1 Peter 1:13, " So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control ... "

Think

"Discipline is doing what we ought to do, so we can do what we want to do." Can you remember the last sporting event, competition, or work project you prepared for? Think about the things you did to prepare for it. You were disciplined in your time, you studied, and you practiced for the task ahead of time. The same is true in our faith. You see, the question is not IF we will be tested or IF a trial will come, but WHEN. That is why today's scripture encourages us to be prepared. It's not so we can escape a test or trial, but so we can excel when we're in it!

• How do we prepare our minds? Spend time reading the Bible. Memorize scripture that stands out to us. Pray throughout the day.
• How do we exercise self-control? Discipline. Do the hard things first and choose the important over the urgent.

When we are battle ready, we can face anything that comes our way. It won't be easy, but with God's Truth in our minds and his power working in us, we will overcome!

Act

Are you battle ready? One of the best ways to prepare is to memorize scripture. Grab a few note cards and write out the following scriptures. Begin to memorize and meditate on what they say: Psalm 27:1, Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:28.

Pray

God, thank you for the promise that no matter what we face, you are with us. Thank you for equipping us to be battle ready, and providing us with the power to overcome. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.