BBD 02.23.09 Unprepared
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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02.23.09
Unprepared
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. .the solid foundation of
God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let
everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But in a great
house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and
clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and
useful for the Master, PREPARED for every good work. Flee also youthful
lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on
the Lord out of a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:15; 19-22.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped (PREPARE and
equip - NLT) for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
In Colorado Springs, Colorado, they are considering imposing a fee on hikers
who make it to the summit of Pikes Peak and then are unable to walk back
down. Around fifteen thousand people climb or walk up the 12 miles to the
top of Pikes Peak every year. One of those hikers last year in December made
it to the summit after dark and then broke into the restaurant to keep from
freezing to death. He was charged $500 for the ride back down and for the
window he broke.
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado can be dangerous. One man reported that he
had during his climbing and walking in the mountains experienced snow during
every month of the year at one time or another. Pikes Peak has experienced
deadly snow storms even in July. I have made it to the top of Pikes Peak
twice. Once I was in a truck that my Dad was driving. He had helped a
teacher move to Boulder from Oklahoma, and we did some sightseeing on the
way back home. When my family was young I drove up to the top of the
mountain during one of our vacations. Even for someone in reasonably good
health just a hike up the road to the summit of the mountain would be a
challenge. If you ran into an ice storm or a blizzard on the way up or down
it would make the hike exponentially more difficult and hazardous. To make
the climb up and down Pikes Peak successfully it will be necessary to do
some planning and preparation.
The Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" is a good motto for Christians too. When
Baden-Powell the founder of scouting was asked what scouts should be
prepared for he responded by saying, "Why for any old thing." Christians
need to be prepared too. What do we need to be prepared for? We need to be
prepared for everything that we may encounter in life. We do have an enemy
and that enemy wants to destroy us (John 10:10a).
There is a story in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 13 that illustrates that
the enemy will try to make us unprepared. In an attempt to disarm the
Israelites, the Philistines had cornered the market on blacksmiths and those
who were capable of sharpening swords, knives, spears, and pitchforks. Just
prior to battle nearly all of the weapons of the Israelites were in
Philistine hands so that they could be sharpened. The scheme did not work
because God kept it from working, but it is an example of what the enemy
will attempt to do. The enemy will try to disarm you, make you ineffective,
and unprepared for the battles that you will face in life.
Don't be fooled! Instead be prepared. Study the Word of God, turn from being
a vessel of dishonor, and be a worker who needs not be ashamed (Romans
1:16) - a vessel of honor.
Copyright © 2009. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
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