03.30.05

Monday (03.21.05), in Red Lake, Minnesota there was another school shooting killing one teacher, a school security guard, five students and wounding 7 others before the gunman took his own life. Before arriving at the school Jeff Wiese also apparently killed his grandfather and his grandfather‘s companion.

This week I will be continuing to resend devotionals written in response to previous school shootings and similar tragedies in the hope that additional such tragedies might be prevented.

Adequate Preparation

(Originally sent 03.06.01)

Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:10-11.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:17-18.

Have you heard of the Republic of Lomar? It is a fictitious country said to be located between the United States and Canada. Thousands of Nigerians have been paying up to twelve dollars for a visa to the imaginary country. Seems to be a somewhat elaborate and misleading scam. The website of Lomar, www.republic-of-lomar.org, claims to be the leading virtual state in the world.

Here in the United States living in another country became more attractive today with the news of another school shooting in California. Two students were killed and 13 injured in this latest shooting. The possibility of deadly violence at school appears to be a reality all across the country. According to school officials in California they had practiced drills as to what to do in case of a shooting. However, the school did not have metal detectors. Who would have thought ten years ago that schools would need to have metal detectors to prevent a massacre from taking place? It is a reality today in the USA but it is still hard, very hard to believe!

How can children, and young people face going to school again tomorrow? How can parents and grandparents face sending their children and grandchildren to school again tomorrow? We know that life goes on and school goes on and the students across this country will be expected to be in their places with bright and sunny faces tomorrow. If I were to have to face such a thing tomorrow I believe I would want to have God on my side.

Adequate preparation for each school day should include prayer. Praying for the protection of each family member is a necessity whether they are at school, the workplace or even at home. Preparation should also include the Word of God. “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).” Intake of the Word of God is necessary to provide strength and courage to face each day. Adequate preparation should also include weekly assembling together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25) and the Wednesday night prayer meeting would most likely provide additional fortitude for the week.

Actually we don’t need a visa to the Republic of Lomar what we need is to stay here and fight the spiritual battles that need to be fought if our country is to survive. Anyone want to sign up? Commit yourself to the battle! Prepare for each week and each day spiritually.