via TJC
‘I know your deeds, toil, and perseverance, that you cannot tolerate evil men and put those who call themselves apostles to the test. You have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love… that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality. - Revelation 2:4-20 I practice to become proficient at using a tool. Firearms and words are tools. Because I hunt for food, I want to be excellent at hitting my intended target. So I invest in practice. Regardless of distances, I like to keep my shots within a 3” diameter. During practice, others compliment me on my consistent groupings. This practice not only brings forth human accolades but also a consistent stock of venison in our freezer. I can be a good food and insurance provider for those I love. But how are my groupings regarding other serious matters: My wife and children's hearts. Lately, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me about my word groupings. Have I been consistent in loving my wife, regardless of how I am treated? Did I hit the bullseye when it came to speaking into my children's lives, guiding them with my Godly words? One definition of sin is ‘missing the mark.’ Do I have nice groupings when speaking to evil attempting to come into my home or hitting the bullseye in training my children…or am I barely cutting paper? Or am I too busy fantasizing or playing Metal Slug Tactics? I am growing in my faith by embracing the guidance of the Spirit of the Disciplines. Daily Battle Order Let us lay aside every encumbrance which so easily entangles us. Run with endurance the race set before you. Examine yourself. Practice speaking encouragement to your wife or those in your care. Evaluate how much time you invest in fantasies verses meditating on His Word. Invest in becoming proficient in speaking to evil and thus avoid missing the mark when the serpent enters your garden.
I think of how I do miss the mark with many things in my life, but this one, "Evaluate how much time you invest in fantasies verses meditating on His Word." is a real struggle for me. I put on the armor every day yet I don't practice enough with my sword to be on target every time. This Battle Order is a good reminder for me to practice my swordsmanship to be accurate every time.