Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Armor of God

Let's think about it for a moment...

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:27-29

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When was the last time you woke up at 4 in the morning just to tell your father a secret? Just to give Him the “411” on what’s been going on in your life, and more importantly when was the last time you tell Him how much you love Him for saving you from eternal death by sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for you? The Bible says, “"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

The armor of God is the belt of truth
the breastplate of righteousness (of Jesus Christ);
the sandals of peace (God’s peace),
the shield of faith (living by faith),
the helmet of salvation (eternal salvation through Christ) Praise the Lord!
and the sword of the Spirit (of God).
The Armor of God is Christ Himself.

This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His friend. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory! Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be dismayed at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

The kind of love that Jesus has for us is worthy of praise, even our pain and sufferings seem meaningless when we think of the unconditional love of Christ for the church, along with what awaiting us when we finally see Him face to face and have the privilege of putting our arms around him and to thank Him for His goodness.

Let’s pray together
Heavenly father I thank you for showing me the truth about you. Being your child has been a source of joy, a fact that isn't a surprise considering that you are the source of all good things. Thank you for the gift of life through your son Jesus Christ sacrificial death. Thank you for being the lover of my soul. Thank you for being the Shepherd who leads me beside the still waters and makes me lie down in green pastures. Thank you for being my loving father and all that need to get through each and every day. I love you; accept my prayer and praise in Jesus Holy name. Amen.

Praise the Lord!