The Roman soldier’s helmet was a defensive weapon…covering and protecting the head, while the sword was an offensive weapon…used to attack the enemy. Each day we need to intentionally cover our mind with the blood of Jesus…asking Him to guard what we look at, listen to, and think about. We need to then take up our sword – the Scriptures – and armed with that Truth, we are then able to cut through the deception of the enemy.
Tag: power of god
Ephesians 6: 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.”
The shield of the Roman soldier was long and rectangular in shape…and almost as tall as he was. Its protection was superb, and when groups of soldiers closed ranks, fit the shields together, and advanced as one, the line was impenetrable. They would also hold the shields overhead, forming a circle of protection from arrows flying down from enemy walls above. Our saving faith…that firm and confident belief in Jesus and His Gospel covers us with complete protection from the devil. And when the Body of Believers band together with our shields of faith…we are unstoppable…we are victorious.
Ephesians 6: 14-15 ” Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The first piece of equipment the Roman soldier put on was his belt…and the first thing every morning, we too need to be equipping ourselves with the truth from the Word of God. The only way we will ever be able to withstand the barrage of the enemy is with Truth. The breastplate was then hooked onto the belt… covering the vital organs, especially the heart. When we’re in right relationship, or right standing with God, our heart is protected from the flaming darts of the enemy. Finally, some historians credit the footwear of the Roman army as one of the greatest reasons why they were so victorious. Their shoes had spikes in the soles enabling them to maintain tremendous stance and balance whatever the terrain. When you know who you are in Christ and have that confidence…your “spiked soul ” enables you to stand firm and unmoved by the enemy threats and lies.
Ephesians 6:13 ” 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.”
It doesn’t say, ” If maybe someday pain or sorrow possibly comes into your life.” It’s not if, but when bad things happen that we need to be prepared. By putting on the protection and presence of God we’ll be able to not only resist, but to stand firm in the face of evil. For the battle is not ours, but the Lord’s. (II Chronicles 20:15).
James 2: 18 ” But someone will say, ‘ You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16-17, ” By their fruit you will recognize them.” It’s not good enough to just talk the talk…we must also walk the walk. We can preach all day to our friends, neighbors, or co-workers, but it’s how we act and the things we do…or don’t do, that they’re really watching. Our faith…our obedience, is shown by who we are, and our actions towards others.
Hebrews 6:19 ” We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
The verse before this one says that we need to “take hold of hope”…to hold fast to our faith and confidence especially when times get tough. This confidence we have is the foundation that we can rely on. This ” soul certainty” will not waver when darkness falls around us…it is unmovable…unshakable… it’s that unfailing trust in God that will see us through anything.
Hebrews 3:6 ” But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”
It is a special exercise of our faith when we face fear and doubt head on. At that moment, we need to hold fast to the truth with confidence and boldness that no matter what – God is still there and in control.
Psalm 33:11 ” But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”
From the moment of creation…to the furthest reaches of the future, there are two things that will never change about God. He will never lie, and He will never change His mind. (Numbers 23:19) The plans he puts into motion are driven by divine wisdom and love and will never see failure…for He is God.
Jeremiah 23: 28 ” Let the (false) prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has My word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? “
This Scripture speaks to what is truth, and what is false…it speaks to God’s divinely ordained Word, and the corrupted half-truths that come from the pit of hell. The bottom line for us is…do we want to be filled with the “fruit” of His Word, or the useless stubble left behind?
Romans 1:8 ” First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
Every time you share your faith with someone…every time you openly declare your trust and belief in Jesus Christ…God’s word reaches farther into the world. Little did I know when I started this Daily Devotional a little over three years ago that it would now be reaching over 100 countries around the world. As it states in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Our faith and belief in the Gospel message, when shared with others, catapults His Word to the far-flung reaches of this world.
Safetypinlove 