Issue 1220 – Preflight Checklist – August 12, 2023
This morning, as I awoke, I lay quietly in bed. My body decided to run a “preflight” checklist. It reminded me of one of those sci-fi scenes where the Captain calls for damage reports after a battle in space.
Tendinitis in left Achilles tendon. Check.
Arthritis in both knees. Check. Right knee worse. Double check.
Hips and lower back stiff from sleeping. Check.
Routine Headache. Check.
TMJ joints aching. Check
Cortisone injection capsule visible in left eye. Check
Sundry other aches and pains. Check.
All systems are functional but in need of an overhaul.
Shield and weapons systems.
Armour of God installed. Check
Holy Spirit indwelling. Check.
The Word close at hand. Double check.
A-OK.
Some days, I actually go through the routine of imagining putting on the armour of God and installing the Spirit. Of course, those are already in place, but it helps ground me for the day if I stop to think about them.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints Ephesians 6:10-18
After “putting on” the armour, I thank Jesus for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. I invite the Spirit to take charge (although He is already there) and commit my day to Him.
Going through that mental exercise does not guarantee a good day. It does remind me of who is in charge, and it helps rein me in from trying to accomplish things under my own power.
It’s good for me to remember that God isn’t my co-pilot. He is the one in charge.
As I write about the armour of God this morning, snippets of other Scripture have been popping into my head. The armour concept isn’t a Pauline creation; it appears in very similarly described terms in the Old Testament. If there is interest, I may do a deeper series on the Armour and its Old Testament roots. Let me know what you think.
With my armour in place, I got out of bed this morning ready to face the day, feeling like I have a little sticker that says “Powered by Jesus. Filled with the Spirit. Guided by the Word” on my helmet.
May you, too, face the world “Powered by Jesus. Filled with the Spirit. Guided by the Word.”
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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