Put it on- In the Word 5-27-24
Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Summer is almost here! The kids are near the end of school,
colleges and Universities are getting out already. Plans are being made for
camps, vacations and everything fun and exciting.
In our plans we all remember what to take; clothing, shoes, and
sun screen to protect us from the elements.
Are we remembering our whole armor?
Are we really protected from all that will definitely come against
us?
There are no doubts the sun will shoot arrows of rays at us and we
protect ourselves from its dangers but what about the other dangers alive in
the world we are embarking upon to enjoy the season?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of
His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12
We are about to go into the battle of summer days, we put on
sunscreen for protection, against the harmful rays of the sun; but what are we
doing for our spiritual protection? We are opening ourselves and our families
up to so many opportunities for fun but also putting ourselves in harms way. We
could stress over it the way some people fear to go outside in the summer or we
can arm ourselves with protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and even
clothing that allows us to be cool yet keeps us from being burned; we all wear
these articles to protect us in the summer. What about the other protection we
need? We need to be prepared for the long rides in the car, or in a cabin or
tent when the heat is not from the sun but from attitudes from all sides. This
and the following are reasons and ways to use the Armor of God to protect the
peace and fun in our summer days.
When we put on the Armor of
God we are protecting ourselves from so much more, plus we are arming ourselves
to go into the battle. Think about it the Armor of God is needed each day of
the Summer Vacation season.
Therefore
take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
Belt of Truth- Be honest with yourselves about the summer--it will
be hot, it will be fun, but it will be packed with reasons to be annoyed. I do
not mean because the kids are home from school, but personal reasons of the
flesh. People dress too little and show too much. This can put a false feeling
of ‘its okay cause everyone is walking around half dressed’ feeling but the
Word of God says to gird ourselves with the Belt of Truth. Keep it real! Wear a
t shirt or tank top over that bathing suit when you are out of the water or
even in it for some of us. No one really wants to see the flesh rise up in us!
Keep things truthful in your family, or work place, be honest about days taken
to play in the sun; do not lie and say you are sick so you can sit on the
beach.
The Breastplate of Righteousness- Remember that through Christ we are righteous, not
of ourselves. Even still we must walk
like Jesus would walk, do not just wing it through the summer, God is still
with you wherever you go. Remember His righteousness is strong in us as we walk
in His presence, and in His Word; so walk in Righteousness! The breastplate was
meant to guard the heart and other vital organs; the Word of God and prayer
will guard our heart and other vital organs, including the mouth that wants to
shout and complain. This battle is a daily battle we must put on the
breastplate and keep it on daily!
Gospel Shoes- We put on sandals to make
our feet more comfortable in the heat of summer, and to keep them from being
burned on the hot pavement or sands. The Shoes mentioned in Ephesians 6:15 are
preparing us with peace. The Gospel of Peace, a gospel in this case is the
message of peace; share peace with others because Christ is with us we can share
His peace by not allowing ourselves to get worked up over a situation. Keep an
attitude or message of peace and others will see you and do likewise.
Shield of Faith; Faith trusts God and above
all the protections for our behaviors being influenced by others during this
season we must be sure that our trust in God is true, strong and evident
wherever we go. Do not be doubly minded but instead know in Whom we trust, and
have faith that He will be with us, guide us, and direct our paths as long as
we trust Him to do so.
We trust the sunscreen to protect our skin, even when
its not always efficient, why not trust God to protect us from the wiles of the
devil who walks around seeking whom he may devour? That’s right; there is no reason not to trust
God to protect you! I read the back of the book and we win!
Helmet of Salvation- When a soldier went into
battle he would wear a helmet to protect his head from being smashed into bits
of flesh and blood. When we wear our salvation like a helmet it will protect
our minds from being smashed into bits of flesh and blood. Think for a moment
on that one. Our flesh is the selfish part of us, the part that wants to do
what we want no matter what the consequences. But God would that we keep our
minds and bodies safe from the physical and spiritual elements of surprise by
wearing our salvation. Wearing it is letting others know you are a Christian by
your fruits. Do not accept that drink your friends are offering you that you
will not cause someone else to stumble back into an addiction. Do not turn on
that R rated movie with flesh and skin all over the place; do not allow
yourself to think on those things that are not lovely, kind, pure, etc. Keep
your mind safe and sound in the Word.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put
on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— praying for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:14-20
Sword
of the Spirit- Finally do not forget the importance of
the two edged sword, the Spirit of God that is the Word of God. When in battle
a two edged sword can be used to wield and to defend, all in one or two
movements. When we are studying the Word, reading the Word daily or as often as
it takes to keep it strong in your memory we will be able to wield and defend
the life we live in Christ. We will be able to wield against the devil our
enemy and his cronies.
People who are being used by the devil are not always
evil people but situations can be used by him to annoy us into being un-Christ like
in our actions. When we have the thoughts and mind of Christ fresh in our minds
this is what will come out of our mouths.
When we put on our proper attire we are prepared for summer fun
and adventures, when we put on the Armor of God we are prepared for life’s
adventures!
Dear Heavenly Father, help us all to keep up with the Armor daily
and to stay strong in your power and your might. Remind us of your Words; in
Jesus name, Amen.
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