Friday, May 23, 2014

Stand Firm—Not Afraid

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.  John 14:27  

Don’t be afraid. That is easier said than done sometimes. What are you afraid of? The dark…or what is out there that you can’t see? Afraid of falling? Afraid of other drivers on the street or highway? Afraid of strangers on the bus, train, sidewalk or parking lot? Afraid of germs or mold? Afraid of unseen enemies? Put on your armor as we are directed to do in Ephesians.
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. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
Do this and don’t let your feelings be overwhelmed…don’t be afraid. Jesus is there with you…helping you fight the battle. He won’t leave you alone, abandoned, to fight all by yourself. 

RSVP: Jesus is admonishing you to not be afraid. Put on your armor. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Jesus—I’m a soldier in Your army. Wearing the armor that You provide…from my helmet of salvation, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, to my sturdy sandals and gleaming sword I am ready to resist the enemy, knowing that this is a spiritual battle. Thank you for preparing us for this adventure as I join my family and friends in persistent prayer and come along with You and your angels. We trust that You will protect and guide us as we stand firm. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Comfort food may be what you are seeking if you are feeling afraid. One breakfast that will take your mind off any worries is one that includes a Dutch Baby Pancake—in a large or small version. Enjoy with some corned beef hash, sausage links or bacon and fresh fruit. But don’t spill any food on that breastplate of righteousness that hopefully you already put on this morning! 

Dutch Baby Pancake  Serves 6
1/3 cup butter
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour 

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Melt butter in 3 or 4 quart pan or skillet in the oven. In a blender mix eggs, milk and flour. Pour into hot butter. After 7 minutes it will puff up and start to climb the walls of the pan. Bake about 20 minutes. Serve with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. 

For a mini version, omit butter. Bake in a greased muffin tin for 15 minutes.

Happy 8th Birthday, Zander!
Put on your armor—and stand firm. We love you!
 
© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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