Advent Devotional – 12.18.2021
Sam Preston
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
If you had asked me as a 5yr old “What do you want to do when you grow up?” I would have quickly said “I want to be a policeman.” Out of college I still wanted that dream, and was offered a job with a nearby agency.
For various reasons I turned that opportunity down. Right after, the above verses consumed my life. I would see them on calendars, t-shirts, billboards…everywhere. Fortunately, I was given another opportunity with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and was able to spend 27 blessed years.
As it turns out, I didn’t just want to be a policeman, I was called to be in policing. Pastors are often called to be sheperds. Myself and many others in law enforcement were called to be sheepdogs. I was blessed to serve by protecting the flock.
During my career two things always stuck with me and guided me; Ephesians 6:10-17, and a quote from a dear mentor, Bill Westfall “Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason”.
It only takes a second to look at the news or social media (I’m not sure that there is a difference anymore) to see that we are all under attack. As warriors of Christ I hope that these verses are as symbolic to you as they have been for me.
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send Me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
Heavenly Father, thank you for my Blue Grass Family and all the Servant Leaders who follow You. Lord, please watch over us, and I ask you to lift up our church and make our steeple a lighthouse to the community. Let us remember this season is about You and the birth of Your Son. In the chaos of our lives, grant us moments of quiet, reflection, and conversation with You. Amen.