Put on your armor!

How many of you think that it is necessary for every country to have it's own army, navy and airforce in order to protect it's own people and resources? I would think it would be foolish if the country did not invest in it's defences so that it would have a chance to protect itself and not be ravaged in the event of an enemy attack. The Bible tells us that our enemy, Satan is prowling always looking for someone to devour.
I Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:12
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.

It is foolish on our part if we allow the enemy to steal, kill and destroy and render us powerless so we lead defeated lives. God has already won the victory for us and we need to protect ourselves so that we are not defenceless in the face on an attack. We need to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God!
Ephesians 6:13-18
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.

What is the armor of God? Here it is:
Belt of Truth - Jesus is the Way and the Truth. To win our spiritual battles, we neede to be anchored to the truth that is Jesus alone!
Breastplate of Righteousness - Our righteousness is worthless in battle. The only safe place to be is to rely on the righteousness of Jesus found in the cross.
Sandals of Peace - Our preparation for battle is the good news of Jesus's life, death and resurrection. Jesus's work on the cross brings us peace with God and this brings us boldness and confidence in battle!
Shield of faith - Jesus is the focus of our faith. Faith in Jesus alone can protect us from the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Helmet of Salvation - Jesus alone saved us and we can find deliverance in every situation. We cannot deliver ourselves, only Jeus can!
Sword of the Spirit, His word - Jesus is the Word of God, the written picture of Jesus! God's word is a powerful offensive weapon to the enemy. We must hide His word in our hearts and minds.

Don't be caught as a streaker with just your helmet of salvation! I certainly don't want to be caught defenceless without my armor and be defeated. What about you? Put on the armor of God and victory will surely be yours as you rely on Jesus, our Savior and Deliverer!