Keep the Armor On

 If I were your enemy - I would convince you to only wear the Armor of God when absolutely necessary. After all, only people that are "Jesus Freaks" wear the Armor all the time. It isn't necessary! You can put it on when you want to and just relax. Stop being so uptight!!!

Recently, I heard another Christian say that they only put on the Armor of God when they pray, because that is when we do warfare. WOW! That statement took me by surprise - I must have been standing there with my mouth gaping open. So let's see what the Bible has to say about this - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Pray without ceasing...means to be in a prayerful state at all times. Have you ever truly thought about the nature of our enemy. He is always looking for a way to ambush you and knock you off course. Without the Armor, our defense is broken creating a huge hole that he can use to gain access to your mind, family, home, job, etc. - you name it. Satan knows your weaknesses better than you do and he loves to take advantage any time. Do you like being blindsided? No one does! Have you heard people say - "I need to pray through first!" All this points to holes/weaknesses the enemy can use to infiltrate!

Paul said it to the Ephesians like this, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13

His instructions - Put on the WHOLE ARMOR of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. He did not say - only while you are praying, just when you go to work, and you don't need it on vacation! We are not fighting a battle with humans - the war is against powers that don't play fair. The Armor of God covers you in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the spirit (which is the Word of God)! All the things that deflect and defeat the enemy! Once again, the Bible says "...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful..." Ephesians 6:18

We aren't fighting against someone that fights fair! He won't say - "I'm sorry", when you fall. Our defense is to keep the Armor on and be vigilant! 

Dear reader, we are not fighting one another, our family, or the church! As we pray, we must be fervent in the Spirit to stand, moving forward. Remember the Armor does not cover your hinder quarters. What does that mean? The church does not retreat! It means we must go FORWARD, there is nothing behind us. Only forward, can we move as the ARMY of GOD to destroy the enemy and his strongholds.

Friends, let's suit up!!! 


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