Put On the Full Armor of God!
Did you put on the full armor of God today? Put it on, and keep it on! Prepare yourself in advance for what the enemy may try to throw at you. (Ephesians 6:10-24)
Your Armor Consists of:
The Belt of Truth - The belt of truth involves two places; our heart and our mind. Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes us effective while wearing our armor. Commit yourself daily to walk in God's truth. "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!" (Psalm 86:11)
The Breastplate of Righteousness - With a breastplate, we can go into war boldly and with confidence. The devil is constantly attacking our minds with lies, accusations, and reminders of our past. Without our breastplate, these negative thoughts can penetrate our hearts and cause damage. Become aware of who you are in Christ Jesus and come boldly into His presence. (Hebrews 4:16)
The Shoes of Peace & Preparation - Shoes allow us to step freely and without fear. They aid in our movement and defense against the enemy. The shoes God gives propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is available in Christ. Prepare yourself to follow the Lord no matter what may come your way.
The Shield of Faith - The shield not only defends our whole body but also our armor. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Not some but ALL of them. The shield moves with the attack no matter the direction.
The Helmet of Salvation - Satan's target: Your mind. Satan's weapon: Lies. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our salvation. The helmet protects our minds from doubting the truth of God's love for us. "Since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a Helmet of the Hope of Salvation" (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
The Sword of The Spirit - Put on "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17) The sword is the only weapon of offense in the armor, but it is also a tool for defense. Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us. With God's word, the people are equipped to deal with every situation. We need to trust in the truth of God's Word. Have confidence in the value of God's word. Get a hunger and desire for it.
And last, but never least, do not forget Prayer. "Pray In the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." (Ephesians 6:18) When you pray consistently, you grow a deeper relationship with God.
Now That You Have Your Armor,
Get Your Sword and Get Dressed!
Encourage Yourself Daily with the Word of God
Sometimes, we need to be encouraged, and that is perfectly fine. In fact, I highly recommend it. The Bible offers many scriptures and stories to encourage, give hope, provide peace, and so much more. Scriptures that offer encouragement in your daily life can provide inspiration and strength as you cope with life's challenges. Read these verses from the Holy Bible to lift and encourage your spirit.
Scriptures to Encourage
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 118:14-16
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
Psalm 120:1
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
Scriptures to Strengthen
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Scriptures for Peace
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Scriptures for Hope
Psalm 119:50
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah"
Psalm 119:114-115
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
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