17 Feb, 2010

That Only Happens in Movies

Police officer saved from bullet by badge

Picture of a police badgeLAS VEGAS (AP) — A police officer's badge may have saved his life when it stopped a bullet during an exchange of gunfire in North Las Vegas.

Police say the 31-year-old officer was patrolling just before 10 p.m. Saturday when he heard shots being fired in an apartment complex.

While investigating, the officer came upon a person with a gun and opened fire. The officer returned fire and was hit. But the bullet hit the badge, and the officer suffered only minor injuries.

Story provided by: komonews.com.

Ephesians 6:13-17 (New Living Translation)

   Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What does God's Story scripture teach us about how to be ready?

Today's scripture comes out of a letter Paul writes to the church at Ephesus. Paul was writing to encourage this portion of the church. The city where this church existed was a curtain for forms of pagan worship. Paul was giving instruction to help them stay the course as they lived in the midst of a society that was doing anything but worshiping God. The people around this church had no interest in Jesus, but lots of material desires. This letter reminded them they weren't alone and that God was providing help to them.

How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?

Ephesus doesn't sound anything like the world we live in does it? The people around us aren't consumed by material desires? Everyone wants to know all they can about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, right? No, of course not. To make it that much more heartbreaking, they want us to chase after "material things" as well.

The world seems to desire us to be wrapped up in anything but God. That makes Paul's words important to us as well. We have to stand strong, and we have to stand our ground and take some hits, but in the end we will still be standing.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

Ephesus was part of the Roman Empire, so I'm sure that as people heard these words read, they pictured the legions of Roman soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, guarding each other from attack. Sometimes our shield and our sword isn't just for us; once in a while we have to stand up and defend our friends, maybe even to battle on the spiritual front for them. Are you ready to cover a friend? Are you willing to stand firm and wield the sword of the spirit for them?

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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