Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18  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 that 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.  

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.  

Just the other day, I was telling a friend I felt like I was being pelted with negative thoughts every time I stepped through the doors at work.  I would start feeling peevish and irritated not ten minutes into my shift. Pride and selfishness would fill my heart and direct the words coming from my mouth.  As I was speaking this out loud to my friend, I "heard" the Spirit inside me telling me to raise my shield of faith.  So it's "funny" (Godincidence??? LOL) that the next section in Mom's journal was entitled "Armor of God."  I think I will do this in parts since it's kind of a longer section.  So here goes Mom's thoughts and insights.

Armor of God.  Eph. 6:10-18.  A covering, a protection.

Spiritual Warfare-- our warfare is not against physical forces but against invisible powers.  Start everyday in God's Word, prepare yourself by putting on "His armor."

vs. 13  Take all God's armor, His Word to be able to withstand whatever is thrown at me (us) so God get the glory.  Vigorously oppose the enemy, maintain a battle stance.

Prayer arms me to prepare for battle.  Prayer is the battle itself.  God's Word is my chief weapon - truth, righteousness (conform to the revealed will of God), peace, faith, salvation.

From me:

What a good way to start the day.  In God's Word, in prayer and remembering to put on my armor.  I believe that when we do this we are setting the foundation for a stronger day.  Battles and problems will still come, but we give ourselves something fight with.  If I didn't eat breakfast in the morning, I would be weak and anemic by midday.  It's the same spiritually.  I need my spiritual nourishment and calorie power!!

Lord, thank You for the armor.  For the power of prayer.  Fill me now with Your strength, not for my own pleasure or pride, but for Your glory.  I place Your armor on, and I stand armed with Your Word.  I know things will come against me today. But You are stronger than anything.  Thank You for confirming through Mom's "God visit" the Word You brought to my heart a few days back.  Thank You for taking the time to come, sit and speak to us, to visit with Your children.