it's a war out there 88/366

a few months ago I was cleaning the sanctuary on Damron Branch,
pushing the Bona mop over the hardwood floors to remove the dust
and something slid from under a pew    
when it stopped spinning I recognized the shape-
it was a small, tan, plastic army guy  

I was fighting a battle, hard, that day 
so when I saw that little man, 
crouched, 
armed and ready for war,
I was encouraged,
and prayed "Lord, this is perfect, thank you..."
as I bent over to pick it up I was surprised-
that was no rifle barrel on his back,
it was a radio antenna sticking up
my heart beat a little faster as I realized
this really was a perfect find
and it was exactly what I needed 
he has been sitting in my kitchen window sill since then
a constant reminder that praying,
remaining in close communication with my Commander, 
is the most effective way to prepare for and fight every battle that comes my way

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Philippians 4:4-8