As we consider the war into which we have been born, God has been very faithful to show us HOW to fight. Even though there are powerful things which we can only understand in part, we do have enough information to prepare each day for the battle we are in. Through Paul (in the Spirit) we are taught to put on/pray on the full armor of God each day!
Take a moment to read each of these important thoughts about warfare.
Ephesians 6:10-18
2 Corinthians 6:7; 10:4
What do you conclude?
If this intrigues you (why would we enter into a fight without armor or weapons?) let’s take a few minutes to make sure we are up to speed. As we observe each item of armor and implement for the fight, what do you think Jesus prays for His followers in each one of these – every day?! You will notice quite a few passages listed for each (if you are so inclined). These items of armor and gifting weapons are reflected throughout the woven threads of the God Story. As we pray:
We can encircle our inner man with strength (loins)
“Jesus, guard the strength you have given me through faith in You. Don’t let me squander it or allow it to be siphoned away or stolen from me.”
Nehemiah 8:10/Psalm 28:8; 29:11; 59:17; 84:5; 91:11; 127:1; Isaiah 58:8/Luke 12:15/Romans 7:22/2 Corinthians 4:16/Ephesians 3:16,17/Philippians 4:7/1 Timothy 6:20/2 Timothy 1:12/1 Peter 4:11/1 John 5:21
God can cover my heart with truth (breastplate)
“Jesus, guard the heart of who I am as a son of God and as a child of God. Keep me from being robbed of my identity and my joy, O Lord.”
Deuteronomy 10:12 (book is heart-loaded)/1 Samuel 12:20/Psalm 37:4/Proverbs 2:10; 4:23 (Psalms and Proverbs heart loaded as well) Ezekiel 36:26/
Matthew 5:8; 11:29/Luke 2:19,51/John 7:38; 14:27/Romans 6:17; 10:10/1 Corinthians 14:25/2 Corinthians 3:3; 4:16; 7:2,3/Ephesians 1:18; 5:19; 6:6/Philippians 4:7/Colossians 3:12/2 Thessalonians 3:5/1 Timothy 1:5/Hebrews 4:12; 10:22; 13:9; James 4:8; 5:8/1 Peter 1:22; 3:15/1 John 3:20
God can give me peace as I walk through scorpions and serpents (shoes)
“Thank you Jesus for your bold and strong promise to me that I will tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.” (Luke 10:19)
Genesis 17:1/Deuteronomy 8:6/1 Samuel 2:35/Psalm 119:1 – Psalms is loaded on this!/2 Corinthians 5:7
Galatians 5:16/Ephesians 2:10; 4:1,17; 5:8; 6:11/Colossians 2:6/1 John 2:6/1 Peter 5:12/Revelation 3:4; 21:24
God offers His shield of faith to extinguish fiery darts and overcome those who launch them – it is my weapon of defense
“Lord increase my faith for the battle. Absorb the burning missiles launched around me and at me. Strengthen the faith You have given me by Your great grace.”
1 John 5:1-12/Jude 3/Hebrews 11:1,2/Galatians 6:10/Ephesians 4:13/1 Timothy 3:9/2 Timothy 4:7
Matthew 6:30/8:10/8:26/9:2/9:22/9:29/14:31/15:28/16:8/17:20/21:21
The sword of the Word of God wielded by His Spirit of wisdom is my weapon on offense
“God of the Angel Armies – raise Your sword on my behalf and vanquish Your enemies and their power.”
Genesis 1:2/Revelation 22:17/Joshua 5:13-14/Matthew 10:34/Luke 2:35; 22:36/Hebrews 4:12/Revelation 1:16; 19:15
Guard my mind for spiritual clarity (helmet of salvation)
“Jesus, keep my mind fixed upon You – the only truth and Good in the world.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
Mark 5:15/Mark 8:33/Matthew 16:23/Acts 1:14, 2:46/Romans 7:25; 8:27;12:2; 12:16; 14:5/Ephesians 4:23
Philippians 2:23/Colossians 3:2/1 Corinthians 2:16
Pray at all times in the Spirit!
“Lord help me not to be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Isaiah 40:29-31/Matthew 5:44; 6:5-9; 14:23/Luke 10:2/Acts 2:42/Ephesians 6:18/Colossians 4:2
Galatians 6:9/1 Thessalonians 5:17/Hebrews 12:3/James 5:15,16/1 Peter 4:7
How did all of this work for His disciples?
“The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” – Luke 10
Why wouldn’t it work for us as well?
Armoring up with you,
Dave and Burnadette
Selah!