“Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:11

No one is complaining about the heightened security at airports these days. As slow and irritating as it may be, we all know that the check points are there to save lives. It makes me wonder however. If I plan to pack my armor to take with me on my journey into 2010, will it make it through airport security?

That is just a little joke there, but I have been having fun envisioning the alarms that would sound when my little travel bag moves down the conveyor belt at the airport. All the armor from Ephesians 6:10-17 would be crammed into every nook and cranny of the suitcase. Somehow I will find room for my utility belt, body armor, breastplate, helmet and chain mail shoes.

If I am going to survive this trip with grace and joy, my armor has to come. Oh – don’t forget the Sword. Can you imagine the eyes of the security people if my Bible revealed itself for what it really is – the Sword of the Spirit?

This fanciful airport scenario makes me smile, but truthfully, I am in earnest, and you should be too. Our success in negotiating every road, obstacle, and experience of the coming days depends on the armor of God we pack. The armor will make the difference between victory and defeat.

I have been enjoying listening to sermons from various pastor/teachers in the last few weeks. Francis Chan who is pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California has been a favorite of ours since we first heard him speak at a youth conference in 2002. Chan has been preaching on 2 Peter at his church along with other scriptures in the New Testament that warn us and prepare us for the spiritual battle each of us faces as believers in Jesus Christ.

Something Chan said in a recent sermon really hit me. He said that as he preaches the truth from the Bible today concerning sin and judgment he faces much more opposition than he did even ten years ago. The antagonism of the world to God’s truth will only increase as the day of Christ’s return gets closer.

I must pack my armor, and remember to put it on every day as I travel my life road in 2010. As I do, the Holy Spirit will give me wisdom to understand what I am facing in every situation of life. I can’t hope to win out using my own strength and wisdom. Why? Listen to what Paul says:

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13.

I expect to be an overcomer this year, friends. I expect to grow in grace and the knowledge of God. I expect to walk in victory because I am God’s child. I expect to experience supernatural peace and joy as I journey through the days and months of 2010. But it will be because of God, not because of me.
 
Pack your armor, friends, and don’t forget your sword.

Dear Friends,
 Packing your armor is only the first step, friends. We have to know what to do with it, and we have to put it on. I suggest that we meditate on the armor of God this week as we read the Fresh Bread scriptures each day. Ask God for understanding, and help in applying and using the armor in real, practical ways. I am going to do that too. I will pray for you, will you pray for me?

In the Battle,
Joan Tyvoll
Norwegian Ridge Retreat

P.S. Check out the YouTube version by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir of the wonderful song by Robin Mark “Days of Elijah”.

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