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

Selected Notes
Volume 5 Number 43 “An Illustration that Meant A Lot to Karen!”
October 26, 2022

I recently discovered it in several different worksheets and Bible study journals.

This little illustration really struck Karen. We talked about it in the various occasions of our lives and ministry. I know that she shared it one-on-one with various ladies. I also know that she used it in several of the ladies’ conferences in which she was the speaker.

So, what’s the illustration? It’s the cruise ship and battleship view of life. The cruise ship offers luxurious entertainment and fun for brief periods of times. We must never view ourselves as being on some kind of vacation when it comes to living for the Lord. The battleship pictures alertness and readiness for warfare if necessary. This is just how our lives must be viewed as believers.

Let me share the Scriptures and then one of her notes about this view.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

Karen wrote: As a soldier of the Lord we must remember our focus and purpose in life. We have a high and holy calling to always remember several things.
1. I must know the enemy (the world, the flesh and the devil).
2. I must know the tactics of the enemy.
3. I must care for fellow soldiers.
4. I must have confidence in my Commander.
5. I must put on the armor of God.
It is a high and holy calling because we are here to please the One Who gave Himself for us.

Michael’s observation: While the battleship mentality is surely the way I must think about spiritual enemies, please do not think we view the Lord as a drill sergeant and life without joy. It is a wonderful privilege to serve our precious Savior, live for Him and encourage each other. Just be alert for those spiritual enemies.