Those darn horseflies and yellow jackets!
The other day, while Tim and I were enjoying our morning walk on our “private”/thousand plus acres trail (click here for more details regarding “our” trail), I was being bombarded by those irritating flying insects. A couple of benefits during their annoying attacks were; I was challenged to do a little jog on my bummed ankle, and I probably burned a few more calories than originally planned from all the movement I was doing by marching high and thrashing my arms all over the place. Yet, for the most part, my peaceful walk did not end well. I was aggravated and bitten.
The next morning, I was more prepared. I was protected by the spray of insect repellant…from head to toe! I did not want to take the chance of being on the receiving end of the aggressive-blood feeding-pest.
Satisfaction was felt when a few buzzing critters went zooming past my head. It was as if I wasn’t even around and they were on a mission to discover their next target. It was then when I made the following connection:
Those horseflies and yellow jackets are like the sin, or even the temptations of it, in our lives. They end up being irritating, annoying, and can be aggressive hindrances in our lives. The “sin bite” ends up being infuriating.
When we prepare and protect ourselves by bathing in The Word and putting on The Armor of God each day, sin has a better chance of repelling from us.
I pray that you will wake up each morning and say, “Not today, Satan”, by preparing for your day by putting on the full armor of God.

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the 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 addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. ¹⁹ And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ²⁰ I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:10-20

Blessings to you and yours. Enjoying soaking up The Son wherever you are. Love, Stephanie.