Thoughts from the President

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen:  Sometimes, people have problems because they are making poor choices or doing something wrong. But other times, people are having difficulties because they are doing something right. When you're determined to fulfill your God-given destiny, and you're taking steps to improve your life or make a difference in your family or community, don't be surprised if you face opposition. The enemy is not going to just roll out the red carpet and watch you fulfill your God-given destiny. He'll do whatever he can to keep you from moving forward. The Apostle Paul said this, "A wide door of opportunity is open for me and there are many adversaries." I've found anytime you try to go forward in life, anytime you try to make progress, there will be opposition. But with God on your side, you can stand your ground! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. If you're facing opposition today, keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping. Keep fighting the good fight of faith until you see the victory He has in store for you!

Cary's Thought: Just going through a recent spiritual battle of my own I studied this particular passage. I like you have heard about "the breastplate of righteousness", "protect your feet with the gospel of peace", "the shield of faith" which protects us from the fiery darts of the wicked one, "the helmet of salvation", and the "sword of the Spirit, which is salvation", I have had these memorized and realized the importance of these in my life since Vacation Bible School. I went to Vacation Bible School so often as a child that I thought it was the school my parents enrolled me in during the summer months, so I know these principles. Each one of these are so very important in a battle with the evil one. But through all the years of memorization I always stopped short. If you continue to read it is clearly stated: "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perservance and supplication for all the saints. (vs. 19). Bottom Line we need to pray for each other. As I think back over these past few months I am overwhelmed at so many of my friends who were not even aware of the circumstances that committed to pray. I am more than ever aware of the importance of prayer for each other. It is part of our "ARMOR".

MY PRAYER TODAY: Lord, I ask that each day we do engage in battle. I pray that our Spiritual walk is one that demands engagement. I pray that we commit to make a difference for you. I pray that before we go into warfare each day that we put on all our protection. I pray that part of that protection is a covering of prayer for each other. Lord, I need the prayers of your saints on a daily basis. Thank you for the Joe Roggemann's of this world who have committed to pray for myself and FCC. Thank you for providing the best equipment available to overcome our daily struggles. You are a Mighty God and for that we are so thankful.