The Whole Armor!

I love this beautiful scripture in the 6th chapter of Ephesians!  The Apostle is admonishing us that if we intend to stand against the wiles of the devil, we are going to have to put on the whole armor of God  because we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.  So he tells us in verse 13 --

     "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  Then he goes on to clearly describe this armor in verses 14-18 --
     "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
      And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
      Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
      And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:
      Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . ."

I think of another scripture that tells us without faith it is impossible to please God, so here we are told -- Above All -- take the shield of faith!!  Then, it is interesting to note that there is no armor given for the back.  This seems to indicate that as a Christian, we are "to stand" and never retreat!  How wonderful it is that we have the offensive weapon of the Sword of the Spirit which is God's Holy Word!  And, finally, we have the powerful weapon and blessed privilege of Prayer!

     And for the "icing on the cake", the Apostle Paul tells us in II Corinthians 10:4 that the "weapons of our warfare" are "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."
In this first month of 2020, let us make sure that we have on the Whole armour of God -- "Not just a part or half of my heart---I will give All to Thee!"