Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning”

Red sky at morning, sailor take warning. We've all heard that phrase. Occasionally in life, God through his mercy gives me a warning before a time of struggling or blessing that are not very far ahead. Not that he tells me exactly what's going to happen, just a heads up. I know that may sound weird but it's the truth.
Yesterday afternoon was one of those rare times. I was told to "prepare myself". Oh joy, that's encouraging! God has a great sense of humor.....So like any good listener (that's a joke by the way.) I prepared myself the best I could. So I asked God to help me to be loving and patient. In light of the circumstances I thought it was a reasonable request, don't you?
But, I must confess that in this time of struggle, that love didn't "automagically" bubble out of my being. Oh sure, I had my little 10 second prayer time like any good Christian would.
We are commanded to "walk in the Spirit" (of God). It's a choice. It's a choice that I may have to make multiple times in a single minute, but God gives me the power to make the right choice and to, as the KJV says, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
Lord, please help me to heed your warning and fully prepare and also to remember that in that time of struggle, that you will be my delight.

Under the Radar

Under the Radar

I have been reminded lately that our enemy takes advantage of our unpreparedness and flies “under the radar”. Outside of our perception, he stealthily hovers in “quiet mode” waiting for a “ripe” opportunity to strike. We have the armor, yet the lust, the flesh, the eyes and the pride of life drain the life right out of us (paraphrased from a song by the “77’s”) and we are not ready for battle.

When we are unhealthily detracted or attracted to our own thoughts, emotions and the myriad of voices around us, then our offense and/or defense becomes numb. So……wake up lest that brother or sister around you unwillingly becomes collateral damage.