"Battle Ready"
by John S. Pruett

Thomas:	A small boy puppet
Jared:		None other than....

T:	Shaking uncontrollably he slowly enters the stage.
J:	Walks up to the stage.
T:	Doesn't notice Jared.
J:	Clears his throat and says "excuse me".
T:	Jumps and yells "Ahhhhh!".  "Don't do that"
J:	"Oops.  Sorry about that.  You look scared.  What are you afraid of?"
T:	"The enemy"
J:	"Well don't be afraid, the bible says "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.  When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)"
T:	"Wow that sure made me feel better.  Now nothing can scare me - Charge!"  Thomas races around the stage showing off his might.  He slips and falls.  He starts getting afraid again and shakes.  "I'm scared again and I forgot my verse"
J:	"Now don't be afraid, the Bible says:  The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1)"
T:	"But Jared, aren't you afraid?"
J:	"No!  I have the sword of the spirit with me."
T:	"The sword of the what?  Where did you get of those?"
J:	"From the bible.  It says in Ephesians 6:10-17:  
	Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  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:"
T:	"Wow, can I learn that too?"
J:	"Sure, just come to Bible Quizzing with me, you'll learn all this and more.  Then you can be a follower of 1 Peter 3:15:  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
T:	"All right!  Hey!  I used to know a scripture from Sunday School."   Walking with Jared across the stage he ponders:  "Hmm, let's see it was John 11:35.  Uhhh..  It was umm... Jesus umm.  Let's see uhm uh well"
J:	"Was it 'Jesus wept.'"
T:	"Yeah, that's it.  Man I always have a hard time with that second part."
J:	"Well come with me and we'll get them all one by one.  But this time we won't forget."

The End