Friday, August 28, 2015

*~Put Your Armor On~*

We all know, (unless you've been hiding under a rock somewhere) that the devil is on the war path right now. He knows his time is quickly coming to an end. He's after our minds, our families, and our churches. I've heard of so many families lately that are going through things that I can't even begin to imagine. You may say, "I would never fall into sin like that!" Or maybe, "that will never happen to me or my family!" Well let me remind you that NO ONE is incapable of commiting ANY sin. Take David for instance. He was a man after Gods own heart and yet he was guilty of commiting adultery and murder! It could happen to anyone! Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have our up and down days. If truth be told, we have all been close to things we are ashamed that we've even thought about doing. It's human nature! We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. You may get discouraged sometimes but there is a way to make it harder for Satan to get to you! The Bible says in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armour of God, that Ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." You see, God knew that in the last days we were going to have to fight harder than we ever have before. Thankfully, He not only told us how withstand against the "fiery darts" of the wicked, but he has given us the equipment we need to do it! All we have to do is daily put our armor on! First of all, we are to have our loins gird about with truth. The bible says in Philipians 4:8, "“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We need to fill our minds with things that are true! Maybe it's listening to godly music, or preaching, or the Bible itself! Next comes the breastplate of righteousness. I believe that's talking about living right. It's much easier not to sin when you don't put yourself in positions to where it would be easy to sin. You know what they say, if it doesn't look right, it probably isn't!                  The Bible also speaks of having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. We need to always be ready to share the gospel with those around us. Chances are, when you have your mind on getting the gospel out, your mind won't have time to get into mischief. Most of all in our lives we need the shield of faith! When the devil throws darts of fear and hate, you're going to need to hold up your faith shield! Then there is the helmet of salvation. If you are going to stand against satan, you are going to have to know, that you know, that you're born again! No man can serve two masters. You can not live for God if you're not even saved! Last of all this passage talks about the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God! Any time you are being attacked in your spiritual life, the best way to fight back is through Scripture! And in order to know the Scriptures, you've got to read them! So from now on, determine in your heart that you're going to put your armor on every day and fight! It's not an easy battle. This battle against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places! Its time to stand up for what we believe more than ever, and do it for the honor and glory of Christ!