a call to arms

Hi.
It's me.
Rubbing the holiday haze from my eyes and waking up to this new year.

Yesterday I learned from the Three R's blog that the word "alarm" was originally a Medieval battle cry: "To arms!  To arms!"  An urging to take up your weapons and make war. 

Fitting, then, isn't it, to being the day with an alarm - a call to begin another day fighting the good fight?

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints...  (Epehsians 6:11-18)

But thou, O man of God, flee these things [envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings, covetousness...] and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses...  (1 Timothy 6:11-12)

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  (2 Timothy 4:7-8)