Thoughts for Life: God's Armor

Dr. Charles Stanley shares with us about how to survive a Satanic Attack:

"When we hear the word war, we think of physical combat with armored vehicles, soldiers in uniform, and deadly weapons.

Yet there is a spiritual war going on around us that is just as dangerous—one we often ignore or fail to understand.

We have a powerful opponent working against us. In fact, the Lord calls him "the god of this age" 2 Cor. 4:4 because he is the source of evil and wickedness in our world.

To overcome Satan's attacks, we must first recognize that he is a real adversary. Then we need to hold our ground against him.

To stand firm, we have to dress for battle.

Wear the belt of truth.

Because of who our Enemy is—namely, the Father of Lies—we must wear a belt of God's truth to counter his deceit.

It is imperative that we make a commitment every day to hold to the Lord's plan, obediently following Him, whatever the cost.

Just as a belt secures clothing in place, our lives are to be encircled and held together by the truth of God's Word.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Much like a protective covering, obedience guards us from harm.

Since the Devil prowls around seeking to deceive and destroy 1 Peter 5:8, we are to 'suit up' daily in the armor that comes from choosing God's way in our conduct and conversation.

When we are protected in this way, Satan's arrows of lust, doubt , or fear will not penetrate.

Be sure your feet are shod with the gospel of peace.

Roman military boots had metal cleats to help soldiers stand firm in battle.

Similarly, our spiritual "shoes" provide the solid footing of assurance—the certainty that we have peace with God and are safe in Him. John 10:28

Carry the shield of faith. The most powerful asset we have as believers is our faith.

It helps us to resist the Enemy's temptations by thinking, I know I have this need, but I trust in God. So I'll wait for the Lord to provide it in His way and in His time.

We are well protected behind the shield of faith.

Wear the helmet of salvation.

The mind is Satan's battlefield; it needs to be conscientiously and effectively guarded.

In a spiritual battle, our assurance that we are saved will help repel the Enemy's lies, which might cause us to question God or to think contrary to Scripture.

Carry the sword of the Spirit. God's Word is both an offensive and defensive weapon.

It makes inroads for the gospel Heb. 4:12 and also protects us.

As Jesus proved in His desert temptation, the devil cannot stand against it.

The spiritual battel raging around us is real and fierce Eph. 6:12.

Today, safeguard yourself by spending time absorbing God's truths (the belt) and then applying them through obedient action (the breastplate).

We are not in the reserves, simply waiting to be called up. We are in the war.

Soldier of God are you fully dressed for battle?"

These two devotions, (which have been combined), are taken from Dr. Charles Stanley' September 2013 In Touch publication of the IN TOUCH MINISTRIES. (pg 52)

Let’s pray with Gwen Smith:

"Lord, Surely there is a battle raging around me! At times it knocks me down and hits me hard.

Please be the anchor of hope and strength that I need right now. Hold me secure and pull me through each trial I am facing.

Help me to remember who I am in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s Bible verse: Eph. 6:10-18 MSG ""God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.

Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Today’s quote: Dave Weiss – “God is not withholding from you. When He has something for you to do, He will make it clear. In the meantime look to what He’s previously given you that you left unfinished and start working on that.”

Our thought today: We can't keep all of God's commandments to be saved, but Jesus did. Reach out to Him and touch Him for your need.

23rd- Sunday evening’s post: What Happens When We Say "Yes" to God? Jean Oathout (Some impressions of a retreat I was at recently)

{I will be away from my computer for a few weeks, so I will send out another post when I return.}

A popular post: Love Covers a Multitude of Sins Lynn Karlsen "When someone we love is involved, we see things a little differently and extend a measure of grace not normally shared."