Put On Your Armor

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Each day a soldier serving in a war zone puts on protective gear to help protect him. Police officers likewise don certain pieces of gear meant to keep them from encountering bullets. Likewise believers have the armor of God to protect them if only they remember to use it daily.

The word of God is that armor. It is strong and powerful and not very effective if not read and studied. Satan is not scared of those people who claim to be believers but rarely, if ever, open up their Bible and read. You can not force someone to read scripture. They have to want to and it is the Holy Spirit's job to bring conviction. When we are complacent that is when the enemy loves to attack us. He works through lies and deception. If a person never reads God's word then how will they know the truth and be able to counteract the devil's lies and schemes?

Today be on your guard. Know that when you leave your home each day it is not the morning show or Facebook that protects you but it is getting a good dose of God's word to send you out into the battlefield. 

PRAYER: I know Lord when I neglect the reading of the word that I am susceptible into believing lies of the enemy. I want to stay rooted and grounded in the Bible. Help me Lord to not make excuses for why it is not necessary. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MY SHOES AND MY STEPS

This past week I actually sat down and watched the 2014 Miss America Pageant on TV something I had not done for years. It was very interesting. There were many "firsts". The first female solider, first contestant with only one arm, first talent competition where a contestant tore her ACL in practice and wore brace even in swimsuit competition the rest of the time. This was also the return to The famed Boardwalk in Atlantic City as well the first time in nine years as it had been in Las Vegas. Oh yes and the first tattoo.

This is also the first time I ever heard of a "shoe parade". I only saw clips of it but thought it was neat how each contestant in was in the back of a convertible and lifted up her leg to show her fancy choice of shoes that I think was to describe her personality or something to that effect. The female soldier donned her camouflage and Army boots which was cool. There were many very high heels. A couple contestants wore ice skates. This just gave me a idea for a devotion.

If you were to put on some shoes to describe yourself what would choose? If you could only select one kind. Think about that. For me it would be hiking boots. But just think about your footwear and how it is important and how in some countries people may not have shoes. With the shoes you wear are you "walking" for the Lord?

We are to put on those shoes and do the work of the Lord wherever we go. Sometimes it may be to a place we did not plan. That reminds me of a verse found in Proverbs 16:9 which reads ' A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. ' More about those "steps" later.

In Ephesians 6:15(KJV) in listing the "fruits" of the spirit and how we are to "dress" ourselves each day it says "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Think about if you are "spiritually clothed" and then read the entire chapter of Ephesians 6. Are you "walking", in whatever type shoe you wear, for the Lord?

You can put those "shoes" on as well and "prayer walk" certain places you go and "claim" them for Jesus or cover the area in prayer as you walk. Every step you take you can pray for "barriers" to be broken and "walls" to come down. You do not pray out loud so you could do this any time you are walking.

Psalm 37:23 is a good verse to end with. It says 'The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.' Do you delight in Jesus? Put those shoes on and go out and walk for the Lord.

PRAYER: Help the steps I take and the places I go in life bring glory to you. Thank you that you order my steps. No matter if barefoot or with shoes on help me choose to walk for you. In Jesus name. Amen.