Don't Go Out, Half Dressed

Good Morning!! The Bible has gives six declarations, that defy the very things Satan always uses, to get us to retreat; our deceit, unclean input, worry, fear, trusting in something other than the cross, and believing our feelings. Putting on our armor means consciously choosing the spiritual resources of Jesus,...as the ways we respond to every attack. Don't concentrate on the attack that's coming your way,...concentrate instead on the things that make you strong,...the full armor of God that makes Satan retreat!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.—Ephesians 6:`10, 11 (NIV)

The real key here is the full armor, spelled out in the verses that follow; The belt of truth,...which means each new day you declare, "Only the truth, no deceit." Since lies are the devil's main weapon, when you compromise the truth, you defect to his side. The breastplate of righteousness,...which means "only what's pure, nothing corrupt allowed in my heart." Your shoes, should be the readiness that comes from "the gospel of peace.",...which means each new day you declare "only God's peace today, not my worry." Taking up the shield of faith,...means you declare, "Only faith today, not fear!" The helmet of salvation,...well that's what guards the way you think,...salvation is the cross, and you put on that helmet when you declare,..."Only the cross and no other power to trust in." And then there's that sword of the Spirit,...the Word of God. Picking up that sword each day means you declare, "Only what God says, not my feelings."

Do not give the devil ground,...Do not retreat from him,...Defy his every attack!

Jesus, teach us to pray in the Spirit,...and for all things and everyone. Amen.

....the next time you're tempted to engage in a silly squabble, whether inside the church or outside it, refrain. When you do, you'll put a smile on God's face,...and you'll send the devil packing."

(Praying for our Marriage: 100 Devotions and Prayers for Husbands and Wives, ch. 69)