If you'd like to watch, click on Pastor Squatch Musings!

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14, ESV

In its inception, Christianity was not a “dip your toe in” faith. Faith is not like clothing to try on and see how it fits. Once God claims you, it is with you forever. It is an action put upon you by God, and He is the one meant to call the shots. We often like to make the Christian walk more about us and what we do, and less a submissive act in which we take on the mantle of what we are meant to be, soldiers. We are called to submit ourselves to an authority above us, who will guide and direct us in our lives. Like a soldier, once enlisted, your life is not your own. Unlike a soldier, we may not be able to choose to sign on the dotted line, but we are given a duty, nonetheless. As our Lord’s, our orders are written for us in the Word and upon our hearts. We are called to pray, to protect, and to proclaim. As we gather in worship, we are being prepared for what we will face outside, and our love is expressed in the desire to be a light in the world and shine out in the darkness so that others may come to know the love of Jesus and live in His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.