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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