Gear Up!

KOZ has just finished up a very productive Hunting season

Several deer were harvested

And everyone got to enjoy the thrill of sitting in a deer blind or exposed camp chair

At all hours of the day and night

In the cold

With the chill of first light pushing through, even the best of layered insulation.

Just makes ya want to go out and do it again, right?

Your KOZ leaders spent a lot of time prior to the hunt,

Doing what with each of you- what was one of the main points of every Monthly meetings, since last summer?

GEAR!!!

Regardless of whether it’s Camping, Fishing, Hunting

Or going to the grocery store

We need to prepare (More than three items, I have a list)

This is one of the best ways we can use the Truth of the Bible to explain

Common, everyday events of life.

Because we always have to prep for whatever is next.

Teenage boys face, what kind of pressures?

Peer Pressure, Family Expectations, Sibling rivalries

School expectations, Social Media, Gaming

To Gear Up, or

Equip ourselves with God’s Truth, Righteousness, and Faith in Him

Helps us prep for the challenges of life.

Before we ever go on an excursion in KOZ- What do we do?

1- PREPARE

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

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.

If you’re going to take your truck into the woods, or to your fav boat launch

What do you need to do? Check on the maintenance

(Oil, gas, tire pressure, etc) If towing, make sure all the light connections are in order.

We need to do the same thing in life.

Have you ever tried to go mountain hiking without the right gear?

It's like trying to play soccer in flip-flops!

In biblical times, the Israelites had to prepare for their journey through the wilderness with the right supplies.

In the same way, we need to equip ourselves with life skills and faith to conquer our own mountains ahead.

So, let’s not head into life’s adventures unprepared.

Grab your gear, be it a good attitude or a Bible verse, and let’s hit the trails!

Everybody faces difficulties in life- The issues may change, as we age, but the one constant in life is- It aint ever easy.

In the same way that we prep of a grand adventure,

We prep for life the same way- We GEAR UP!

2- PACK FOR THE TRIP

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Three times in two paragraphs, Apostle Paul tells his audience to “STAND”

Then the BELT OF TRUTH

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Who’s Truth? What is the Truth?

What does a Breastplate cover?

As a teen in school, you may feel the pressure of exams and assignments mounting, which can result in stress and anxiety.

To effectively gear up for this season of life, create a study plan that includes not just academic goals, but also spiritual ones.

Dedicate part of your study time to meditate on scripture that speaks about peace and strength, like Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

By integrating your spiritual journey with your academic efforts, you're not only preparing for exams but also cultivating a resilient faith that helps you face challenges.

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

How important is it to live in peace?

Is it more important to be at peace with yourself, or at peace with the World?

Worldly peace is never true peace

Gods peace is always available, comforting and True Peace.

Real examples of Worldly peace:

Korea, where negotiations started 2 yrs into conflict

It took the delegates a full year of bickering to decide on the size of the table and the seating arrangement.

Today, the worlds bad actors use peace negotiations as a deflecting tool to hold off the final bad outcome that is inevitable.

A stall tactic. Thats not real peace.

Ephesians 6:16 ESV

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

How does a shield help in battle?

What are the “fiery Darts?”

Ephesians 6:17 ESV

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

What is the main function of a helmet?

What is the Sword of the Spirit?

How many offensive weapons are listed here?

Most say one, but there is another one

Ephesians 6:18 ESV

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,

(Prayer)

Is the act of praying an offensive or defensive tool? (Both)

So now a practical exercise:

The cards

Anon list of the worries or concerns that keep you up at night, the stuff you have bad dreams over.

Read out loud for all to hear

For all to carry

Now we can truly bear each others burdens.