OUCH!!!

If you are a fan of Pit Bulls, this is probably pretty painful to look at. If you are NOT a fan of Pit Bulls, shame on you for thinking, "Take that! You vicious, ugly, nasty beast!" Though I can't ever remember having a single tender thought about any of the Pit Bulls I've encountered. Nevertheless, they are one of God's amazing creatures and even vicious, ugly, nasty beasts that attack innocent children and sweet little old ladies need love and understanding. Here is what we can learn from the painful experience of this poor guy... here it is... are you ready... Listen, there are some things we are simply not equipped to deal with in our own strength! Even though porcupines don't look all that formidable, they are able to fire their quills with accuracy and precision. And once the quills hit their mark they aren't easily removed.

The Apostle Paul has some pretty awesome counsel about dealing with the painful darts that are fired from the dark side. He says that we aren't equipped to deal with enemy fire in our own strength... we need to put on the full armor of God to protect us from painful darts that are fired from the dark side. Here is the list Paul posted in Ephesians chapter 6:

• Belt of Truth... keeps us from being exposed
  
• Breastplate of Righteousness... protects our hearts
  
• Gospel of Peace... helps us to walk the path of peace
• Shield of Faith... enables us to keep the faith
• Helmet of Salvation... so things can't mess with our heads
• Sword of the Spirit... powerful ammo from the Word of God

Don't try to deal with enemy fire in your own strength. Regularly put on the FULL Armor of God. And when you are hit by painful darts from the dark side, don't try to hide your wounds. Allow others to apply the love of Jesus to where it hurts. Be Blessed and Stretched... Bob