After a few days of warmer temperatures and no snow, thoughts turn to spring. Once we experience the taste of spring weather, the sunshine and walking outside without a coat , the thought of winter makes us shudder (or shiver). I've always been a fan of winter, but even I look forward to spring. Once that warm air drifts in, we kind of slide along and think, yes, this is it, put away the sweaters and scarves! Then along comes the last blast of chilled air, the snowflakes that were so pretty in December now seem like a nuisance.
Much like our lives, the winter season creeps in when we think the refreshment of spring arrives. The chill of despair, stress, frustration or guilt slip in beside us after we take off our coats and loss our protection from the cold elements of life. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:13-18 to put on the armor of God, the protection from evil and sin. Even when we feel confident that life is good, we need God's protection (maybe more than ever).
-Buckle up, pray and be ready everyday.
Ephesians 6:13-18
13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Life without encouragement is like cheerios without milk. The round circles of oats just sit on the bottom of the bowl. Add the milk and they are lifted to the top.
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