February 1st, 2010
We parents make sure our children have coats and hats to ward off the winter chill, vaccines and vitamins coursing through their bloodstreams to keep illness at bay and flouride on their teeth to prevent tooth decay. We buckle them up in our vehicles and make sure they are wearing helmets before they take off on their bicycles. And yet, we send them out everyday, unaware and unprepared in the battle for their hearts.
God has already won the big victory through His Son’s death and resurrection. Bible teacher, Watchman Nee, explains that we do not have to march in to procure that land. It is already ours through Christ Jesus. We need only choose to stand and defend it.
Nee writes, “For Christianity does not begin with a DO, but with a big DONE.”
God allows the enemy limited power, for now, because He wants our love for Him to be a choice. God wants a relationship with each one of His children. If there were no oppositional force to God in this world, no decision to be made on our part, God would still be God, but we would be mere puppets. That is not love - and God is love.
Spiritual warfare is a given. You do not need to have the gift of faith to see the constant battle between good and evil in our world. It does take faith to recognize the war for what it truly is, and to armor ourselves and our children to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
So every morning as we wait for the school bus, I dress my son out by the highway. That’s right - we armor up!
Here’s how it goes -
“Let’s start with the belt - the belt of what, son?”
“The belt of truth.”
“Yes, sir!” I say, as I wrap my arms around his waist. “Pull that belt tight and buckle it good, son.”
What’s next, Daniel?”
“The breastplate of righteousness.”
“Bam! You got it.” I firmly place it over his school sweatshirt and give it a few hardy pats to make sure it’s good and tight. Daniel giggles.
“No laughing here, soldier. We’ve got a ways to go. What now?” I tap his shoe with my foot.
“Shoes.” Daniel blurts out.
“What kind of shoes, soldier?”
“Gospel shoes.”
“That’s right - shoes of readiness to proclaim and defend the gospel of peace.”
“Don’t forget your shield, Daniel. What’s your shield?”
“My shield of faith.”
“Won’t get far without that, son. Now what?” Daniel pauses to think.
“What are you dead without in the battle, boy?” I ask as I place my hands on his head.
“My helmet.”
“And what are you dead without in life?”
“Salvation - My helmet of salvation.”
I squeeze it over his precious ears and give it a few test knocks.
“What about my sword?” he asks.
What is it with boys and their weapons?
This one I allow.
“Whose sword, Daniel?”
“The sword of the Spirit - the Word of God.”
Alright soldier! I place my hands on his shoulders and take a good look at my boy. I smile. “I’m so proud of you, Daniel. I love you so much, and God loves you even more.” I hug him as I ask, “Are you going to have a good day today?” “Yes, Mama.” he replies.
I move my hands atop his sweet head and I pray aloud -
Dear Father God,
Thank you for giving us another beautiful day to live for You. Bless my son this day. Send Your angels as a hedge of protection around Daniel. Help him to do well in school, stay on task, respect his teachers, make good decisions and be kind to others. But most of all, Father, let him be Your little apostle in this world. May his light so shine among others, that they see the good he does and give You glory. Amen
Music video ~ Put on the Full Armour of God
Scrip-hop by the Praise Warriors - These kids get it!
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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-17