April 26, 2022 – Reflections on “The Armor of God!”

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm. Ephesians 6:10-13.

    Where can we find wisdom? How can we be strong and courageous? Where can we find salvation? Long ago, I saw the painting of Jesus knocking at the door. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20.

         When our day seems to go wrong, and the day asks more than we can bear, where do we draw strength and understanding?

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.

         God’s love does not waver but is steadfast for an eternity. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8.

         It is wisdom to follow God’s Word and be obedient to His Instructions. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. Psalm 119:10. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. I Corinthians 16:13-14.

         Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14.

         The weapons of the world cannot fight the battle against evil. They simply do nothing to eradicate the evil spreads among his followers.

         There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.Proverbs 6:16-19.

What are the weapons of someone who wishes to please God with a life of holiness?

1-Always Praying – is our Communication with our Lord, in the name of Jesus.

         Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

            Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18.

2-Helmet of Salvation, for we Love God with our heart, soul, and all our mind.

How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. Hebrews 2:3-4. Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Psalm 3:8

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:2-3.

Our salvation through Jesus Christ includes the fruitful behaviors through the Holy Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25.

3-Feet that wear Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:27.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7.

4-Breastplate of Righteousness which Guards the Heart.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:21-23.

And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. Isaiah 11:3-5.

         Lift up your eyes to the heavens and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed. Isaiah 51:6.

5-Belt of Truth Girds us together.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31.

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend.Psalm 15:2-3.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.” John 14:6-7.

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.John 16:13.

6-Shield of Faith, the shield that protects against the Evil One.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3.

          For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and to the Greek. For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17.

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; His 

Faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4.

7-Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God

          For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.

         How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103.

         All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for the training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16.