24 Jan, 2008

This kid went to bat!

Are you ready for BATtle?

Teen attacks burglar with baseball bat

MESA, Ariz.—A burglar who broke into a Mesa home got more than he bargained for when 14-year-old boy attacked him with a bat. Ninth-grader Michael Six locked himself in his bedroom, grabbed an aluminum baseball bat and hid in his closet and after seeing a man use a screwdriver to break open a sliding-glass door of his home.

Six dialed police and was talking to a 911 operator when the intruder used the screwdriver to get into his room.

As the burglar rummaged through Michael's backpack, Michael stepped out and swung the bat.

The burglar cursed as Michael nailed him on the back and shoulder, and Michael can be heard on the 911 tape yelling, "Sorry, man!"

The intruder took the bat from the boy and fled. Police later arrested Thomas Gonzales Garza, 30, of Chandler.

photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 1/17/08

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (ESV)

After reading today's God's Story scripture, why would you say every follower of Christ must wear the whole armor of God all the time?

If you have been a regular reader of the DAILYBIDE during the past three years, 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. God's power and protection is the only way to win the fight against Satan.

In today's story, the 14-year-old kid went to "bat" to protect his home from the burglar. This took courage but it also required a weapon. I doubt that the young man would have taken on the enemy without the bat being so handy.

You and I face spiritual attack every day from Satan, our enemy. He is constantly trying to break into our lives and steal what our loving Heavenly Father has given us.

If we're not wearing "the whole armor of God", we can forget about having the courage we need to do BATtle and receive the spiritual victory that the LORD wants to give us.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Thank God that you can be protected against Satan by wearing His armor 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.
  • Put a baseball bat in your bedroom (this is for girls too) as a reminder to wear God's armor every day because the enemy is out to steal your peace and joy and purpose.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?

  • Use today's story about the kid using the bat to take care of the burglar as a conversation starter with those in your storysphere. Share part of your story of how God has given you armor to protect yourself from the enemy.
  • 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 means that God's Spirit will give 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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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.