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.