Creator of the universe displays His craftsmanship.  Let your life blaze today.  Let it speak today.  Make Him known today by allowing the Son to burn off those mourning clouds and reveal the brilliant light that someone in your world desperately needs.

After almost 40 years of marriage, today was new. My wife and I were on a trip to Vancouver for a conference and to see our daughter. Our flight was late to Toronto and we had about thirty minutes to reach our connecting flight. To put our plight in perspective, we had to exit the plane, run to customs, clear customs, run across the airport to the last gate (navigating stairs and escalators), and then, of all things, we had to go through TSA again (but now in Canada). However, the journey wasn’t what surprised me … it was my wife’s laser focus. She exited the plane, headed for customs and left me behind.  She had determined we would not miss the connecting flight and trusted that I could run fast enough to eventually catch her. At customs we had to answer the “Who are you and what are you doing here?” question over and over.  Clearing that area, Genel hit the road running again.  Leaving her daughter stuck in a foreign city alone was not an option and she was purposeful, intentional and not to be denied. I caught her at gate D39 where we entered a full plane of about 300 people, just in time to get my passport back and board with her. All mothers understand getting to your child, no matter their age!

I wonder what would happen if…

The focus of all Christ-followers was as intentional as my wife, living with eyes directed at Jesus, purposely fulfilling His plan for us. I truly believe most Christ-followers in America love Jesus, but not with the intensity that I witnessed in my wife today. If we did, a lost world would see Jesus lifted up in every part of our lives. One of my favorite Bible verses (Hebrews 12:2) starts with the words, “Fix your eyes on Jesus.” In a positive sense, we are to have an obsessive fixation on Christ … but do we? Your life (and mine) is dictated by our focus on Jesus (or lack thereof). If I were to ask you, “Who you?” (redeemed through Christ and a child of God), and ”What are you doing here?” (is your life reflecting Christ’s love to the world), could you (with confidence) say your life reflects your identity?

I wonder what would happen if…

Your life and mine reflected our identity as conveyed in the sentence above. The context of those words came from a cute story I read today in Wayne Cordero’s book JESUS, Pure and Simple. Enjoy the story and don’t miss the point.

A discouraged rabbi in the Siberian tundra wandered from his home. Disenchanted with his ministry and life, he aimlessly ambled into the wintry night. The only thing that was colder than the evening air was the chill in his own soul. He was so discouraged that he aimlessly wandered by mistake into a nearby Russian military compound that was off limits to any civilian personnel. The only sound was the crunch of the freshly fallen snow under his boots, when the evening still was broken by the brash bark of a Russian soldier brandishing a rifle.

“Hey!” he shouted, startling the rabbi. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”  The rabbi thought for a moment and looked up. “How much do they pay you each day?” he asked innocently. “What does that have to do with this?” the soldier growled back.

The rabbi said, “I will pay you the same sum if you will ask me that question every morning. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

Christ knows the focus of your life today. Can I ask you (and me), “Who are you and what are you doing here?” If you are struggling with truly fixing your eyes on Jesus, immediately bow and turn your eyes back to Him. Our looking to Jesus and living out His purpose should be our goal every day. It wouldn’t hurt us to ask every day, “Who am I, and what am I doing here?”

My wife is a mother, and today she intentionally and purposely focused on it! As a Christ-follower, will you do likewise? The results will affect eternity!

If you are reading this article, and you are not sure that Christ is your Savior, please email us. We will contact you and share how to know your eternity is sealed in Christ.

By the way, we made it to our flight … but our luggage did not!

Last night, my wife and I traveled about 75 miles one way to do a seminar. By the end of the evening, we were weary and worn as we journeyed those same 75 miles home. One of the participants in our seminar was a smiling lady named Joy. Her smiles were a contradiction to how we felt on the drive home. Next week, we are attending a conference which is about 2,000 miles from home. There will be over 8,000 attendees at the conference and I wonder how many will travel there with joyful hearts.

With my journey glasses on, I see the traveling adventures of people every day. Observation has taught me, by percentage, very few are commuting with true joy in the hearts. For a variety of reasons, daily circumstances tend to mute or deplete our joy. It is understandable how someone without a relationship with Christ would be frustrated; they are traveling alone. But for those who have entered by faith into the family of God, why doesn’t the journey contain more joy? If your journey is in need of a boost, consider how you are using the daily rest stops available through His Word (Be honest with yourself about the relationship you have right now with the Word).

For the most part, it’s impossible to control the external circumstances which invade our lives each week. Have you noticed how often your weekly travels have taken you over one mountain, only to find the steep face of another? And while there are certainly stretches of smooth highways and level roads, for the most part the terrain of life is tough.

Pulling over at daily rest stops will deepen your resolve that external circumstances never give true joy on the journey. Disciplining ourselves to depend on the Father is vital. Nothing on the outside will ever satisfy our internal longings. The people who surround us, the culture we live in, or the activities which fill our lives will never give us lasting joy on the journey. Take a few minutes, and let the words of II Corinthians encourage you to look inward to buffer the externals of life.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
II Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)

For a moment, honestly evaluate your recent growth through the nourishment of His Word. Is it secondary to your daily travels? Is there too much life in the fast lane and too few rest stops? God wants you to enjoy the growth and joy which He alone can provide. If He is willing to make us strong and unfold His grace in our lives, we must seek and allow the nutrients of His Word to transform us. Our daily doses of nourishment and light are essential to create the strength which stands firm in defense against the attack of those external circumstances we can’t control, but we know will come.

Journey joy is simple. Create time and give priority to rest stops.  Let His Word re-energize and fuel you. If your rest stops are too infrequent, confess that your travels are out of balance and start each day by pulling over at a rest stop.  He knows when you’ll need the miracle, or maybe just some encouragement for the next mile. Remember, there is a lavish celebration prepared for all who know Christ.

Don’t traverse another mile without seeking Him first.

Last night had an interesting turn for me while taking in a movie with a Christian theme. It was a film my wife and I had discussed seeing. Sometimes I naturally view movies like Miracles from Heaven with a skeptical eye. Does the movie line up with Scripture or does it play on emotion to the extent that Biblical truth is compromised? Those are just a couple of my natural biases against some Christian-themed films. And although this article is not about the Scriptural/Theological content of the movie, it was a true story that reminded me again that when the great Physician steps in, the world has to take notice. Miracles happen, and God in His sovereignty knows just when He wants to accomplish one. I must admit that after sitting through “Miracles from Heaven” (and crying a lot), I left encouraged about the power of our Great miracle-working God.

One thing I expect we all struggle with is, we do not control the miracles.  We also cannot answer the question of why one person is healed, while another is not. But we can trust God to guide us through life whether in pain or difficulty or in the exhilaration of seeing His power to change a life with salvation or a miraculous healing. All Christ-followers have a wonderful opportunity, as adopted children of the heavenly Father, to live in the truth that our Father works everything for our good, and does miracles for us … as needed! For just a moment, take a journey with me to a Civil War story that conveys the love of a father and the rights of his child. The words come from the book Approaching God, by Steve Brown.

A young soldier had lost his father and two brothers during the war. He asked a captain if he could return home to help with the harvest. It was stated that a release like that had to come from a higher power. With youthful confidence, the young man journeyed to Washington seeking permission from, none other than, Abraham Lincoln. After the soldier was stopped by an army guard at the White House steps and given a stern lecture, the dialogue continued:

“Son,” said the guard, “don’t you know that there is a war on? This is not time to leave. Lots of us have lost those we loved and many face hardship. You are a soldier. Go back to your unit and serve your mother and your country by fighting for freedom.”

The young man was devastated. He turned and walked away. He was walking through the streets of Washington when a little boy saw him, noticed the depression on his face, and asked if he could help. The young man need to tell someone, so he told the little boy the story.

“Sir,” said the little boy, “I think I can help.” With that the little boy took the soldier’s hand and proceeded back to the White House, past the guard, up the steps, and directly to the Oval office of the President. They walked into the office without knocking and Lincoln, working at his desk, looked up and said, “Yes, Tad, what can I do for you?”

Of all the people on the streets of Washington, the soldier found the President’s son. Would you call that encounter a miracle?!

In Christ, every believer has access directly to the throne of our Father. Yet somehow, we don’t really expect that the God who hung the world in space and redeemed us through His Son, just might be willing to do a miracle in our lives. After all, He knows exactly what we need. We shouldn’t live with eyes looking for God to do the miracles we imagine, but we should go to our Father with every burden, knowing that He may choose to do a miracle (big or small). After all, He IS GOD!

Miracles from Heaven was a reminder that God is in charge! I hope this article can have the same effect on your journey today. He knows your needs! Go to your Father with every burden.

He was only 21 years old when he gave his life for his country.  He had been detected, arrested, sentenced to death and hanged … all within the span of 12 hours.  It is still unclear, after all these years, how he was found out, but in September  of 1776, moments before the noose around his neck was tightened, Captain Nathan Hale uttered those famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Several years ago I read the book George Washington’s Secret Six, the story of the first American spy ring.  A brief synopsis: the British were occupying New York City and Long Island and it was imperative that the Americans regain control of this coastal area.  General Washington was desperate for information about troop movements and ship arrivals, so he began to develop a spy ring inside of New York. The first volunteer for the mission was Yale grad Nathan Hale – smart, educated, enthusiastic … and completely unprepared.  That got me thinking.

Our daily lives are not the life of ease, are they?  Piled on top of our daily obligations and responsibilities are the pressures and temptations of a deeply complicated world.  It all has an effect on us.  I will admit I’ve even been amazed (and yes, a little taken back) by the current crop of television programs.  Seems to me, the more salacious, the higher the ratings.  And don’t even get me started on the nightly news – bombings, planes full of innocent people shot out of the air, starving ill children – how do we prepare for each day, each week … for this life?

From Ephesians chapter 6 (NLT):

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

v. 10-11, 13-17

So according to Ephesians, we need to put on armor — a belt, special shoes, a helmet and a shield — every day in order to be prepared enough to get through our days! Yet, most of us plow through on our own power, unprepared and unprotected for the daily attacks.  We (I am the most guilty) only go to God for our armor when we have found ourselves backed into a corner.

Nathan Hale had never been to Manhattan or Long Island (he was from Connecticut).  He was completely unfamiliar with the lay of the land. He had no friends on the island.  He posed as a school teacher looking for work, but the school year had begun weeks before.  His cover was blown.  He was unprepared … and he paid for it with his life.  In hindsight, it was a foolish mission full of vulnerabilities, and Washington greatly regretted the loss of Hale for the rest of his life.

Their eyes were on the need for information; their neglect was in preparing a believable cover for young Hale.  The enemy saw right through him.

Don’t underestimate our enemy. He, too, will see right through us if we are unprepared.  Scripture and prayer is our armor, our strength, and our shield.

Don’t go into enemy territory without preparation.

Today’s article is dedicated to my late father-in-law, Albert Flinner and to the memory of all those who have given the last full measure of devotion in serving our country.

Memorials mean different things to different people.  My father-in-law was a highly decorated war veteran, having received a silver star with oak leaf cluster, a purple heart and five bronze stars.  He was a true war hero.  He knew what it meant, and took, to put his life on the line for his country.  When Memorial Day came each year, he really understood its significance.  Having never served in the military, I can easily look at this special day as just a holiday and miss its significance.

One particular Memorial Day weekend, my wife and I were with some friends for dinner.  Before giving thanks for the meal, the host said he was wearing a red shirt in honor of all those who had given their lives for our freedom.  It caused me to pause because of his sensitivity to what I was looking at as just a holiday weekend.  He got the significance of the price that bought our freedom.  Later that night the same gentleman read an email detailing the incredible devotion of the men and women who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Today, our President will lay a wreath at that very tomb.  The email detailed the unyielding commitment of all those who stand guard (it has been guarded every second of every day since 1937).  Those who guard the tomb willingly give up personal comfort to live with discipline, precision and self-sacrifice for a cause they regard as greater than themselves.  Without a doubt, they understand the significance of the sacrifice which provides all of us freedom on this Memorial Day.  The creed that these dedicated men and women live by is below; What devotion!  It is called The Sentinel’s Creed:

My dedication to this sacred duty
is total and whole-hearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me
never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance
my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise
and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect,
his bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well-meaning crowds by day,
alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest
under my eternal vigilance.
– Simon 1971

To give you a picture of their dedication, I want to share with you what happened in 2004 as reported by ABC news.  Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC.  Because of the impending danger from the storm, the military members assigned guard duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend their assignment.  They respectfully declined saying, “No way, Sir!”  Soaked to the skin and marching through a terrific storm, these soldiers said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, but the highest honor afforded a service person. They understood the significance of what bought our freedom.

Remembering my father-in-law’s sacrifice, gleaning from my friend’s sensitivity and learning of the dedication of those guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier have made this Memorial Day more meaningful for me.  I will not let its significance pass me by today.  What about you?  Flags will fly, parades will take place, and a wreath will be placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, representing to all of us the price of our freedom.  It will be a significant day!

There is another tomb which we should honor today … an empty one.  All Christ-followers are soldiers who were given their freedom by the Savior who rose from that tomb.  Can it be said of you and me that our dedication matches that of The Sentinel’s Creed?  Will we choose to march amid the fierce storms of our testing and trials?  Let us renew our understanding and experience of the significance of this national holiday and this day that the Lord has made.  So many have died for our earthly freedom, and One has died for the freedom which is eternal.  If you have believed in Jesus, confessed that you are a sinner and received the gift of His forgiveness, this day of memorial is an occasion to thank and praise Him for what He did for you.  If you have not, don’t let the sun set on this Memorial Day without believing, confessing and receiving.  It is a significant day!

SPECIAL NOTE:  We at Journey onWord would like to say a very sincere and special thank you to each and every one of our readers who have served and fought for our freedom.