We are constantly at war in our minds, sometime in our flesh. A war of good and evil. I know I have written a lot about how things started, both good and bad in the Garden and Edon. Despite a google search that the first known war was fought in Mesopotamia in 2700 BCE, if we believe what the bible says, the stage for war was set up when the fruit was eaten by Adam and Eve. Because that was when sin came into the world. The first known murder was that of Abel when his brother Cain was jealous because God had favored Able's sacrifice over Cain's. Genesis 4:1-16.
However, it is not a physical war that I want to discuss today. It is the personal wars that we all deal with. Christians and non-Christains alike.
Those temptations that are called lust, greed, adultery, drunkenness, murder, disobedience to God, taking his name in vain, swearing,...the list goes on and on.
Sins that we are faced with every day. It is hard enough for Christians to overcome the power that sin has on us. But at least it is possible because we can learn how to do that through his word, and with the help of other Christians. God has given us the tools to resist the devil and temptation. And when all else fails, we have him to run to for forgiveness.
For those that do not know Christ....sin and temptations are another matter. But today I want to begin to talk about the tools that God has given us in Ephesians 6:11-13.
"Put on the whole armor of God that you will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil For our struggle is not with flesh and blood. But against rulers, against authorities, against powers of darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. Therefore, put on the armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."
So what is the armor of God? Verses 14-17 go on to say what they are. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace on your feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.
These are the 6 tools, the 6 pieces of God's armor provided for us to avoid sin and temptations in our lives. If we choose to use them.
"That is all well and good," some might say. "But what do they stand for. What do they mean?"
Come back tomorrow for a look at the very first piece. The belt of truth. What could it possibly mean? Stay tuned.
Cartoon of the day:
Will this be the way it is at your Thanksgiving table this year?
Have a blessed day, Friends. And for those that live in the United States, be sure to vote!
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