His Word: Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
13-18 “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life.”
Observation and Obedience: So what is required to stand in Victory for eternity? Isn’t that what we all want and are hoping for? Who doesn’t like to be on a winning team? Who likes a pop quiz when you haven’t taken the time to study? Who wants to be running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off, helter-skelter because you were caught unprepared? Who wants to lose the promise of eternal life because you didn’t recognize the thief who wants to steal it from you?
Preparation is key! It’s the key to sports, cooking, teaching, parenting, quilting, crafting, LIFE! Anything that you do, with a bit of preparation, will be easier to accomplish. Preparation also helps you to think fast, respond and possibly even dodge the unexpected. Preparation is what builds teams, win championships and helps you to land on your feet.
Today we’ll take the analogy of football players. (After all, it is football season and I’m reminded each Sunday that I come from a football family.) The preparation begins with knowledge of the game. It’s not soccer……. it’s American Football! It’s not make believe, it’s Eternal Life we’re playing for.
So, you’ve watched some people play, you’re intrigued, you make the decision to join the team. You’ve even read up on some of the history, some of the great battles of the gridiron and you are ready to give it your all. You know some plays, you know the rules, you even have a football!!!! So get out there and be a CHAMPION! Because, baby, you’ve got what it takes!!!
How long do you think you’d last without wearing the equipment that is issued; the armor? I’m thinking………. the first hit, the first tackle, the first madman who lines up against you and screams “I’m gonna kill you Curtis” will have you running, crawling or being carried off to a safe seat in the stands. And that was only the first practice with your own teammates.
Catch a clue!!! Heed Paul’s warning. You don’t go out there to play, fight, WIN without the right equipment strapped on! You’ll get more than your bell rung if you do. This isn’t flag football, this is the real thing! So take it serious and protect yourself. Luke 21:36 (NIV) “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Helmet of Salvation: Jesus, JESUS, JESUS! Get to know him on a personal, intimate level. He’s not about a religion, He wants a relationship!
Psalm 140:7 (MEV)7 O God my Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
Belt of Truth: Tell the truth, live the truth and be a demonstration of TRUTH.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 (NIV) …They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
Breast Plate of Righteousness: Do what’s right, even when no one is looking! There’s still a difference between right and wrong, no matter what the world says.
Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV) He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair–every good path.
The Sandals of Peace: Be kind, be loving, be peaceful. PLAY NICE
Isaiah 52:6-7 (NIV) “Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation [Yeshua, Jesus!] who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”
The Shield of Faith: You’d better believe and live like your life depends on God’s Promises being Personal; His Presence being Permanent and His Peace and Plan, they are Perfect for you.
1 John 5:4-5 (MEV) 4 for whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
The Sword of the Spirit: Know HIS WORD! This is our only OFFENSIVE Weapon!!
Hebrews 4:12 (MEV)12 For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart.
NOW YOU ARE READY!!!
Prayer: Thank You Father for not sending me out to do battle without the protection and armor of your Love. You’ve provided the very best and I will commit to making every piece of battle gear issued, combat ready! Keep me focused and ready to do your will, in your way and in your time. You will lead us to Victory in Jesus name. Amen.
Encouragement: PREPARE FOR COMBAT!!! It’s not the will to win, but the will to PREPARE to win that makes the difference. ~ Bear Bryant
Thank You to my brother and nephew for giving me the visuals for this post. Love ya
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