2008-02-18 - What Do I Need with the Armor of God?

Part 1

There are days while standing in front of my closet, that I utter the materialistic and selfish expression: "There's nothing to wear." I feel ashamed and ungrateful as soon as I utter the phrase. Never, not on any of my times staring blankly in the closet, did I ever think to put on the armor of God as possible attire. I never pictured it as my daily gear or arsenal. It was always something that I would casually pray, like: I put on my full armor today. Thinking that quick sentence would keep me protected, but I never examined or fully understood how I'd be protected throughout the day. As a result, I didn't realize that in order for the full armor of God to work effectively, I had to do something more than whipping it on. I learned about the armor's significance and power in a believer's life. In the following weeks, we'll learn how the armor works, its importance, and realize that there is always something suitable to wear. These days, the armor of God is the first thing I gravitate to - and I pray that you will also be so empowered and in awe of God, and how He has prepared us to face what comes in our paths.

Benefits of the Armor of God

In the New Testament epistle of Ephesians Paul, one of God's spokesmen wrote to Ephesian congregations (now present-day Turkey) about how vital it is for a person to wear and use his armor of God. It is a necessity. Paul first tells the churchgoers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (verses 11-13 NIV).

When we wear our Godly battle gear, we can have divine power to demolish strongholds, win arguments against those who oppose God, and tear down crippling and negative thinking. Sign me up. Without the armor of God, we won't be protected from these attacks. With it, we have victory before the battle even starts. Our regular clothes can't cut it. There are seven pieces to keep track of. All the pieces must be worn together, or the armor won't function properly. There's the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, shoes of peace, sword of the spirit, and the shield of faith. No outfit is complete without one accessory, constant prayer.

Next week we'll focus on the first piece mentioned: the belt of truth.

Lord, Show me the importance of the armor of God. Reveal to me why it's needed in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

-Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
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