Recently, my husband and I have been spending more time outdoors, enjoying nature’s serenity. Have you ever heard of :screen time?” The experts say kids should limit screen time. Many of us grownups need to reduce our own screen time as well, I know I do! So, I have embarked on a personal mission of setting my phone down, closing the laptop, and going outside. 

As a kid, I spent most of the summer outdoors. In the morning, I hopped on my bicycle to meet with friends, with pit stops home for meals. My curfew was, “be home before dark.” My mamaw didn’t snapchat or text my cell phone when lunch was ready, she stood on the front porch, yelling, “Mo-ni-ca!” at the top of her lungs. Such fond memories of fresh air, activity, and socializing. 

Now that I’m spending more time outside, my appreciation for nature has renewed. Sitting by the lake, coffee on the porch, gardening, bicycling, walking, and exploring new parks makes me feel like a kid again! I have found myself stopping to tune in to the sounds of the wind, water, and wildlife. Retraining my brain to slow down, and simply “be” in the moment. I intentionally stop to admire the magnificence of God’s creative work. It reminds me of Psalm 19:1, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (NLT) and Romans 1:20, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (NLT). 

God’s creation holds such beauty, and mystery. There is the physical, and the spiritual. 

For me, it’s easy to get distracted by the physical; the daily tasks of living in a modern world. Yet there’s much more to our experience than what we can see in the physical. As I reflect on the goodness of God, I have such gratitude for having the peace of God, as I spent many years in a taxing battle with fear. I didn’t understand the concept of spiritual warfare at the time. My FireBible explains “Christians are involved in a spiritual conflict with evil, this conflict is described as a warfare of faith, (2 Cor. 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:18-19; 6:12). 

I’m also grateful for my mentor, Pastor Laurie, who’s guided me on the topic, and on the importance of staying in God’s word, fellowship, and putting on “the Armor of God,” found in Ephesians 6:10-18, “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.”

Nobody knows better than us Minnesotans how important it is to be prepared with the appropriate attire, it’s serious business! When we are in the midst of spiritual conflict, let us pray on the Armor of God, onto ourselves and also onto others whom we pray for, when engaged in battle. I found it interesting to learn that the armor consists of 5 defensive components and one offensive piece - the word of God. Whether you are first learning about the armor, or are being reminded, I pray that this message blesses you. I think of the wonderful words of Jesus, in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)