2. Put on the armor.

The night is far gone; the day is at hand.  So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Romans 13:12  

God is not capable of being a neglectful Father.  He provides everything we need – no matter what it is.  Protection from enemies we can’t see coming is at the top of His priority list.  We fight invisible enemies with invisible weapons.  We wear them by faith and believe they are effective because God said so!

How do I put on the armor my Father has provided?  And what does each piece mean?  I offer the following as a daily template prayer.  

Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation.  Protect my thoughts.  Bind my mind to Yours.  Conform all my thoughts to Your thoughts.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness.  Protect my heart, my most vital organ.  Conform my desires to Your desires.  I long to love what You love and hate what You hate today.

I put on the belt of truth.  No matter what comes at me, I make a vow to stand in Truth.  Expose deception quickly so that I can plant my feet in the foundation of what is safe and secure, Your very Words.

I put on the shoes of peace.  The terrain of my life can be slippery and hard to maneuver.  I often don’t know how to be a righteous peacemaker.  Don’t let me love peace more than truth, Lord.  Show me today when peace is needed and when truth is more important than peace.  

I take up the shield of faith.  I am adjusting my mindset to believe You today, even when it seems ludicrous.  I believe You even though You may look guilty.  No matter what, no matter whom, I choose to believe You;  I’ll believe who You say I am, who You say You are, and how life works in the kingdom.

I take up the sword of the Spirit.  Make me a marksman with the Word.  I anticipate the areas where I will be tempted today.  Give me a few scriptures that target my temptations.  I will write them out, Lord, and have them ready for that hour.  When your enemy comes and the compulsion to sin is in front of my face, I will open my mouth and read Your Words out loud.  You promised the enemy would flee.  Arm me with these strategic arrows on my tongue.  You will hear the snarl of a defeated foe as he retreats.  

Oh, how you care for me.  I avail myself of everything You used to fight in the wilderness.  To You be all glory.  Amen