May 28, 2009
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4
Perhaps you’ve heard about the credit card reform legislation recently passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. One thing you may not have heard about is the provision inserted into the bill that will allow national park visitors to carry loaded and concealed weapons.
I’m certainly not going to get into politics here, but just mention the two sides of the matter. The measure’s sponsor, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, believes it’s less about guns themselves than it is states’ rights, since people who are otherwise authorized under state law to have firearms would be entitled to have them in national parks and wildlife refuges unless a state law prohibited it, according to The New York Times.
One the other hand, not only are gun-control advocates opposed to the provision, so are many park groups, says national parks expert Kurt Repanshek. They’re concerned that the increased presence of weapons will not only compromise the public’s safety, but possibly lead to more poaching, and make a park ranger’s job more dangerous.
This hot-button issue won’t be going away any time soon. It’s a dangerous world out there sometimes, and we all have to decide how best to protect ourselves physically. The same is true in the spiritual realm. “Be self controlled and alert,” the apostle Peter advises. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Thank God we don’t have to come up with the weapons for that fight ourselves! He graciously and abundantly supplies everything we need—truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation—to win the war with temptation, hardship, sorrow, pain and everything else the world throws at us, so we can stand our ground (from Ephesians 6:10-18).
How to get those weapons? If you’re not sure, start with prayer—even one as simple as, “Lord, show me”—then find out what He has to say by reading His word, the Bible. The New Testament books of John and Romans are good places to begin.
I’d also like to hear from you. What do you do to “put on the armor” for this daily battle?
Welcome to the world of blogging, Penny! So glad to see yet another Christian who is in love with God AND His Creation! Don at EvanEco.com told me about you, so I’m grateful to him, too!
There’s nothing like The Word for putting on the FULL armor of God, is there? Also, Christian Music!
Drop by any of my blogs and say “Howdy” to your Sister in Christ!
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11
Sounds scary to me, Penny. Not only for humans, but for those scurrying squirrels hunters will see. Bad idea, I’d say.
(Your background image is gorgeous!)
Blessings!
Have to agree with April. Guns in the National Parks!?
Such good thoughts, Penny. Well, if you read my blog http://www.OurStoriesGodsGlory.blogspot.com, you’ll find out what I do to arm myself. I go face down on the floor in prayer, use the 4 Steps of Prayer I’ve learned through Moms In Touch (www.MomsInTouch.org), and I use Charles Stanley’s 6 Ss. Thankfully, no matter what we are safe in God’s care!
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