Armor Up!

"So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.”

                                                                                      ~Ephesians 6:13

Shawn and I smile as we watch our seven-year-old, Ethan, dash across the hardwood floor while reciting, “Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.”

Yes, our kids are crazy. No, they don’t usually run around the house quoting Scripture. It just so happens that I came across the Ephesians 6:13-17 (Armor of God project) and wanted to use this as their next scripture memory. You can find some awesome resources HERE:  http://www.dltk-kids.com/

The kids had so much fun with this project that the boys asked to do more than one a day and also reminded me to keep up with it. Even Morgan gobbled it up. She would take forever coloring her little piece of armor for the day while we waited patiently for her to finish; of course, big brother couldn’t understand why every piece of clothing/armor was pink – (her favorite color).

I experienced life’s “Pop Quiz” Friday. Here’s the rundown in present tense:  I am in a department store enjoying an outing with my two youngest. My eye catches the most beautiful bird cage and I stop my double stroller and wander a few feet away to behold this beauty. Gone only thirty seconds, I suddenly notice an elderly lady – waiting -- since she is blocked by my stroller. I immediately start apologizing: “I’m so-o sorry. I didn’t know you were there!” Her reply, “I was here.” Spoken like a true choleric! She might not have meant anything by that statement, but sometimes the way people word things sets me in panic attack mode.

I didn’t think too much of it and tried to stay out of her way the next time I saw her. Later, while I was in my van, I started beating myself up about being so stupid to have had my stroller blocking the aisle for those few seconds. It’s a good thing I can’t think fast on my feet, since my delayed reaction supplied some “really good comebacks” I could have used, but would not have been appropriate!

Wait! What does God’s Word say about your feet...? What if I had chosen to respond unkindly? “Listen lady, your kids are grown, you have food, sheltering and clothing; what makes you think you need dibs on the whole store at your disposal?” I doubt three-year-old Morgan would have been impressed with my angry tone, and certainly the lady would NOT have seen me wearing my salvation shoes that should have loudly declared peace.

Belt of truth, breastplate of God’s approval, shoes showing peace with God, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword, which is the Word of God -- All at our ready disposal, if we only take and use them. Satan is NOT nice. As Landon prayed, “…We don’t like the devil ‘cause he’s a big meanie and You’re the nice guy…” God knows we need His armor for the attacks we are sure to encounter.

If I don’t suit up before I go out to fight my battles, then how will my children and those around me create a habit of grabbing their gear before their battles, too?

Before you head out, make sure your armor is securely fastened by staying close to God and His Word. I love the NLT which puts it like this: "So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks,and when it's all over YOU WILL BE STANDING UP.”  Just visualize that! Should we get wounded over and over if God has given us the best of the best armor? Can your feet be heard running away from those “…fiery darts aimed at you by Satan…?” They better be. Now, forward, march, hut, two, three, four, forward, march…

This post linked  to:

Spiritaul Sundays

Meet and Follow Sunday

http://www.nontypicalmom.com/
Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums

Say Hi Sunday
Making Friends Monday