Using the word in the battle

I can't tell sometimes whether the battle is outside of me or inside me. At times it is clear but when it comes in the form of something I want I am left wondering of it is within. I read a few years ago a great book by someone I had the privilege to meet. The name of the book is Taking Up the Shield or something to that effect. It has been the only theological book I have been able to finish besides the Bible. It was based on Ephesians 6 the portion of scripture on taking up the full armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING put ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

It is easy to think that not fighting will help but truly it won't. So if you are a sort of pacifist like me still take up the sword and shield its not only for men its for women too. By God's grace I strengthen by God, by all the armour He provides I can resist sin, the devil, and flee temptation.

My thoughts October 30, 2015

I slept early and am awake now. This weekend will be full, Saturday celebrating my nephew's birthday, going to a get together, small group, seeing my sister hopefully. On Sunday I will be in Stillwater to spend time with friends. I am praying that God may help me and guide. I have been blessed by friends and family. I have been feeling very restless I don't know what's wrong. I keep a lot of things unsaid.
Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Night

It's dark, and the good thing about this time where the moon is the light that shines is the promise of day. Of the long reach bands of light dispelling the shadows. Where crime is less likely to occur, where there is simple beauty. So here I am thinking about the inherent loveliness of purity and innocence. How being a virgin does not make a person pure. God can purity the most wretched sinner, by the blood of Jesus Christ. God can do that not only to someone like me but like everyone on this bus, from the self-righteousness to the idolater, from the little child to the wizened elderly. They need to hear about the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, His just wrath against us, and that our only hope would be that Christ would take our punishment. That He who paid a debt not His would have it count for someone like me. Oh God that His laborers would preach His Word to the lost.
The scabbard and sword are there, if I would but pull it free from its place.
I hope to be home soon but in the meanwhile I will walk in His light though it be dark all around.

Awake

Was listening to a sermon by Steven Lawson about being a new creation. The sermon is entitled A New You. It brought to my attention that today I was acting more like the old me. God please help me. I was listening to reggeaton music, animosity in my heart toward men. What is wrong with me? Yet by God's grace I saw it and repent. God's word has been a lot on my mind. Being dead to sin but alive in Christ. My life being hidden with Christ. God has been good in washing me with His Word. He can save me from this body of flesh. So many of His promises are within reach.
Right now what comes to mind is two portions of scripture.
Colossians 3:2-3 NASB
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 4:8 NASB
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

For God Alone

Waiting for something I know is coming is easy for me because I know it shall be mine. Waiting for God is easy because something inside me says that I am His.
Impatience is an awful thing is it not bringing about envy and bitterness but their is hope for the believer in this "I want it now culture". God grants a great promise in Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
He can grant peace in the wait, in the anxious longing of one's heart, whether He grants the request it is according to God's will and I am writing this for my own benefit God brings about moment of great clarity at times that is a blessing. 
So today in in thinking about waiting whether it be for God as in Psalm 63 or for an unfulfilled hope may my heart and whoever else reads this be grant peace and patience in the wait. These are my thoughts in thinking about Psalm 62 (ESV)
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
² He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

³ How long will all of you attack a man
    to batter him,
    like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
⁴ They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
    They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
    but inwardly they curse.Selah

⁵ For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
⁷ On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah

⁹ Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
¹⁰ Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

¹¹ Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
¹²     and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
    according to his work.