15 Oct, 2007
Are you equipped for battle?
Mother Bought Weapons for Pennsylvania Boy Charged With School Plot
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A troubled teenager accused of plotting a school attack built up a stash of weapons with the help of his mother, authorities said.
Michele Cossey, 46, was arrested Friday on charges of illegally buying her home-schooled son, Dillon, a .22-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber rifle and a 9 mm semiautomatic rifle with a laser scope.
The parents were indulging the boy's interests because he was unhappy, not knowingly aiding a school assault, Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor said Friday. The parents didn't know of the teen's plans, but "by virtue of her indulgence, she enabled him to get in this position," Castor said.
Authorities have said they do not believe an attack was imminent and are not even certain one would have occurred.
"This was a smart kid that clearly believes he was picked on and was a victim," Castor said. "He had psychological issues and began to act out on those feelings."
Dillon Cossey, who was arrested Wednesday, felt bullied and tried to recruit another boy for a possible attack at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, authorities said. The teen previously attended middle school in the district, but had been taught at home for more than a year after voluntarily leaving school.
photo & story courtesy foxnews.com, 10/13//07
Ephesians 6:10-20 (The Message)
The Whole Armor of God
10-12 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 afternoon athletic contest 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.
13-18 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.
19-20And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
If you are a regular reader of the DailyBide, you know how important it is for believers to wear "God's armor". I have used today's scripture several times to remind us about the spiritual battle we face every day. Letting God's Spirit equip us with His weapons (His power and protection) is the only way to win the fight against Satan.
Today's story is shocking and sad - a mom actually helped her 14-year-old son secure weapons - evidently to use in some sort of Columbine attack at his school, because he had been bullied. That is making a commitment to do evil.
What about us? Are we dedicated to using God's weapons to fight evil? As followers of Christ, we know we're in a battle. Satan is hell bent on defeating us every day. When we believe that we're pretty tough on our own and we either "forget" or ignore God's armor, we can plan on some serious sin in our lives.
Paul, the writer of today's scripture, understood the spiritual battle that all of Christ's followers face as individuals. But he is calling not only each of us, but the entire Body of Christ to unite together in our war with Satan and his fallen angels.
To win the the victory in spiritual battle, all of us must wear all of God's armor all the time. These weapons are essential for victory!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that you can be protected against Satan by using God's weapons every day. Right now, confess to God any way in which you have not been using His armor. Has this affected your thought life? How about your relationships with friends, your parents, or boyfriend or girlfriend? Is pride or jealousy defeating you? Is your focus on worldly possessions rather than serving Christ? Confess your struggle and He will forgive you! Thank Jesus that He will help you suit up and win the battle tomorrow!
- Read the entire passage of Ephesians 6:10-20 again. Read through Paul's list of armor and ask God to help you focus on the piece you need most this week. His Spirit will help you put it on.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- If your lack of using God's weapons has affected your relationships with others, go apologize to them and make it right. You will strengthen Christ's "army" when you admit your weakness.
- If you aren't already in a prayer/accountability group, start one with two others at your school, church or work place.
- Did you notice that in Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul points out that wearing God's armor and using His weapons will result in God's Spirit giving him the right words and the courage to tell his story and God's story to others. Remember this as you trust Jesus to help you learn the stories of others this week.
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