“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 5 Number 1 “Starting the New Year on the Right Ship!”

January 5th, 2022

To this very day I still smile when I think of what she said. “So let me talk to you about the cruise ship and battleship!” Karen said. She had pretty much finished studying and writing the next ladies’ retreat material. It wasn’t exactly that she practiced on me, but she did enjoy reviewing her material before she presented it. On one such occasion she was to speak about the joy of serving and being intentional in our walk with the Lord.

She illustrated her material with the view of two different kinds of ships that she had written down from one of my messages. She reminded the ladies that we are in a spiritual battle and must understand the difference between relaxing and being pampered on a cruise ship and being a good soldier on duty on the battleship. I’m able to share just a tiny portion of what she shared in her conference.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Karen wrote: I am not to view myself with a cruise ship mentality. Those with such a mentality really believe:
1. I am in charge of my own schedule and life.
2. I am here to have fun.
3. I can very well pick and choose the things that will please me.
4. I really know that it is all about me (2 Timothy 4:10).

I must view myself with a battleship mentality. Those with such a mentality really believe:
1. I am a soldier of the Lord.
2. I have a Commander. He is the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. I am at war with my spiritual enemies.
4. I really know that it is not all about me.

Michael’s observation: This does not mean that we are living in drill sergeant conditions. The Lord Jesus wants us to love Him and enjoy belonging to Him. It does mean that I have the right perspective on myself and the seriousness of my spiritual enemies. May the Lord give us wisdom, joy, and grace as we follow Him.