I want to stray away from one of those diary-esque posts that consist of me primarily writing about my day and what I did. That is what I would label as a "diary" and I personally don't want a diary.
That being said, I listened to a very good sermon today by a man named Russ McKendry concerning the armor of God. It was the last of 15 sermons from the book of Ephesians.
Needless to say this sermon spiritually "kicked me in the pants" in terms of apathy towards spiritual adversity.
I clean 3rd floor of the men's dorm (Lang Hall) and this process usually takes an hour and a half. Therefore, leaving me with plenty of time to listen to a sermon. Considering I clean most every day, I find myself listening to a sermon most every day. So when I listened to this particular sermon that was recommended to me by my good friend Michael Tooley; I found myself captured at the authenticity and power attached to each word spoken throughout the entirety of the sermon. I didn't expect to be so "wounded" by the truth found in this sermon.
Specifically the end of the sermon when he read a passage from John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress". I found myself engaged in perhaps the best explanation and presentation of the armor of God that I've heard and it simply broke me.
Instead of being prepared and ready for whatever spiritual adversity that is at hand, I have been in a state of apathy and this, dear friends, requires immediate repentance.
Following the sermon I jotted the following thought down: "I find apathy amongst the church today to be both alarming and devastating. Although, I must admit I find myself among the apathetic far more than I would care to admit..."
For far too long have I prayed and simply said words without a hint of sincerity present. I have been distracted too easily and I will be found unprepared if I don't change my habits ASAP.
My prayer is simple, that I care about what is taking place around me.
Verse of the Day: Ephesians 6:10-20 "10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying 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, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Word of the Day: Fountain
Male Name of the Day: Melvin
Female Name of the Day: Beatrice
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