God of all life, bring the fullness of life with joy, calm, joy and peace to this dear reader, in Jesus' Name, amen.
This Sunday is known as Super Sunday. The reason? Super Bowl. That makes it for many households here in this country, it is a big deal. I'm looking forward to it for the hot wings that my wife will make. Hot wings are on the menu on those nights such as this; add to that list The Oscars, The Emmys, The Grammys, well, you get the picture. Suffice it to say you have to sign a waiver to enjoy these delicacies. I also look forward to the ads. Thanks to the Internet some ads get leaked and that ruins the much awaited day. For most Texans the absence of a Texas team makes it just another football contest. Yes, I do know the teams, Arizona Cardinals and that other team from Pittsburgh (being a former Oiler fan, that's a name that is not spoken in this household...). It's still a big night.
During that contest, twenty-two men are on the field, equipped with the latest gear that is supposed to protect them from hard hits, bone-crushing tackles, etc. In spite of that equipment, players still get hurt. Well, we've been talking about the great resource we have in our spiritual battles that are found in The Holy Bible. Our theme this week has been about bringing the Word of God to life, and as Paul mentions in Ephesians 6:17 "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." If we face life knowing in our minds that we are saved and in a loving relationship with God, we are protected. And like the Roman guard that Paul faced each day, Paul knew that the power of that guard to protect Paul and himself, he had a sword. Our sword "is the word of God," meaning our Bible. The more we read and learn The Bible, the stronger we are in facing all that we face. Don't let your sword get dusty, use it!
PRAYER: God of power and might, I thank You for the gift of spiritual protection that You offer to us. Let me claim the knowledge of my relationship with You as my helmet and let me use Your Word as my sword in fighting off temptation, injustice, oppression, and evil. I ask this in Christ Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
