"The Calm Before/After the Storm"

              Good morning all. As I stated before in previous posts, our family has been through a lot over the past few weeks. Although our family is doing well, we are all fatigued and some even almost to the point of being burned out. These past few weeks has been mentally and physically draining to us all. The surgeries were successful. Both my Grandmom and little cousin are recovering well. This is because of much needed physical therapy, our family's caring, and much needed prayer. You see when you pray to God and ask Him for strength and healing for yourself or for your loved one, and God answers prayers of the faithful, He will bring you through. But you have to remember, and this is very important, you have to continue to pray and give thanks.         A lot of times you'll ask the lord to bless you with something or ask Him for something. You'll  get on our knees & pray & beg the lord to make a way. Then when you get that blessing, and he does make a way for you, you go on & continue to live life the way you've been living it & turn your back on & forget to give thanks to the one who gave you your blessings in the 1st place. True story. This is usually the calm after the storm. It's when the storm you just went through is over and you feel like life is that much easier for you because you no longer have to deal with that particular situation for a while. But rest assure there will be more storms to weather. But it's at this time, the calm after the storm, that you are supposed to continue your daily worship and commune with the Lord. That way when the next storm arises, you'll have the strength to stand.         Think of your faith as a shield that weakens over time. Ephesians 6:10-18 Says 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;        Look at verses 10-11. They give us instruction on how to prepare for the everyday struggles of the spiritual warfare we face. Though many believers & non-believers alike may not agree or see it, spiritual warfare does exist. Now look again at verses 12-16. They tell us how to dress for battle. Each verse gives a in-depth description on what each piece of armor represents. And finally, 17-18 gives us the "CHARGE" call. The call to step on the battle field and take on life's daily challenges. The helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit which is the word of God, our most powerful weapon. And another more important instruction also  appears in verse 18. Praying Always with supplication in the spirit.  Did you catch that? Praying Always. Always!!! Always!!! Always!!!! Praying always because we are under constant attack. The calm after the storm, or the calm before the storm, whichever you prefer, is a time the devil goes back to the drawing board and strategies another attack.      So as I stated before, we have to be aware of these spiritual attacks. Keeping your head on a swivel so to speak. Not saying that you can have fun and live life. But "knuckle up and Guard ya grill" as we used to say around the way. Meaning, like verse 11 says. Put on the full armor of God everyday And get ready to step on that battlefield. Cause rest assure, just because we find peace in Jesus Christ, doesn't mean satin won't try & attack our faith and try and break our relationship with our father. But James 4:7 says  7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.      Remember, though this storm may be over, BEFORE the next one arises, revert back to these verses. The only way to commune with Christ is e diligent study of the word of the Lord.               God bless you all and Have a safe blessed day.                                        ~Rev. Tyrone Birch~