FOR COACHES ONLY
WEEK OF MARCH 15, 2010
ARMOR
READY:
"Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil." – Ephesians 6:10-11 (Holman Christian Standard)
SET:
Catchers are different from other baseball players. They often bring a certain swagger to the game. It takes a special person to put on the equipment that covers them from head to toe and then squat behind a guy swinging a bat. Even with all that protection, catchers take a beating from foul balls off their head, hands and feet. They are asked to block the plate as the opposing player slides in with spikes high or worse yet, jar the ball loose with a violent home plate collision. Sometimes catchers have their sanity questioned. Many times they are simply described as characters. Two of my favorite catchers are Yogi Berra and Bob Uecker. Berra is known for his bizarre one-liners such as, "when you come to the fork in the road, take it" and "90% of the game is half mental". When Uecker was once asked how to best catch a knuckleball, he replied, "wait until it stops rolling, then go to the backstop and pick it up". While catchers have a "tough guy" reputation, it would be unthinkable to get behind the plate without being fully equipped. Helmet, face mask, throat guard, chest protector and shin guards are just some of the equipment needed to protect the catcher on the playing field. He puts on the "full armor" every inning as he prepares for battle.
As Christians, we too must prepare ourselves for daily battle. It is important to remember that because God loves us, he equips us for these battles. God wants us to be fully prepared. The Apostle Paul encourages us to "suit up" in the full armor of God. In our own strength we are no match for the attacks Satan throws our way. We must learn to put on the "divine armor" that God has provided: the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness; our feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation and the sword of truth. God provides us with all the protection we need. Why would we ever try to fight the battles of this world without being fully equipped? So strap it on and tell Satan to bring it on!
GO:
1. How do you prepare yourself spiritually for each day?
2. Are there pieces of your armor missing?
3. What action do you need to take to be "fully" protected?
WORKOUT:
1 Samuel 17
Ephesians 6:10-20
1 Timothy 6:12
Make it a great week and God Bless.
