Righteously Dressed for a Righteous Battle

Ephesians 6:10-18

New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

I've been reading River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candace Miller chronicling his perilous journey exploring an uncharted tributary of the Amazon River.  I haven't gotten far into the book but what I've read is fascinating.  He may truly have been our toughest, manliest president ever.  There was no need to tell him to put on his big boy pants!  I do want to go back to reading the book, but I had to take time out to check to see if I was wearing the full armor of God.   I'll never charge San Juan Hill, give a 90 minute speech with a bullet in my chest, or explore the darkest Amazon, but God has still challenges me to suit up and stand firm.  I may have to stand a little funny because of the Rheumatoid Arthritis but I'll gladly stand for my Lord.   It's also kind of cool that I wear the same armor that Teddy wore.  

"Forward Christian Soldiers" - Owen Uriah