Worship God Through Prayer
The Armor Of God
Since the devil’s main mission is to kill and destroy us, we the Children of God must be diligent is putting on the Armor of God each day. Every day we are in a battlefield, fighting against the wiles (trickery, deceit) of satan and his demons.
Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-18 says, “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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
So before your day begins, put on the Armor of God.
The Armor of God
The Helmet of Salvation – this is the covering of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“...casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians ASV)
The Breastplate of Righteousness – the breastplate has two meanings: (1) Jesus is our righteousness, so we put Him on; (2) the breastplate represents our active obedience to the Word of God.
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NAS)
The Girdle of Truth – the girdle of truth is a clear understanding of God's Word. It holds the rest of the armor in place like a soldier's belt.
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT)
The Shoes of the Gospel – this is faithful ministry in proclaiming the Word of God.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NLT)
The Shield of Faith – this is complete safety by faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ. No power of the enemy can penetrate the Blood!
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJ)
The Sword of the Spirit – all other parts of the armor are for protection (defense); this one is to be used aggressively against the enemy.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)
Pray in the Spirit – You've got on the armor. Now you're ready for the prayer fight.
“I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!” (Psalm 118:21)
The following is an excellent article on the Armor of God:
The Armor Of God
By Cindie York
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 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-
In this passage of scripture Paul is explaining the importance of our spiritual armor to fight against the enemy forces. We are in constant spiritual warfare against the wicked spirits, powers of darkness, and tricks of the devil. Soldiers never go into battle unprepared, so we cannot try to fight the enemy unprepared. We must be in constant prayer, have on the whole armor of God, and be ready to fight the enemy at all times. We must attack head on, full force. There is no mention in the armor about the hinder parts or the back because we are expected to look the enemy in the face and not back down, not to turn and run like cowards. We must remember to charge forward, eyes wide open with full clarity. Besides that, God's got our backs. Honestly, if we are using our weapons of defense and offense the Lord has provided we won't have to worry.
But, it only takes the enemy a moment to attack us if our guard is down, if we lay aside any part of our armor. He waits for that very opportunity when we are tired or weak to attack. The Bible says that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. The enemy does not have any mercy. The devil is the most selfish being who ever existed so he could care less about how we feel. Actually, that is an understatement. He not only doesn't care, he detests us. Knowing this information we must stay focused on God, not allowing the enemy any room to attack. We must guard our thoughts, walk in truth, and live as righteous as possible. It is necessary to keep faith in God, and it is absolutely imperative to know and speak the word of God as ammunition against the enemy. The Word is our sword, our weapon of offense. Through the Word, we can achieve victory!
So, as we start our day, let us begin with prayer and the placement of our armor. As we leave to enter the workplace, the school, the church, let our armor be even more fundamental than our keys, portfolios, homework, or wallets. American Express tells us don't leave home without it. It should be: "the armor of God...don't leave home without it." Even in the security of our homes, spiritual warfare abounds, though not always visible or noticeable, it is going on continuously and everywhere. Every day is a battle of warfare. Stay suited up, we really can't afford to be unprepared.
I have been a Christian for 18 years. I am one of the Sunday School teachers at our local church. I enjoy Bible study and growing in the knowledge of God's word. I literally want to soak up God's Word like a sponge. (Article Source: Christian Writers)
WATCH THIS POWERFUL VIDEO ON THE ARMOR OF GOD.
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