Dear congregation,
 
I was sad not to be there on Sunday worshiping and sharing the word with you but am thankful that Dave was able to step in and share, and that our family has now returned to full health. These continue to be challenging times for all of us. But God is faithful, and he will continue to see us through as a church and individuals as we trust him. I just want to encourage each one of us to continue to participate in the life of the church as we are able. We need each other, especially in times like these. Whether this means coming to life groups, Sunday services or our online opportunities, it is important we continue to gather as God’s people and build each other up.
 
I wanted to talk this week about the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18. The surest way to lose a battle is to not know it is going on. I was thinking of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in 1941. The Japanese sent their planes to bomb Pearl Harbor before they had declared war. The Americans were caught completely off guard and as result the Japanese faced no resistance and won the battle with ease. The enemy often tries the same tactic with us. He will lull us into a false sense of security before launching his attack on us. This is why Paul’s call to prepare ourselves for the battle is so important. If we don’t see ourselves in a war, we won’t put our armor on, and the enemy will have a heyday. 
 
We do not face physical giants like Goliath like we heard about last Sunday, but we face a very real spiritual enemy who is seeking to destroy our souls. Paul talks about this when he calls us to put on the whole armor of God. He says, “We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12 NIV)
 
How do we fight this enemy? Only in the strength of His might (vs10). God has given us armor with which to fight the enemy. Each piece of armor reminds us of the mighty things God has done for us and how we can take hold of the victory he has given us. I want to go through each piece together in order to remind us and encourage us in the truth. After each piece I have put a short prayer which I invite you to pray along with me.
 
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth: Lord, help me to stand in your truth today. Jesus says “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). I know that your word is truth (John 17:17). The enemy is a liar. I choose to believe in Jesus and his word and not be led astray by the enemy today.
 
Having put on the breastplate of righteousness: Jesus, you are my righteousness. In You, I have been declared righteous by faith in You and Your atoning blood (Phil 3:9). Lord, help me “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom 13:14).
 
As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace: Thank you Father that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation for all those who believe (Rom 1:16). Jesus has come to save sinners of whom I am the chief (1 Tim 1:15). Help me be ready to proclaim this good news with those you bring across my path.
 
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one:
Father, I trust in you and I set my hope fully on your promises, which are all yes and amen in Jesus Christ. You are my shield, and my exceedingly great reward” (Gen 15:16). I will live by faith in you and will not be drawn away from you to love the things of this world.
 
Take the helmet of salvation: Father, thank you that you have chosen me before the foundation of the world and covered my sins with your blood. You have given me eternal life and hope of a new body and new heavens and new earth. No one can snatch me out of my Saviour’s hand.
 
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Lord, your word is sharper than a double-edged sword. It destroys all the lies of the enemy that I am tempted to believe and shows me the truth of who you are and how I am called to live. Help me live in submission to your word this week.
 
May we each day this week put on the full armor of God and stand against the evil one. Would we be a people who are ready for battle and walk in the victory that Christ has given us. 
 
May God bless you this week.
 
In Christ,
Taylor Ewert