August 26, 2014 at 6:58 AM · getting dressed . . .
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power” is our focus
BEFORE we are told
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. “ (Ephesians 6:11)

If we think this is OUR strength, we have missed the context, like when Saul put his armor on the young David to prepare David for battle & it didn’t fit David, so he went forward without Saul’s armor . . .
in the strength of the Lord.
“. . . that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s . . .” (1 Samuel 17:47)

“truth buckled around your waist” (waist/stomach holds what you consume & a belt-pack around your waist can protect your stomach & hold provisions for your future);
—consume only Truth (mouth speaks what heart is full of)
—Truth exposes choice between “flesh” and “spirit”
—belt protects what you have “consumed” to Live
—belt around your waist holds what you need to survive – all pockets should be filled with Truth (meditate on His Word day & night)

“breastplate of righteousness in place” (Abraham believed God & it was credited to him as righteousness-Romans 4:4-8–breastplate protects heart & internal organs);
—breastplate is a protective device designed to also deflect attacks
—righteousness is a gift of God = right standing with our Father is not earned but follows our “believing God”
—believe God, depend on God, know God

“feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (peace results from knowing we can depend on God–Philippians 4:4-8, Exodus 14:13-14)
—peace comes from knowing God’s power takes care of His creation; He is faithful & will never leave us or forsake us
—the “good news” is that the Prince of Peace has come

“take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (the word of God cuts through the deceptions of the forces of darkness–1 Peter 1 a living hope & a sure salvation)
—my head (mind) knows God has saved me & it protects my mind
from others who would draw me into serving other things/beliefs
—the Word of God cuts through the deceptions of the enemies of God
and tells me who I really am because of who God Is
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Bottom line: GOD is my armor . . . GOD is TRUTH . . . GOD is RIGHTEOUSNESS . . . GOD is PEACE . . . GOD is The WORD . . . GOD IS . . .

“Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (2 Chronicles 14:11)

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)