The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20. Preparing Christians for the spiritual battles of life.

The armor of God seems to be a subject for Sunday Schools and vacation Bible schools, rarely examined in the church. Understanding the magnitude of this, God's precious gift to all believers, is sure-fire means of evoking gratitude to our Lord and assurance that we will stand in the day of battle! Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV) This passage opens (verses 10) with an indirect acknowledgement that we need strength. If we were strong, in and of ourselves, we would have no need of the Lord's strength and mighty power. But God knows our weakness and has made provision for the strength of all believers by means of providing "the full armor of God (verse 11). The source of our strength is God, the only one who never grows weary or fails in His endeavors: Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV) God gives His strength to us as He wills and as we need (and only He can truly determine this). In our weakness He is strong - bringing all glory to God alone, for His strength becomes the focus, overshadowing all we are (or should I say, "all we aren't"?). 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV) The reason we need strength is quickly identified (verses 11-12); we have an enemy that opposes us and our God. The devil and his forces are this enemy. His weapons are rooted in his fallen nature; he is the father of lies. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV) As the father of lies, every attack the devil makes comes from this. His twin weapons, utilized from the beginning of Genesis and throughout history, are: Lies - Anything that is in opposition to or opposes the truth. Deceptions - Misuse of the truth Contrary to how the devil is often portrayed; the devil is nowhere close to some equal opposite to God. He is a fallen created being, inferior in every way to His creator. While he can masquerade as an angel of light (i.e. 2 Corinthians 11:14), pretending to be what he is not; all attempts to be like God fall laughably short. The devil cannot read minds, nor does he know the future (apart from what God has revealed, which includes the devil's own destruction: read Revelation 12:12). The devil and demons may inhabit non-believers or creatures for a time, but truly they can never possess them. The devil is limited by God in everything he can do. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The devil is the head of all fallen spiritual or supernatural rulers and authorities that are in rebellion against God. Our battle is not against earthly rulers and authority structures that are established by God. What can the devil and his minions do to us? Verse 16 portrays the devil as shooting flaming arrows or darts - as such, these represent external attacks from afar. Without yet getting into specifics, consider that some of these flaming arrows, now prevented by the armor from lodging in their desired target, still fall at close range. Though that struck-down flaming arrow may not wound, disable, or kill; the soldier may still see and feel the flames as the arrow smolders at his feet. From a believer's common perspective, most close up battles appear to be fought by flesh and blood, people who have been enslaved to do the devil's will (2 Timothy 2:26). The attacks we often suffer are at the hands or words of individuals. Take note that our passage in Ephesians, this amazing armor, is not directed towards these individuals - our response to them is to be different than to how we respond to attacks from spiritual forces. Since it is a related battle we will consider aspects of both types of battles as we delve into armor and battle specifics, though we will be primarily focusing on those spiritual forces of evil (i.e. Ephesians 6:12) and the specific defenses that we have been given to win that unseen battle. As with arrows from a distance, much temptation comes from afar. Luke 21:34-36 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (NIV) How we respond to these far attacks, the attacks of the devil, is clearly defined in Scriptures: Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee. The devil is a defeated and cowardly enemy. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV) Revelation 12:9-12 The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." (NIV) As for many close attacks, again we are reminded that we are not fighting people as enemies. The entire battle focus in Ephesians chapter 6 is against spiritual forces. Our earthly enemies, not matter how demonically empowered, are to be treated differently. Luke 6:27-36 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV) Prior to examining the specifics of each piece of the armor God provides, some general observations are in order.

The Full Armor - general (v11) This is the attire of a soldier. We (believers in Jesus Christ) are all soldiers in God's army, we serve at His command, and we are provided for by God. All of this armor is a gift from God. We cannot come up with our own, it would be an inferior counterfeit. 1 Corinthians 9:7a Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? (NIV) Good soldiers are not always fighting, but they are always ready to fight. A "good" enemy attacks when you least expect it. Likewise, a good soldier will not be engrossed in civilian affairs as this will be a distraction and hindrance from always being ready. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer. (NIV) Believers are soldiers of the home ground (the castle/fortress). Spiritually, we are at home in Christ. We do not attack offensively for we do not need anything from our spiritual enemy (whether goods, ground, etc). Our job is to stand firm and yield no ground, goods, etc., to the enemy (who wishes to steal from us and the One we serve). 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (NIV) Some have said that the armor, as presented in Ephesians, has no rear defense. If based in Roman imagery, it must be noted that the standard Roman breastplate also covered the soldier's back but not as fully as the front. As believers, our armor needs little rear defense as God has our backs! Isaiah 52:11-12 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. 12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (NIV, cf. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18) The specifics of each piece in our armor begin with Ephesians 6:14. The Full Armor - specific (v14-17) Paul's immediate readers would have been familiar with the imagery he was using, items typically used by Roman soldiers. His imagery was not intended to copy the fullness of Roman armor, this armor is not exact to that of a Roman solider - they typically had leg coverings called greaves and carried javelins as well. Paul also draws on Scriptural imagery of armor, quite specifically imagery of the armor of Christ as detailed in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Belt of Truth. The belt holds your breastplate in place and also holds your sword when not in use. If you do not have the belt of truth, you do not have the breastplate of righteousness and you will not retain your sword of the spirit. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) This belt of truth reflects the same utilized by our Lord, the coming Messiah prophesied by Isaiah... Isaiah 11:1-5 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. (NIV) Breastplate of Righteousness. The forward guard covering your vital organs. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (NIV) Again, our Lord, the One we imitate, has a similar component in His armor. Isaiah 59:15b-19a The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 18 According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. 19 From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. (NIV) Feet - Gospel of Peace. What's on your feet? "Preparation" = readiness, foundation. A Roman soldier's shoes or boots had nails or bits of metal pounded into the bottom, enabling better traction - to stand firm! 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love. (NIV) Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV) Philippians 1:27b-28a I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (NIV) 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (NIV) James 5:7-8 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. (NIV) How we use this preparation in regards to people is quite different than with spiritual forces. In spiritual things we stand firm, in regards to people we must have a readiness to go wherever the commanding officer orders. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (NIV) Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (NIV) Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (NIV) Examples of "readiness" to go, using footwear imagery, are found in the Old and New Testaments: Mark 6:7-9 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. 8 These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. (NIV) Exodus 12:11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord's Passover. (NIV) Shield of Faith. The shield of faith allows us to stand when fiery darts are coming at us; the shield dulls their points and stops their flames. Only with the shield of faith will we overcome the world: 1 John 5:4b-5 This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (NIV) A reminder that, as with all of our armor, this shield of faith is a gift of God... Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV) Helmet of Salvation The same verb translated "take" the helmet can also be translated "accept". We have been given the helmet of salvation by our commander. It belongs to Him and He gives it as He wills. Revelation 7:10 And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (NIV) Without the Helmet of Salvation, you're functionally defenseless, easily felled in one blow. It guards the mind, providing the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Our helmet of salvation is derived from His, this is why it is also called the "hope of salvation". 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (NIV) Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV) Returning again to the Messiah's armor in Isaiah... Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.

Sword of the Spirit. The sword is, as such, the only offensive weapon; yet in regards to spiritual forces we do not attack with it. We are not commanded to pursue the devil, or our spiritual enemies. Remember that in regards to the devil we are told to stand firm against and he will flee. Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV) 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV) The sword of the spirit is not the book, as often portrayed, it is the Word of God in our hearts and spoken from our mouths. Romans 10:8 But what does it [the law of Moses] say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: (NIV, cf. Deuteronomy 30:14) When we use this weapon in regards to people, it is to be quite different than how it is used with spiritual forces. At the most, our offensive action is that we offer reason for the hope that we have, give answer to all who oppose us, and we speak the truth in love. We are no where commanded to physically stand our ground. Though we do not yield, or compromise, our beliefs, convictions, or personal actions; in the face of those who persecute us we are told to flee to another place. Matthew 10:23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. (NIV) Likewise, we are nowhere commanded to attack those who practice or promote wrong actions with our sword&ldots; in fact we are told to flee their quarrels, controversies and self seeking ways. 1 Timothy 6:3-12 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. The Sword as wielded by Jesus (God) Isaiah 49:1-2a Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; (NIV) Revelation 1:16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (NIV) Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (NIV) Not in our Armor Arrows Notice that we don't have something the enemy does: Arrows! We don't need them because God has one arrow that is sufficient: Isaiah 49:1-2 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. (NIV) The Messiah (spoken of in this prophetic passage in Isaiah) is a polished arrow - pure, without corruption. He was concealed in the quiver of God until the time came for his revelation. At the moment defined by God, He was brought out, first to save, second to judge (c.f. Isaiah 61:1-2). Garments of Vengence There is one large item we don't have in our soldier's attire, yet it is one that appears in the armor of our Lord: Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. [Emphasis ours] We have no garments of vengeance because this alone belongs to the Lord. Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (NIV) Revelation 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (NIV) Believers (God's army) serve by following our commander-in-chief. John 12:25-26 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. Our sovereign commander-in-chief has already decreed the outcome of this spiritual war and the end of His enemies: John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 Then the end will come, when he [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (NIV) Communications play a significant, if not decisive, role in battle. The same is true with our spiritual conflict; Paul tying this need directly to the armor. Communication with our Commander - The Father (v18-20) Ephesians 6:18-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (NIV) In ancient times, communications with a commander was often through a messenger or a superior. In modern times we have a high tech messenger pigeon, namely radios, yet even with it a soldier would rarely speak directly with their commander in chief. The communications gear and method of communication that God has given his solders is unique. Our communications are immediate and direct. Prayer We pray. Part of our commanded duty as a soldier of God is to pray. Like a good soldier we pass on intelligence about what the enemy is doing and what we and our fellow soldiers are experiencing. We do so regardless if we believe the commander already knows or not. (And, in our case, we assuredly know that our Commander knows everything!). "All occasions" is literally two Greek words meaning "all" and "set or appointed times" implying that a judgment must be made at all times about things needing to be prayed for. This does not demand that the we stop everything else and do nothing but pray, rather it requires us to pray as we see need, regardless of what we are doing. When - at all times, as necessary Where - not on this mountain or Jerusalem, but everywhere John 4:19-24 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (NIV) Why (About What?) - When things are going wrong, when things are going well. Who - We communicate about ourselves but also especially about our fellow soldiers. The right words. Our prayer is assisted by our Communications Operator - The Holy Spirit. Our access is directly to the Commander in Chief, aided by the His Spirit who teaches us when to pray and what to pray about. He then puts our message into the right words and helps us to ask what we really should be asking, since He truly knows our need (or the needs of the one being prayed for). Romans 8:26-28 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) Getting it right. Our Advocate and Mediator - Jesus Christ - speaks to our Commander-in-Chief on our behalf (fixing our mess when we mess up) 1 Timothy 2:1-6 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time. (NIV) 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (NIV) Romans 8:33-34 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (NIV) Contents of our communications. What do we talk about? What are the desired contents of our conversations? The "code" (acronym)... P.A.C.T.S. I. Praise - Praise for all God does Adoration - Honor of God's Name Confession - Acknowledging sin and failure before God Thanksgiving - Being thankful for all God has given us and done Supplication - Our humble petitions or requests to God Intercession - Our prayers on behalf of others Without getting into a lot of detail on prayer, which could be an article unto itself, these are just a few of the details of what prayer is: Prayer acknowledges the supremacy and sovereignty of God Prayer acknowledges our dependence on God We imitate Jesus when we pray Prayer is not useless repetition Prayer is persistence (in persevering) Prayer changes us Prayer can be public Prayer can be in secret Prayer can be in the words of others (we pray along with them. This also allows for written prayers) Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV) Use the armor of God that He has given, stand your ground in this life-long spiritual battle, and don't forget regular communications with our Commander-in-Chief. Look forward to the battle's end. To God be the Glory!

Article by Brent MacDonald, Lion Tracks Ministries (c) 2010 Non-profit duplication is permitted. A courtesy email is appreciated.