Being Fully Prepared!

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 24) is our ladies’ 25th Annual Ladies Fellowship. Helping the ladies prepare for their special day, many from the congregation gathered last Saturday to do some extra clean-up in and around the church building. People came ARMED with pruners, saws, shovels, rakes, dusters, cleaning supplies, and coffee and donuts; all the things we needed to do battle with hanging tree limbs, garden shrubs, dust, and dirty windows.

Being prepared to tackle particular tasks is often more than possessing the right equipment for the job. We also need to consider our mindset. All the right tools can be readily available, but without a resolve or willingness to stick to what needs to be done, complete success may not be realized.

Peter exhorted…
“(1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, ARM YOURSELVES WITH THE SAME WAY OF THINKING, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) so as to LIVE FOR THE REST OF THE TIME in the flesh no longer for human passions but FOR THE WILL OF GOD.” ( 1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV)

Jesus came prepared to do a mighty work; providing the means for the salvation of souls. As He walked this earth Jesus was opposed. He was rejected. He was mocked. Nevertheless He came ARMED with a mindset to press on in victory over His foes -- including the devil. It was that mindset which maintained our Lord’s resolve of “not My will, but Yours be done” (i.e. Matthew 26:39) as He focused on the Father’s plan. Are we ARMED for life in the same manner?

We may be able to quote a lot of Scripture or have our Bibles handy to defend our faith. The Truth of Jesus and the promises of God may be impressed deep upon our mind. We may also acknowledge the power of God available to assist us through this life’s challenges. However, this must be accompanied by a mindset to persevere regardless of what we face. Like Christ, as we live “for the will of God”, we must ARM ourselves with the same resolve to press on regardless of those who oppose the truth of God, reject His standards for life, and mock us for living different than the ways of the world. Such is the path to success in Christ. May we steadfastly remain in it.

Have a great day EQUIPPED IN CHRIST FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING!
Carl

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