The Armor Of God

Ephesians 6: 13-17

Therefore, take up the full armor of God ... 

We need the full suit, every part, no piece can be left out, it must be complete.

Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, 

Your loins refers to your waist-to-knees portion of your body, to protect your most private and vulnerable parts; safeguarding your chastity and purity. The first step in putting on this armor.

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

This covers your heart, to ensure that your heart is filled with right attitudes in order to protect your feelings and emotions.

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. 

We must prepare ourselves to run with the Gospel that brings peace. 

In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

This shield will catch and put out the flames of the logical and believable lies our enemy throws at us. Believing God shows us the deception of whatever doesn't agree with His Truth. 

And take the helmet of salvation, 

Our brain is our base of operations of our whole body, which must be surrounded by the protection of God's deliverance from all that falls short of His perfect ways.

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

This is our only offensive weapon, all the rest are defensive. Our sword is double-edged and razor-sharp, a very dangerous tool. We need to wield it very carefully, skillfully, and wisely. We need to train in it, regularly, to attain the precision of a brain-surgeon. 

Jesus used the Word in response to the Tempter, and the Tempter also quoted Scripture. So we need the Holy Spirit's direction to out-wit our enemy as Jesus did. 

O my Father, I pray for Your armor to gird me today, each day: the belt of Truth, breastplate of righteousness, boots of the Gospel, Your shield of faith and sword of the Spirit--the Word of God. 

This armor is very strong and impenetrable, yet light of weight and resilient of movement; it fits me perfectly and comfortably, as it was custom-made by You for me. 

Teach me Your ways, lead and guide me today into Your steps. Show me where You would have me go and what You would have me do concerning every circumstance and situation I will face each day.

I am yours, my Lord; mold me and shape me according to Your Plan to fulfill Your Purposes. And You will receive all the credit, all the glory forever; because You alone designed it all, planned how it would all work out, and are completing and finishing all Your pleasure in us all.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!