“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-17, NLT
“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8, NLT
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NKJV
Putting on the full armor of God must be a daily discipline
Father, You have made a way for me to stand strong in battle and be tenacious in my faith. You have provided the full armor of God to bring me victory, but it’s up to me to put it on daily. In this hour, I cannot be willy-nilly about this — putting on the full armor of God must become a daily discipline if I want to withstand the evil one.
You have given me the helmet of salvation to guard my mind and thoughts, to declare to the enemy and the world that I am in Your army bringing the kingdom of God to earth. What an honor … what a privilege. Yet, I have learned that acceptance of this call is like a welcome mat to the enemy, inviting spiritual warfare into most of my days.
It’s hard, Lord. But though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. We war according to Your instructions and by Your provision of protection. I will put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard my heart. You have made me the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus — I am righteous before You, You have made me holy as You are holy. Therefore, I may come before You boldly, with confidence knowing You will welcome me into Your presence.
I am sheltered in the Lord
But I still feel vulnerable at times. Remind me that Your breastplate guards my thoughts, emotions, will, and moral compass against the world’s influence, the attacks of the enemy, and against myself. Your breastplate of righteousness preserves my soul. I feel sheltered in You because of Your righteousness.
Without Your Truth, I would be as a feather in the wind, tossed to and fro by every doctrine of man. The armor of God gives me Your belt of Truth that strengthens the core of who I am and who You are to me. Your truth gives me balance. I will put on Your shoes of peace each day, also. Not only does that enable me to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever I may go, but this means I carry Your shalom peace with me. Your beautiful, perfect peace … My heart longs for Your peace.
Help me lift high my shield of faith to quench the flaming arrows of the enemy as I take up Your sword of the Spirit — Your living Word. Your Word is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword that divides between bone and marrow. It gives me discernment to know the intent of the heart. Your Word strengthens and fortifies my faith, teaching me who You are and who I am to You.
I must actively step into God’s armor every day
The full armor of God is Your provision of protection against the schemes of the evil one. Discipline me to put it on every day. Put. That requires action, doesn’t it Lord? I must actively step into Your armor by faith, by determination. I cannot merely assume I have it on because I belong to You. Help me remember. Help me recognize Your nudge telling me to do so on the days I forget. For it’s not by my might, nor by my power, but by Your Spirit that I walk in victory.
Hallelujah! For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.
In Jesus’s Name I pray,
Amen ~ let it be so
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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Sweet blessings to you,
