JOSHUA TIME 571

This week's promise: Blessings come from applying God's Word
Are you equiped for the battle?
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT
Spiritual warfareSoldiers are trained to keep their equipment in battle-ready condition, Weapons are cleaned and oiled, communications equipment is checked and double-checked, and helmets are kept in place in case of sudden attack. If we prepare so diligently to face a human enemy, Paul says, how much more ought we to prepare for battle against our spiritual enemy? Satan will attack, he says, and only the believer who is grounded in the truth of God's Word will recognize his lies. Only a personal acceptance by faith of God's love can protect our hearts from Satan's fiery temptations. Only a sure knowledge of salvation protects our minds from doubt. And only the Word of God and power of Jesus Christ can cause Satan to flee in terror. Are you fully prepared for battle?
From the TouchPoint Bible (Tyndale House) p 1037