10 Jan, 2012

Defense Wins Championships

Alabama shuts out LSU for BCS title
The Alabama Crimson Tide more than avenged their only loss of the season Monday night, defeating the LSU Tigers 21-0 in the BCS Championship Game at New Orleans in a game once again dominated by defense and special teams.


Story and Photo Courtesy of news.google.com.
Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God

 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

What does today's God's Stor scripture teach us about playing defense?
When you take a close look at the Armor of God you notice that only real offensive weapon is the sword, or God's Word. Every other piece of the armor serves the purpose of protecting us from the enemy. It is for our defense. Just like it took an amazing defensive effort for Alabama to win the BCS Championship Game last night, if we are going to "win" in the battle against our spritiual enemy, we must defend ourselves by putting on the full armor of God.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • This might seem a little strange at first, but spend a few days this week literally putting on the armor every morning. 
  • Memorize the pieces of God's Armor, and as you get ready each day, imagine yourself putting it on piece by piece.
  • As you put on each piece, thank God for providing the armor for you.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
  • When you take an even closer look at the armor you will notice that the only part of the believers body that is not protected is the back. This means that we cannot go into this battle alone. Someone has to "have our back" and we need to work hard to "have someone else's back." 
  • Who has your back? Ask some close Christian friends to have your back in this spiritual war.
  • Whose back do you have? Tell a close Christian friend that you have their back.  

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