Scripture:  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 saints."

Our daughter began a regimen of healthy eating habits and exercise last fall.  After seeing the results she obtained, I began to follow her example.  I began getting up thirty minutes earlier each week day so I could spend that time exercising.  I usually spend the time it takes me to put on makeup and do my hair (Yes, Howard, I do spend too much time on these things.), thinking about and planning my office work for the day.  Then on my drive from Morehead City to my office in Havelock, I pray.

I have always struggled with taking time to study God’s Word.  At some point, I realized that I was taking time to exercise my body, but was lacking in exercising my mind spiritually.  While reading today’s scripture, I knew even more of the importance of taking time to pick up "the sword Of the Spirit, which is the word of God" at the beginning of each day.

Prayer:  Our Dearest Lord and Heavenly Father,  Thank you for the strength you give us to exercise our bodies.  Please ground us in the faith through Your Word, that we may put on the full armor of God and pray in the Sprit.  In Christ’s Name we pray.  Amen.

--Vicky Williams