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ARMOR OF GOD

Being young and foolish in time of war always seems not to be such a good mixture. In 1965, I found myself staring up at a very large poster outside of Naval Air Station Cerritos. The thing that fascinated me was the writing in the bottom-right corner that said, “free lunch after a presentation.” At the time, I attended Cerritos Jr. College. I made an executive decision and decided that my stomach needed to be filled if I was to continue to class. Three hours later, fat and sassy, I passed through the gates of that fine establishment as a signed, sealed, and delivered young patriotic Airmen. A fresh green behind the ears, real live sailor. I was directed to report for duty the following month to begin boot camp for reserve service. I chose a reserve service so I could continue school. However, that was not to be; six weeks into boot camp, I volunteered to go full-time as a sea-going sailor. I figured they would send me to my command right away, but NO, they sent me to San Diego to another boot camp for 13 weeks during mid-winter. I was being prepared to enter the full-time shooting of the Vietnam War. Like I said, YOUNG AND FOOLISH.

Thirteen weeks later, I was on my way to Jacksonville, Florida, to learn about conventional weapons and nuclear weapons. Things were getting serious. Four years later, I was dropped off at the pier in San Diego and hitched all the way back to my dad's house in Pico Rivera, California.

I say all this to highlight who we are in Christ. When we come to Christ, we become a part of the most significant elite fighting force on this planet. The warfare we fight is not with flesh and blood but against spiritual entities in heavenly places. A war against a real enemy that is constantly wanting to steal, kill, and destroy our peace in Christ. We must prepare for such battles with a determination that one would have if they were heading to a battlefield where their physical bodies can be destroyed. There is no greater importance than this preparation. In the beloved's handbook— that’s you and me —the Bible gives us the weapons we need to weather the battles.

Ephesians 6 10-18 Read it, you will be encouraged in the words because God has given us everything to win, and we do win. I will put down a few things to notice as you read,

Vs 10 be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Note: it is not you, it is all in Him and Him alone.

Vs 11 PUT ON the full Armor. Note YOU need to put armor on, He does not put it on for you, that’s your responsibility.

Vs 12 Struggle is not with flesh & blood. Note. Its against Rulers, powers, WORLD FORCES, evil forces in the heavenlies. Notice the combo ; WORLD AND HEAVENLY FORCES.

VS 13 Take up the full armor of God. It is HIS armor not yours. Note: after you have done everything to resist, STAND FIRM.

Now what is the Armor:

1. Loins girded with TRUTH, Jesus said He is the TRUTH.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness, Note: covering all the vital organs

3. Cover your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Note: Standing firm in peace, which surpasses understanding.

4. Shield of Faith, Note: using the shield indicates that you recognize the attacks of the enemy.

5. Helmet of Salvation. Note: Having the mind of Christ, Jesus said He followed what the Father told Him.

6. Sword of the Spirit, Note: being well versed in the Word of God

Finally, verse 18 instructs us to be prayerful, constantly petitioning God for all that He has for us and all those who serve Him. The most vital thing I desire that you see with your spiritual eyes is the armor is all fitted to the front of the body. That is the only way you can be effective against such a powerful enemy that desires you life. Also, standing firm and still allows our Lord to do the fighting. HE ALWAYS WINS,