ARMOUR OF GOD
Dear Rangers,
In the Pioneer Handbook we ask "How do you dress properly for a hike?" Well,
you need strong shoes or boot, a hat, Long pants (Jeans) or shorts with long socks,
a long sleeve shirt (To protect from the Ozzie sun), a belt for your water bottles
and a small back pack. So now you are prepared for a hike in the bush (Forrest).
It is just the same with our Christian life we are equipped my God for our hike
through this world.
In Ephesians 6:12-17 we read "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full
armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your
ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt
of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In
addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all
the
flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God." Once we have the armour in place we are
Combat ready, to coin an old phrase I used to hear each day for 3 years.
Paul says our fight is not against things we can see but against that loser, satan and
his cohorts. So God has given us his armour. Firstly there is the belt of truth, these
hold your pants up. It also holds your sword. Next, there is the Breastplate of
Righteousness that protects your vital organs (heart, lungs etc). We are made
righteous by the death of Jesus. Then comes the boots of peace. Boots protect our
feet as we spread the good news about the peace of God. We should ready to
proclaim the gospel at any time. We are given a shield to propel the enemy's
attack. Satan will try any thing to wound us so the shield is vital for our protection.
Next comes the helmet of salvation to protect our heads and minds. The helmets
that were used by soldiers� back in Paul's time would deflect an arrow. Lastly, we
are given a weapon, a sword that can cut through anything. In Hebrews 4:12 we
read "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged
sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges
the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
The only part of our spiritual body that is NOT protected is the back. So if turn
and run away, satan can inflict a deadly wound. It is up to us, with the help of the
Holy Spirit to stare that lying, thieving rattlesnake down. If we resist satan he turns
tail and runs. He knows he can not defeat us when we have the Full armour of God
on. So as you prepare for your hike make sure you have all the right gear on, do a
check list if you like. Belts, check, breastplate, check, boots, check, shield, check,
Helmet, check, sword, check. Now you are Combat ready.
So pray in the Spirit and remember WE WIN, satan loses everytime we stand up
to him.
Amen
There's a storm coming, our Storm.
PROCLAIMING GOD'S LOVE TO A DYING WORLD
Say to the captives, 'come out,' and those in darkness, 'Be free!'
Isaiah 49:9
Love in Jesus
Adrian Bonham aka Morning Light, The Larrikin
I looked to the heavens to where God dwells
I looked into my life to see he lives there as well.
Outpost 49
Hawkesbury Royal Rangers
Windsor, N.S.W.
Australia
F.C.F. 94
http://www.summit.net.au/~founder1/
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