Today I am thrilled to feature a guest post by friend and writer Marnie Pohlmann. Marnie heads up our local 'Peace Christian Writers' group and this is a devotional she shared last Saturday at the beginning of our mini 'retreat'. I was so impressed, I asked her permission to post it here. I know you will be as inspired as I was.
We have met here to set out on an expedition. We have our companions for encouragement, some food for sustenance, our supplies, and our swords. Yes, on today’s journey, when we pick up our pens, or open our laptops, we are unsheathing our swords.
Often in our daily lives we are quite content to just know that our sword is by our side, safe within reach, but only needed if we sense danger. The trouble with carrying our sword but not wielding it regularly is that eventually it will become rusty and feel heavy in our hand.
To keep our blade shining and our wit sharp we need to take care of our sword, and practice using it. So we need to polish our words, to learn our craft, and to exercise our skill.
That is why we have gathered for today’s adventure. We will stand strong together and go to battle; we will strike paper with pen and see the ink flow. With our swords we will slay dragons in a fairytale, or shave years away to reveal a memory, or whittle away until we have researched the truth amid the brambles.
As much as our time will be filled with laughter and fun, as Christian writers – whether or not we plan today to write a Christian message – we also need to prepare our hearts and minds for the quest. There will be times when the trail won’t be easy, or we may be distracted, so let’s begin by putting on the Armour of God so we will be prepared to conquer our goals for today.
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18 says:
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Hebrews 4:12 also describes God's Word as a sword:
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
God’s Word is a sword, a mighty weapon. Our words can also be powerful, so today let’s practice using them so we can bring glory to God.
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18 says:
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Hebrews 4:12 also describes God's Word as a sword:
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
God’s Word is a sword, a mighty weapon. Our words can also be powerful, so today let’s practice using them so we can bring glory to God.
Marnie Pohlmann
Peace Christian Writers
March 26, 2011
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the posting, Marnie!
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to the sentence, "...whether or not we plan today to write a Christian message – we also need to prepare our hearts and minds for the quest."
So true... whatever the message we write, we need His breath on it to make it alive and real to our readers.
I don't believe there are any lines drawn between writings that are 'secular' or 'christian'.
As believers, we write from that place where we're seated in heavenly places. So no matter what the topic or genre, the breathings of His life on our words/His Words will bring His kingdom 'on earth as it is in heaven'.
Yes. Now you can see why I wanted Marnie to be my guest. her words are very insightful and really hit the mark
ReplyDeleteGood post. Thanks to both! :)
ReplyDelete