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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 6:17–18, ESV) There is a cosmic battle that is raging. There are evil forces at work that stand opposed to the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul describes it as nothing less than spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20. We are called to take up the full armor of God and to stand firm against the devil and his schemes. We are to take the … [Read More...]

I was a 4th-year seminary student. I was about to graduate, be ordained, and receive my first Call into ministry. I had spent four years of college and four years of seminary in preparation to serve as a pastor in the church. I had studied the Bible, church doctrine, and church history. I had done fieldwork and completed a one-year internship, working in a church. I considered myself mature and knowledgable. I was confident in my education and learning. I was ready to take on the world. I believed I had everything I needed. I was so confident in myself that I had signed up for a … [Read More...]

Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought today be of you, let my first impulse be to worship you, let my first word be your Name, let my first action be to kneel before you in prayer. - John Baillie Put God first in your life! It is something I have said. It is something I try to do. I want God to be first and foremost in my life. But I will be honest and admit that this is a struggle. I do not often put God first. I tend to put my worry and anxiety first. Prayer becomes more of my last resort than my first option. If I am honest, I will recognize that I give more lip-service to God … [Read More...]