Put on the Full Armor of God

Breastplate of Righteousness

In battle, a breastplate protects the vital organs-including the heart. Our heart is where our emotions reside, and our emotions are often used by the the enemy. The righteousness of Christ protects our heart from the enemy's attacks, sheiding us from the damage that can be done by doubt, fear, anger, sadness, bitterness. The breastplate of righteousness is what allows us to stand in the presence of God (our sins covered by the sacrifice at the cross), and to go boldly into battle with the enemy. We are protected from the accusations of our past sins, accusations that we are unworthy, or that we are somehow not 'good enough' Christians.

Righteousness comes only by our accepting Jesus as our Savior. Apart from him, we can not acheive righteousness. Though righteousness is not earned by us, we must allow it to become part of us, working in cooperation with God & His will.

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1Peter 2:24

Jesus gave us authority. The devil may have power, but he has no authority over your life, unless you give up your authority (given by Christ when you accept Him as your Savior) to him.

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20

We do not wear the breastplate of righteousness proudly for all to see; we wear it in humility to the One who offered it to us as a gift; we did not earn it. However, against the enemy we wear it boldly, confidently, courageously and with authority for all the power that is in it to protect us from Satan, is the power of God himself.

Pray this week that God would reveal His righteousness in you. Ask Him for forgiveness for unconfessed sin, which prevents you from experiencing this righteousness, leaving you vulnerable to attack by the enemy. Seek His guidance & will for your life, so that your thoughts, deeds & actions become more like those of Christ every day.

Please continue to lift up our church family in prayer for protection, for spiritual growth & for continued strength, wisdom & guidance as we seek to obey His will & spread His message to our community and our world.

Put on the Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:11-18

"Put on the whole armor of God,so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood & flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."

The Belt of Truth

Soldiers in battle wore belts to hold their other garments in place, so they did not stumble. The belt also held their weapons. The belt of truth is what holds all of the other items in your spiritual defense in place. When your belt is on, and your garments are held in place, you are ready for battle. A loosened belt signifies you are at rest, and not ready for battle. Your guard is down.

Truth is in the mind & in the heart.

Mind:

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." -1Peter 1:13-15

Heart:

'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall', but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.' -1 Peter 1:22-25

Pray this week that God would open your mind & your heart to His Truth. Pray for the strength & persistence in prayer, that your relationship with the Father, the Spirit & the Son will deepen. This is the lifeline that gives us all the hope, the joy & the confidence that God is with us, He loves us, He has great plans for us, and wants to bless us.

Ask God to guide your thoughts, your actions & your words-so that you can set your heart & mind on what He wants for your life.

Lift up our church family in prayer, praying in particular for protection & spiritual growth.

Above all, worship & praise Him with all your heart-expecting the blessings He has in store for you.