July 27, 2003
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To put on the "full armor"--and enjoy a daily and eternal
love-relationship with Jesus Christ, thank Him for what He has shown you in His
Word. Know the Scriptures behind your prayer so that your words and faith
are grounded in the authority of the Bible.
~Armor~
Armor is
a covering used primarily for protection in battle. Through the centuries, such
materials as animal skins, bronze, and steel have been used to make armor. Until
the invention of firearms, increasingly effective armor was designed to match
advances in weapons. However, the use of individual armor declined when it
became so heavy in order to be bulletproof that it could not be worn. Today,
armor is used mainly on ships, tanks, and other military vehicles.
In
early times, primitive people wore layers of animal hides to soften blows from
clubs and axes. The Assyrians and people of other early civilizations carried
shields and wore helmets and body armor made chiefly of leather strengthened
with bronze. The Greeks and later the Romans wore helmets, cuirasses (short body
armor), and greaves (leg armor), and they carried large shields. Greek and Roman
armor was constructed mainly of bronze or steel, and it served as protection
against arrows, spears, and swords.
During the Middle Ages, the use of
armor reached its peak. During the 1200's, chain mail (tiny rings of metal
linked together) served as the major form of protection. Suits of chain mail
covered a knight's body from head to foot and provided protection against
arrows, lances, and swords. The crusaders and many other knights also wore metal
helmets that covered the face.
By the 1300's, foot soldiers fought with
such weapons as crossbows, longbows, maces, and axes. Arrows fired from a
longbow or crossbow could pierce chain mail, and blows from an axe or a mace
would crush it. As a result, armorers (armor makers) began to produce plate
armor consisting of large pieces of steel. By the 1400's, suits of plate armor
were designed to cover the entire body. Helmets, gauntlets (gloves), and
shoes--all of steel--completed the outfit. Horses wore armor as well. Plate
armor was highly effective, but it was extremely heavy and hot to wear. A suit
of armor was also expensive, costing as much as a small farm.
Armorers
were highly skilled craftsmen. Their job was to preserve lives, particularly
those of leaders. After armor became a safe defense, armorers concentrated on
decorating armor for tournaments and parades. Gothic armor produced in northern
Italy and southern Germany became especially well known for its gracefulness and
elegance. German Maximilian armor of the early 1500's was fluted (grooved) to
give it extra strength and a glancing surface. By the mid-1500's, armor was
etched or engraved with designs or scenes, and was often gilded or silvered.
Later examples imitated current fashions in dress, or were exaggerated and
grotesque.
Guns changed the ways of waging war and therefore the
protection needed. Armor, made ever thicker and heavier to be bulletproof,
became too heavy to wear. By the mid-1600's, only helmets and breastplates
continued to be used.
Later developments. By the 1900's, the only armor
soldiers wore was a helmet. Engineers began to work on group protection,
armoring trains, ships, and other vehicles. During World War I (1914-1918), the
British developed the tank. The tank became one of the most important weapons in
World War II (1939-1945) and later conflicts. During the Korean War (1950-1953)
and the Vietnam War (1957-1975), soldiers wore bulletproof body armor made of
light, strong synthetic material.
~Above Information from The World Book
Encyclopedia~
The equipment of a soldier
Ephesians 6:14-17
FIGURATIVE
2 Corinthians 6:7
6:11-17;
- The belt of truth: Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the
truth about yourself. Thank you for reminding me that You are the only
God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, my Father who
loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my
hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day.
Girdle of Truth -
Wrestle against----
Figurative of: Genesis 30:8,
32:24,25 & Ephesians 6:12
- Used to bear arms
1 Samuel 18:4;
2 Samuel 20:8; 2 Kings 3:21
- FIGURATIVE
Isaiah 11:5; 22:21; Ephesians 6:14
- SYMBOLICAL
Jeremiah 13:1-11; Acts 21:11;
Revelation 15:6
Know and affirm:
goddesses.
- The breastplate of righteousness: Thank you for showing me
the truth about myself--that on my own I could never be good enough to live in
your presence. Thank you for taking my sins to the cross and offering
me your righteous life. Lord, show me any sin that I need to confess
right now, so that nothing will hinder me from being filled to overflowing
with your Spirit. [Take time for confession] Thank you for forgiving me and
for filling me with your righteous life.
3:8-10.
Armor for soldiers -
Figurative -
Ephesians 6:14
Worn by Aaron
Exodus 29:5; Leviticus 8:8
frees us from bondage to selfish nature.
- The sandals of peace: Thank you for the
peace you give me when I trust and follow you. Show me how to
help others find that peace. Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14; John
14:27, 16:33, 20:21.
spirits.
- The shield of faith: Thank you for helping me have
faith in you. I choose to count on everything you have shown me
about yourself--and everything you have promised me in your Word.
Defensive armor - Different kinds of, designated as
buckler, shield, target - Psalms
35:2 &
Figurative -
Of God's protection:
Genesis 15:1
5:12
Of God's truth:
Psalms 91:4
Of an entire army:
force, coincidences, etc.
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Shield was the chief
means of personal protection in war from earliest times until the invention of
firearms during the 1300's. Shields were carried in one hand or on the arm to
ward off enemy blows. The other hand was free to use a club, sword, or spear.
The earliest shields were made of bullhide or wood. Some were covered
with metal. They were of many sizes and shapes. The ancient Egyptians had large
shields that were often oblong in shape with a curved top. Sumerian and Assyrian
shields were round. The ancient Greek soldier carried a heavy round or oval
shield. The Romans introduced a rectangular curved shield made of
leather-covered wood.
During the Middle Ages, armored knights used a
small triangular shield. After helmets covering the face were introduced, a
knight was recognized by the coat of arms painted on his shield. Foot soldiers
carried a small round shield called a buckler. Archers reloaded their bows
behind a pavise, a large shield set on the ground. In the 1300's, knights began
wearing plate armor consisting of large pieces of steel, and they no longer
needed shields. Shields were also discarded because they offered little
protection against guns.
Shields have special uses today. For example,
police officers sometimes carry shields made of synthetic materials as
protection during riots.
~Above Information from The World Book
Encyclopedia~
The helmet
of salvation: Thank you for promising me salvation
both for today's battles and for all eternity. Each day:
Ps. 16, 23; Heb. 1:3-6 For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1
Thess. 4:17; 1 John 3:1-3
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1 Samuel
17:5,38;
Jeremiah 46:4
23:24
Figurative -
Ephesians 6:17
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Christ.
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cosmic mind.
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Helmet is a covering of
metal or other sturdy material designed to protect the head. Most helmets have
soft liners so they may be worn comfortably. Many people wear helmets, including
firefighters, police, motorcyclists, and construction workers. Athletes in
certain sports wear helmets. Astronauts wear special helmets for space travel.
In tropical climates, pith helmets or cork helmets provide protection from the
sun.
Helmets once were worn only in war. The first helmets, worn by
Ethiopian soldiers, were the skulls of horses, complete with mane and ears. The
ancient Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans wore dome- or cone-shaped helmets made of
bronze. Knights in the Middle Ages wore helmets of chain mail or plated steel.
They were dome-shaped so that sword blows glanced off the surface. In many
cases, the helmet covered the entire head, leaving only slits or holes for
seeing and breathing. Some helmets were attached to body armor so they could not
be knocked off.
Combat soldiers in World Wars I and II wore steel
helmets that could also be used as a cooking pot, dish, or wash basin. Since
1978, soldiers in the United States Army have worn helmets made of an acrylic
fiber that is stronger than steel.
~Above Information from The World Book
Encyclopedia~
- The sword of the spirit, the Word of God: Thank you for the
scriptures you have given me to memorize. Please show me which one(s) you want
me to use to cut through deceptions and gain your victory in any battle I may
face today. Heb. 4:12; Matt. 4:2-11; 1 Pet. 3:15; Ps.
119:110-112
The equipment of a soldier -
Ephesians 6:14-17
Figurative -
2 Corinthians
6:7;
Ephesians 6:11-17
foes.
direct spiritual forces.
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Sword is a
sharp-edged metal weapon. It is used in hand-to-hand fighting to deliver cutting
or stabbing blows.
Swords consist chiefly of a blade and a handle called
a hilt. Sword blades have either one cutting edge or two, and they are made in a
variety of sizes and shapes. Some are broad like that of the Scottish claymore,
but others are narrow like that of the rapier. The Persian shamshir, sometimes
called a scimitar, has a highly curved blade. But the saber has one that is only
slightly curved. Hilts also vary. For example, the hilts on some of the swords
of European Vikings and Japanese samurai warriors are highly ornamental works of
art. But the hilt on the Roman gladius is purely practical.
About 3500
B.C., people discovered how to make bronze, and early swords were made of this
metal. By about 1000 B.C., swords were commonly made of iron, a metal harder
than bronze and so better suited for sword-making. Most early iron swords were
only 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 centimeters) long. Few armies used them as their
principal weapon.
During the Middle Ages, sword makers in Europe and
Japan perfected the long sword. Long swords ranged from 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8
meters) in length, and could be swung with either one or two hands. They were
extremely deadly, and they were among the most important weapons in warfare of
the time.
By the 1600's, firearms had been developed and the use of
swords declined as a result. However, cavalry soldiers continued to use such
swords as sabers and broadswords into the 1900's. At that time, tanks and other
advanced weapons made cavalry itself useless. Today, some military officers
still wear swords as a sign of authority. In addition, blunt-edged swords are
used in the sport of fencing.
~Above Information from The World Book
Encyclopedia~
God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a
protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]ut on the
armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves
with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your
hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David.
Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a
shield, He also fills you with His life.
"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man
abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do
nothing." (John 15:5)
Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with
Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God
has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So
"do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though
something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the
sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been
tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even
joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.
They affirm with Paul -
"that in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ
Jesus our Lord." (Romans
8:37-39)
This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and
follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you
safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted
companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!
We as Christian believers are all suppose to be
soldiers. We are in the Lord's army. Do you know the "game plan"? Do you have
all the equipment that you need?
When you are in a WAR you have an "enemy"
and expect a "battle".
All of this "equipment" for the Lord's Army
is also the same items worn by the Priests of the Temple of the Lord.
Interesting!!! We also read in the Old Testament that the Lord tells us that He
is our shield and our reward.
protect ourselves. The Bible reveals the armor of God as one type we can use.
The armor of God helps Christians withstand the forces of darkness around us.
Using the armor of God each day will help back off the Devil's kingdom.
Armor of God--Put it on
us holy garments and powerful armor to help us through difficult times and
tribulation. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about armor of God
protection that the Lord gives us.
we don't need to fear the Devil's schemes. Paul recommends that we use God's
Almighty power and put on the entire armor of God. The Scripture says we don't
struggle against the people in this world. Our conflict comes from Satan's
kingdom: rulers, authorities, powers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:10–12).
encourages us to put on the full armor of God: not just part of it, but all of
it. The armor of God helps us stand against the aggression from the kingdom of
darkness. The Bible says that we should do everything we can to stop the Devil's
harassment. After this, we need to stand firm with all seven pieces of his armor
on us and around us (Eph. 6:13).
important role in our protection. We may not understand what each does, but the
Lord knows and acts upon our faith when we speak his Word. The Word will sprout
and mature in our lives when we voice it (Mark 4:26–30). As the Word grows, our
attitudes and actions change for the better. This results in Jesus Christ
pushing the Devil away from us (2 Thess. 3:3).
God
after I wake up, I ask my Father to forgive me for my sins in the name of Jesus.
I then say the Lord's Prayer and put on the full armor of God. For many years
after I began to follow Jesus, I didn't do this. When I began to consider
writing this book, the intensity of Satan's harassment increased. Our God of
grace revealed through the Bible and personal experience that if I did this each
day, my walk through life would stay on level roads.
to the top of my head when I put on the armor of God. I say, “I put on the
Gospel of peace on my feet and the belt of truth around my waist. I put on the
breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation on my head. I hold up
the shield of faith so that the Devil and his kingdom cannot touch me. I pick up
the sword of the spirit so I can speak, think, act, pray and write the Word of
God. I ask you, Lord, to keep me alert and help me to pray for everything and
everyone that I should pray for.”
Armor of God wins the Battle
Tools for
started repeating the Lord's Prayer and putting on the full armor of God every
day. God says he will not let us be tested or tried by more than we can stand.
He will always give us a way out (1 Cor. 10:13). The Lord's Prayer and the Armor
of God give us two methods that we can use. They help protect us from troubles
and desires of the world.
Protection
gives us many tools in the Bible to use for protection. Automobiles of today
have built-in safety for passengers. We call the protection seat belts. In order
for a seat belt to work, we need to put it on or activate it. A seat belt does
not help if we crash, and it rests on the seat.
not help us in a crash with demonic forces if we do not put it on. When we come
into the Kingdom of God, the Lord gives us his armor. Nevertheless, most of the
pieces of the armor of God listed here need reinforcing.
to live on the edge of endurance day after day. I prefer praying ten minutes a
day. This builds a spiritual hedge and helps me enjoy the marvelous freedom that
our King of Glory gives. “Thank you, Jesus, for your armor of God protection
that give us freedom and peace.” - The belt of truth: Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the
Comments (2)
Every piece of that armor describes a facet of Christ so it is Christ we are "putting on."
o/ 
God Bless - Dale
Interesting to read this.
A couple of weeks ago when I was much earlier in the stuff I am currently working through, and we were praying, I felt like I had armour on my hands! Couldn't think why at first. Then I realised that I know that the sword that god has given me is a broad sword, that's the long sword, and tht get's wielded at a certain distance which leaves a warrior vulnerable to up close attack by a smaller weapon. And it was like god was saying "it's okay, you can wield the broad sword, because you are protected up close by the armour I have given you, the attack from up close will not be allowed to succeed".
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