Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Our protection, our defense.

So, how do we react when we are shown our soul-self?  Is there instant remorse? Instant pain that we are so self-centered?  That's what we are. When our tempers flare, and our aggravation is ignited it is our self-centeredness that fuels those emotions. We are thinking of SELF and how we don't want to be inconvenienced in any way at all. We don't want to be inconvenienced when we are clearly busy doing our own thing (selfish thing or selfless) we just don't want to be bothered because we are busy. We want consideration for ourselves. We want others to comprehend that we do not want to be bothered, why? Because we are SO concerned with our OWN need, our OWN desire, our OWN situation, our OWN work, our OWN life.

We have to comprehend that we are truly in war unlike any other war! Why were we given armor if we don't need armor? Seriously? Why?

When a person puts on ANY sort of armor they are expecting that there may be a necessity for that armor. Very few will don armor without believing there is a need for it. Of course nowadays people will put it on in play form for gaming. But real armor for real battle, people do not wear it without a reason. Law enforcement of all kinds will put on bulletproof vests before going into danger. Firefighters will put on a lot of protective gear when they go out on a call. Our armed forces have armor they wear when they are going into wars.  We are given armor and yet how often are we aware of that armor and the NEED for that armor?

In this war we are in great need… let's read the familiar verses-

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 
Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 
Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 
Eph 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 
Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 
Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 
Eph 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 
Eph 6:20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

*******
We fight against the devil.
We fight against things that aren’t of flesh and blood.
We fight against principalities.
We fight against powers.
We fight against rulers of darkness.
We fight against spiritual wickedness.

When was the last time you saw the devil? Can you see the power you are to wrestle against? What rulers of darkness are you familiar with? Where have you had contact with spiritual wickedness? 

All those things- the devil, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness are to be FOUGHT against. We have a helmet, our loins covered, a breastplate, footwear, a shield, and a sword.  Our body is all protected, and we have a weapon. Protection and a weapon of warfare.

TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, SALVATION - These ALL protect us!

SPIRIT of the WORD of GOD- This is our defense.

Now, what is the practical application of all the above…. More tomorrow on that by the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Now and forever!

Amen!

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