Badges and Banners and Shields, Oh My! | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Badges and Banners and Shields, Oh My! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Janet Murphy
01/18/17
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Each of us map out different paths in our Jesus journey and with the help and nudging of the Holy Spirit, all roads can lead us Home. There is no stop clock timing us or rating us but lots of obvious and not so obvious obstacles to maneuver. In our journey, we are all drawn to different markers to keep us on track. And yes, detours, missed signs and steep hikes are part of the grace-filled learning curve. This is a bond we share as Christians; we can show up before the Lord bruised, bleeding and downright stinky, yet His banner over us at the finish line of the day is always love!

Can you remember a time when there was no other explanation for your peace but God? That based on the events you just climbed out of, with your slight spiritual limp, you should have been discouraged and defeated, yet you proudly wore your badge of victory for all the world to see. Not with the kind of pride that brands people as arrogant, but the kind that says, “thank you Lord, where would I be if not for You”. One that encourages others to take a chance on the One who never fails us and always seals our steps for His Glory.

We always have an assortment of shields at our ready, with a three-fold purpose; Glorify God, be victorious in the situation and encourage someone along the way. I find that I reach for my shield of joy most often. Joy is not happiness. Joy is a confidence-candle that burns silent and steady in the darkest of nights. Joy is a cool drink that refreshes and revives a thirsty heart. Joy is that unspoken but heard Voice that never stops saying “I love you – I always have”. Joy cannot be earned, faked or ignored. Like salvation, joy is a gift from God to be shared daily. The precious gifts He gives are not to be treasured out of reach like a family heirloom – but so close to our heart we have but to say the name “Jesus” and we are in His presence.

Although Joy is my favorite shield, any shield I may use is useless without the Sword of the Spirit; His Word. His Word must truly become a “lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” or I will not have the power to hold my shield steady against the enemy.

In our world, secular and non-secular; people attack each other in every way possible and at every opportunity. Remember the Presidential election? Who people think you are – a branding of sorts is at an all-time high resulting in bullying, broken relationships, depression, and sadly suicides. Advertising campaigns talk us into emblems and insignias that, at the end of the day, have no bearing on eternity.

But we do have a bearing on eternity, and not just for ourselves! I’m not one for getting a tattoo, (way too scared of needles!) but I’m up for a spiritual tattoo – I kind of like “God’s girl”. Who’s with me?

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