November 23 A Tool in One Hand, A Spear in the Other

Our enemies learned that we knew all about their plan and that God had

frustrated it. And we went back to the wall and went to work. From then

on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with

lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup

for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall. The common

laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. Each of the

builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the

trumpeter at my side to sound the alert.

Nehemiah 4:15-18

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So

take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the

best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to

everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll

walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a

life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.

Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when

it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth,

righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how

to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an

indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing

warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your

eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops

out.

Ephesians 6:10-18