Good Morning,

People who work in the trades know the importance of having the right tools for the right job.  As an example, if I were working on a computer, I would carry tools for that job and not carry tools for say, working on a diesel engine or putting spackle on a wall. Our toolbox is our connection with the Lord God through prayer (Phillippians 4:6-7) and our tools or weapons are found in scripture (2 Corinthians 10:2-6). There are times however when we are facing situations that are unfamiliar to us and we are unsure what to do so we do what the priests of old did, “Roll the dice” (Exodus 28:30). Because no one has every tool or has faced every situation, God gave us helpmates like our spouses, coworkers, siblings in the Lord, parents, support groups, etc (Genesis 2:18-25, Hebrews 10:19-25, Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20). When we refuse to listen to their counsel, we struggle for no good reason and like Elijah feel like we are all alone (1 King 19:9-10).

My encouragement for you today is that you will take a hard look at your toolbox, your strengths, and your weaknesses. In Ephesians 6, Paul uses the illustration of battle armor and how it applies to fighting the good fight (Ephesians 6:10-17). The battles that will soon engulf the world will test our faith in ways it has never been tested before and for this reason, I strongly encourage you to get into the Word of God daily and make it a personal goal to etch in time for reading and prayer.

Father,

You know all too well what is coming in the weeks to come and how it will test the soul of mankind. I pray for my readers and family as we prepare for battle (Joel 2:1-17).

HIS MK