The Armor of God

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
(Ephesians 6:11-12)

I served in the military, but I was not a warrior, so I know nothing of the kinds of body armor military personnel are required to wear these days. The armor looks impressive and I’m sure it does a lot to protect the wearer from injury or even death in some cases. The dangers of being in a war zone are ever present, and an attack can come from any direction at times. It is critically important to have that body armor to protect their physical bodies from an enemies’ small arms fire. There are many soldiers, sailors and marines who will claim they owe their lives to a piece of body armor.
However, even when those men and women leave that remote battlefield in some far corner of the world, a much more dangerous and important battle goes on all around them. It’s a battle against an unseen enemy, and this war has eternal consequences. Unfortunately, most people try to fight this battle without the armor that’s available to them, if they would only seek it. They don’t have the spiritual discernment to realize they aren’t really struggling against a physical enemy. Their battle is against Satan and his demon angels. It’s not a fight they can win on their own, without the armor of God. We need God’s help to fight off the attacks by the demon spirit world. God will give his angels to protect us, if we have submitted to Christ and serve him.
Some people think they are struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, but they’re really struggling with an evil spirit. A demon will whisper temptation to them, in their own thoughts, and influence other people to antagonize them. An evil spirit doesn’t have to “possess” a person to put evil thoughts in their heads. Don’t let these unseen enemies destroy your life and when the greatest protective armor is so readily available. Put on the belt of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, and cover your feet with Readiness. Pick up the shield of Faith, put on the helmet of Salvation, and always carry the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.




Dear Heavenly Father, you are so great and powerful, we have no need to fear. You are so powerful that nothing Satan can do will ever rip us from your grasp. We ask you to bless our study of your Word so that we will not fall prey to the wiles of the devil or his demons. We are not here to contend with other people. Our struggle is against Satan and his minions. Against the plans that Satan has to lead us astray. He is a liar and the father of lies. Give us an understanding of the power of the Word, to resist his lies. The words of scripture are like a protective shield against the slings and arrows the devil will fling at us. Like the body armor a soldier wears in battle, we are safe as long as we keep it on. Help us to know you and your will through the inspired words of scripture. Give us a passion to share what we know to be the truth of your Word with everyone who does not know you. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen!

Location: Kendall, NY 14476, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Devotional for May 12 - May 18

Image
To all my readers: I am changing this blog to a weekly format. I am being forced to do it this way because this blog site is saying my blog is too short to continue publishing. I purposely try to keep it short so you will have time to read it every day. I hope you will understand and keep reading. Thank you, Brad Hopkins May 12 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) Meditation Before I was saved, I worked in a very competitive environment. Many of my co-workers were very jealous of the accomplishments of others. I have to confess; I too would get that green-eyed feeling if I didn’t get promoted when I thought I deserved it. Outwardly, I showed a happy face. I would congratulate the person who was recognized or promoted, but inwardly I was terribly envious. I received as many promotions as most in my career field, but I couldn’t rejoice for others because of jealousy and covetousness. I didn’t know how to deal with grief s...
Read more

Where is Your Citizenship?

Image
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20) Not long after I decided to follow Jesus I began to realize I didn’t really fit into my old life anymore. The things I used to think were great fun had lost their appeal. The sci-fi television programs and movies I used to always want to watch, seemed inappropriate. Probably because they were literally my religion before I got saved. My friends didn’t understand why I wasn’t coming around for most of the old activities. I guess I was in the process of figuring out where my citizenship was, heaven or hell. Now I understand, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am a citizen of heaven, I’m just a temporary visitor, to this world. My passage home to heaven has been paid for and guaranteed by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I live my life as a resident alien and look forward to the day I move on to my permanent and eternal residence. Jesus will rescue me and the rest...
Read more

Preach the Word

Image
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2) Meditation I used to think it was only the pastors job to preach the Word of God. I’m not a preacher, so it didn’t occur to me to share the gospel. However, this verse does not say, “Preachers, preach the word.” Whether you realize it or not, we are all ministers of the gospel. We have been charged with the awesome task of telling everyone about Jesus and why he went to the cross. When Jesus gave the “Great Commission,” to make disciples of all nations; he wasn’t just talking to his own disciples. He was speaking to every one of us. There is no other mission or calling more important than that for us. Even if we go to church every Sunday, but do nothing else, we’re not in the game; we’re just spectators. Jesus doesn’t want fans, he wants followers. Whether we’re in church or somewhere else, we’re responsible t...
Read more