The Forecast for Today...

What would I do without the Weather Channel? Pretty much every day I logon to the website to look at the forecast for the day, mainly to help me determine what I'm going to wear. (During the summer I usually don't bother, though--the forecast is always hot, with chance of afternoon showers.)

I wish we had a spiritual forecast that we could look at each day. Wouldn't it be nice if we knew in advance that today would be partly joyful with a stormy encounter coming in the afternoon? Or that we'd need an extra measure of patience at night? Or that a front of temptation was heading our way around noon?

I suppose that's why Paul tells us to put on the FULL armor of God:

Ephesians 6:10 "A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. 13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."

How often do I run out of the house in the morning without girding myself, preparing myself for the battles ahead?