Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

It’s been said that a good offense wins football games but a good defense wins championships. A solid defense is crucial, but if a team can’t score they’ll never win even if they hold their opponents to no points. Every team needs a good offense, too. Winning teams can slowly but surely move the ball down the field to score. They can also score from far away. When necessary they can grind it up, using the clock and moving the ball down the field. A strong offense brings victory.

God provides for our offense as well. Not only does He give us ways to defend ourselves against the enemy’s attacks, He also provides a way for us to go on the offensive, to take the battle to the enemy, and to win. That is through the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

When Jesus was tempted He quoted Scripture to have victory over Satan’s temptations. Psalm 119:9,11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When we have negative thoughts and attacks we must use Scripture to have victory. Ask God to give you some verses that will help against these things, write them down and memorize them. Say them over and over when these thoughts attack you. That is the only way to victory, and God guarantees it will work!

So every morning before getting up and getting into the game you must put on your uniform. Put on the helmet of salvation so you have God’s thoughts, the breastplate of righteousness (pads) to protect yourself from sin by Jesus’ holiness, and the belt of truth to keep from being deceived by the enemy’s lies.

In addition, put on the shoes of peace so your daily standing is secure, take up the shield of faith (stiff arm those trying to tackle you) so you can face whatever happens in strong faith, and pick up the sword of the Word of God, which is the only way to move ahead against the enemy. Study, memorize and quote Scripture against whatever comes up in your life. When you wear His uniform you can enter the game assured of victory. But you have to put it on and use it!

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…. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Reflect

• Each morning, before getting out of bed, mentally put on the uniform God has provided so you can get in the game and defeat the enemy of your soul.
• When in ministry its easy to use the Word each day without really personally feeding on it. Are you guilty of this? What do you need to do today to correct this?
• What part of the uniform are you weakest in? That’s where the enemy will attack to defeat you. What can you do to be stronger in that area?
• What are some of your favorite verses to use when attacked? Make sure they are always available. No matter how good a defense you have, winning only comes by attacking your opponent using the Word of God.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Posted on January 26, 2009