Ephesians 6:10-24   We are instructed to "take up every piece of war equipment God provides;"  We are to take up Truth and Righteousness ( see yesterday's post).  We are also instructed to:

".. wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom" ( v15)  The purpose of our "war equipment" is so that we can keep on standing firm.  It is vital that we stand prepared.. for the battle.. for the assault that is coming.. for the fiery darts of the enemy.  We can only stand firm when we have received the Good News -  "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming shalom ( peace), bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation and saying to Zion, 'Your God is King'" ( Isaiah 52:7)   The 52nd chapter of Isaiah is focused on the deliverance of God's people by God's servant.. the one who was "so disfigured that he didn't even seem human.. "  the One who "will startle many nations" and leave kings speechless. ( v14-15).   Our peace comes from the sacrifice of our Savior who is our King.  The One who is "far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion... has put all things under His feet." (Ephesians 1:21-22)  On this truth we stand and are ready when the battle comes. 

V 16 "Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One."  The enemy is strong, but Jesus Christ is stronger.  The enemy is already "under His feet".  Victory is already won.  The promises of God are certain. The word of God is powerful.  As we place our trust in these truths.. the "flaming arrows" are extinguished!  Praise the Lord !

V 17-18 "And take the helmet of deliverance, along with the sword of the Spirit, that is the Word of God; as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests in the Spirit, diligently and persistently for all God's people."   Our helmet is vital.  Salvation or deliverance is ours in Christ Jesus and we must put it on!  Our minds and hearts can become discouraged in the midst of the battle.. but we can "take every thought captive" by concentrating on the Truth and placing our confidence in the One who has saved us by His own sacrifice.  

The sword is the Word of God, we are told, "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." ( Hebrews 4:12).  

Notice how we are to use these two pieces of war equipment - "as you pray at all times.." 

Father in heaven, holy, infinite, and mighty God, we come before You in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, thanking You for the Truth that You have revealed to us through the Word.  Our prayers are the weapons of Light as we pray for all God's people.  May Truth bind us together.  May righteousness cover us and flow through us.  May our faith extinguish every arrow.  May we stand ready in Your peace.  May we guard our hearts and minds with the peace and salvation that comes in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord of all.  And may we continually be kept  filled by Your Spirit and be diligent in praying for each other.  Amen.