Ringing In the New Year

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For 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.   

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17 

I prayed to God about what to write in my new year's message and this was what he gave me. I asked him several times to tell me more but, he wants me to tell you in my own words.

How to apply the Armor of God:

1. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Jesus told him,"I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No on can come to the Father except through me."  John 14:6  
This is the "Belt of Truth."

2. Be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.   Galatians 4:4-7    
This is the "Breastplate of Righteousness."

3. Accept a mindset of peace.

Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you."  Isaiah 35:4  
This is the "Shoes of the Gospel of Peace".

4. Have faith like a child.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."  

Luke 18:17.  
This is the "Shield of Faith." 

5. Stay fixed by faith in the eternal world (salvation).  
The hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
Hebrews 6:19
This is the "Helmet of Salvation."
Satan attacks your mind.  So this helmet protects you from doubt, disbelief, fear, etc. 

6. Read the bible!  

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.  For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread."  

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say,

'People do not live by bread alone.

but by every word that comes form the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:1-4   

Even Jesus used the Word of God to battle the devil.  
This is the "Sword of the Spirit."

That is my experience of The Armor of God.  I put it into my own words through scripture, because it speaks the truth.

May you have a blessed 2017!  The time is now to come to God.  

Sherry

I will be linking up with these parties:
Mommy Moments at Life of Faith- Sun evening   
Moments of Hope at Lori Schumaker 
Monday's Musings at What Joy is Mine
Coffee and Conversation at Pat and Candy.com
Tell Us His Story at Jennifer Dukes Lee
Grace Moments at Journeys in Grace
Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3-D Lessons for Life
Grace and Truth at Above the Waves
Fresh Market Friday Crystal Twaddell
TGI Saturdays at Ask Latisha

Friends Sharing Tea at BTTCG

Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups 

The Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims