Armed and Dangerous!

There are concealed weapons and Revealed Weapons… aren’t there, Lord?

I did something today I never imagined I would ever do.  I completed a firearms safety training course!  It consisted of two parts — classroom instruction and hands-on shooting range practice.  For the first time in my life, I held a handgun and fired 6 rounds.  I guess I didn’t do too badly for a “newbie”:  TWO bull’s eyes and two more close to the bull’s eye line!

On Monday, I could take my certificate to the county tax collector’s office, pay a fee and initiate the fingerprint and background check process.  Within 60 days, I could have a concealed weapons permit.  My dear husband thinks it’s a good idea.  There are times when I have been in remote places without him.  He would feel more comfortable knowing I had some self-defense “insurance.”  I’m still a long way from that, but I’m willing to explore the options.

As I was waiting in line for my hands-on training, You reminded me that I already have a Weapons permit.  The permit You issued to me, Lord, when I first opened my heart to You and switched sides in this very real war that had previously been invisible to me!

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”  (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

I’m already considered “armed and dangerous” to the “soldiers” in the enemy’s camp.  We all are — every one of Your children, Abba!  If only we would all diligently seek to both understand and effectively use the weapons and armor You have entrusted to us… maybe we would all walk a bit more boldly in the victory You have already won for us, Lord.  Amen?!  Because the weapons You give us are not concealed weapons at all…

… they are Revealed Weapons!   “Revealed” to all who have spiritual eyes through which to see them… — including, especially, Your enemies!  Weapons like the Sword of the Spirit, Your priceless and powerful Word!  And Prayer!  And the most powerful weapon of all — Your Very Presence in us!

“… My Word that goes out from My mouth:  It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11)

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  (James 5:16b)

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20b)

And what about the power of Your life-giving blood, shed for us?  And our powerful testimonies about You?  And the authority You have delegated to us, to push back the darkness and bring forth Your Kingdom on earth?

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Messiah.  For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”  (Revelation 12:10-11)

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”  (Luke 10:19)

“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”  (John 14:13-14)

Someone sent me a funny (also very wise) saying recently that has been circulating through the Internet.  It purports to be Satan’s first thought in the morning when one of Your followers wakes up:

“Oh, [expletive deleted}… [Insert our name] is AWAKE!”

So, I will take whatever next steps You make clear to me, Lord, on this concealed weapons saga.   But I can’t help but wonder: Who needs a handgun when I’m already “packing” Jesus???!!!

Abba’s Girl

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