The Whole Armor of God

Scripture:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

On Wednesday evening I usually go to a very charismatic church where we all pray out loud for about an hour and then the pastor presents a very practical Bible Study on how to be a strong, spiritual Christian. It is a very uplifting time of fellowship but last night I did not go. I arrived home to get a quick bite to eat and then started thinking about something my wife said to me a couple of days ago. After eating some leftover chicken I plopped myself on the couch and clicked on the TV. I was not really paying attention to it but before I realized it I was feeling down.

At first I did not understand what I was feeling. Thoughts of how tired I was and how alone I felt infiltrated me. Then I began to feel angry and since I don't like to feel that way, I redirected my thoughts to what was on the TV. The sitcom was on and I began to laugh a little, but the heavy feeling still stayed with me. In my head I know it would have been better for me to be around other Christians who love the Lord and I am really not beating myself up about it but I am reminded by what happened last night of just how important it is to "put on the whole armor of God."

Nothing serious really happened. I just stayed home one night. But just last month I was encouraging a good friend of mine how important it was for him to go to church. He fell into the same trap as I did but for him it was going to see some friends at a restaurant they frequent, and then the next Wednesday he did not go again, and then the next, and before he had realized it he had not gone for over a month.

The devil is very sutle and very asute. He knows us very well and he has been trapping Christians for many, many, many years. I have only been a Christian about 35 years and I am no match for him so I must keep in mind what the Bible says so that I may be able to "stand against the wiles of the devil."

Prayer Request:
That we always be on our guard defending ourselves so that we do not fall but continue to grow in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, the enemy is too smart for us. He knows every trick in the book, but you Lord have given us a book that will help us so that we do not fall, giving you all the honor and glory in everything we do. Thank you for your Word and help us continually put on the whole armor of God because you have already defeated the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.