My children attend Bible camp in TN and one of their teachers is Mrs. Sheila Doom who's father was the great missionary James Stewart. Throughout the rest of the year Mrs. Sheila sends out emails to the campers encouraging them in the Lord. The following is one such email, the most recent one in fact. I read it this morning and feel led to post it here on my blog. I hope you are blessed.
Dear Troops,
Just wanted you to know that when I pray, I don't pray for a ballet troup or a bunch of sr. citizens who want to play shuffle board and checkers! I am praying for an army of men --yes, and women too, who will commit to doing battle for the Lord.
I just read a marvelous billboard for the Marines. It said, "We are not looking for applicants; just commitments!" I like that. The Lord requires that and much more.
So, I know it is not time for camp yet, but it is time to stay watchful and wary of the Enemy. It is right when you get your eyes off of the present and on to the future blessing of campmeeting or camp, that he will sneak up on you. I encourage you to
I. STAND.
A. Don't slouch! be lazy or dull or sleepy. Be wide awake.
B. Don't stagger, first to the one side of faithfulness and then to the other side of indifference.
C. Don't slide--"moved about with every wind of doctrine."
D. Don't surrender , giving ground to the Enemy and giving up, instead of reclaiming that ground!
II. PUT ON --the Whole Armor of God
- A. Girdle or Belt of Truth--know Truth; wear it morning, noon and night. Never take it off. Keep you loinsgirt about with Truth, braced for action. Ready to give an answer for the hope that is within thee. Readyto defend what you believe at a moment's notice. Ready to contest with the Devil when he tries to putlies in your head and accuses God to you or you to God.
B. Breastplate of Righteousness -- that which covers the vital organs such as our heart, our mind, and our
thoughts and emotions, desires. Satan's tactic is to make you go by your feelings instead of the facts
of God's Word. Feel saved, don't feel saved; feel a failure, full of fears, full of doubt. Remember that
our feelings are not a measure of our condition. The Word is!
C. Sandals -- feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Give a firm stance to keep us from
falling or sliding. Causes us to be ready, firm, resolute, watchful and alert! What does this?
Peace with God -- blessed assurance; Jesus is mine!
Peace of God -- nothing between my soul and my Saviour!
D. Shield of Faith
Whoops! Off to another meeting and no time to finish. Will send second installment next week. Love you guys! Mrs. Sheila
