Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. [Ephesians 6:10-13a (GW)]

When you dress this morning, give some thought to heeding Paul’s advice about putting on God’s armor before setting out to face the world and its many challenges. Picture yourself decked out in a suit of armor and chain mail, a shield in one hand and a sword at your side, ready to face the day and prepared to fight evil. Know that you are armed with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and God’s word.

So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies. [Ephesians 6:14-17 (GW)]