The Armor of God

By Bethany Lashbrook

Today's Verse: 1Corinithians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Devotion:

I was listening to the radio on my way to work, when I heard a song that said something like this: "but the devil was sitting on my shoulder." I immediately thought of that cartoon image -you know, the one where an angel is on one shoulder and Satan with his pitchfork is on the other. Typically, in cartoons, this is when Tom would decide to go ahead and chase Jerry. Or Wyley Coyote would try to eat the Roadrunner one more time!

Once a temptation enters our head, it seems to stick. Actually, it's hard to think of anything else. But the bible reminds us to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)

Typically, at the end of these cartoons, Tom and Wyley Coyote would fall flat on their faces and hold up a sign that proclaimed "help"! And typically, this is what happens when we fall into temptation. Even if things seem to be going okay at first, it usually doesn't last. We must cling to the word daily so we are reminded of the power the Lord gives us to deny such temptations in our lives.

Ephesians 6:14-17 reminds us: "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. (NIV)

We can be armed and ready for hardships in our lives, for temptations, and also for joyful times. In all times we can pick up this armor and fight against Satan and his whisperings in our ear and tempting lies he lays on our shoulders.

Dear Lord, thank you for placing the holy spirit in our lives so we are equipped with you on a daily basis. Help us, as we get dressed in the morning, to also place on our full armor of you - so we are prepared daily to walk with you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application: Are you struggling with a temptation right now? Join me this week and as you are getting ready in the morning, try repeating this scripture - out loud - and let's clothe ourselves with the armor of God this week!

Power Verses:

Matthew 6: 9-13, “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’" (NIV)

Romans 16:20, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." (NIV)