Saturday, March 19, 2011

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…





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20 comments:

Unknown said...

New follower, please follow back
http://familylife-lianne.blogspot.com/
Thanks

-Hynz- said...

Hello..
Thanks for following me. Im now following back.

This is such a lovely post - armor up, stay close to God.

Looking forward to reading more of your posts :)

Treat and Trick said...

Lovely post! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving your sweet comment. Will be back to check out your other post....

Quirky Homemaker said...

Great post. I think I've been to that site before. Need to keep it in mind since my son won't be in a Christian school next year. Dropping in from the Sunday hop. Already a follower. Have a fantastic First Day of Spring!!!

Catherine said...

Thanks for your post. What a beautiful one it is. I'm stopping by with the sunday hops, and I'm glad I found you. I'm a new follower, I hope you'll follow back. http://homeschoolblogger.com/brindamorr/

RicKaren said...

Aww...precious!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

great way to teach His truths to kids...and even to us...

Saleslady371 said...

Your kids did a great job. There is a children's Christian song about the armor that my daughter plays for her two year old and I love it when she tells me about her "shoes of peace." Very good point you made about your reaction to the Choleric woman.

Cathy said...

lol, They are so cute. Thanks for your sweet visit. Blessings ~

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

This is a great scripture for kids.They are so precious.
God Bless,
Ginger

Anonymous said...

The children are precious.

michelle said...

lol... cute post and very timely for me as I start a new job tomorrow... thanks for the reminder!

Unknown said...

Thanks for following me. Following back. Yeah! I found a new Christian blogger to read! =D Have a great week! http://hisperfectpromises.blogspot.com/

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

They did a great job...and by doing this they learn it even more.
I printed a diagram of this from the net, together with the scripture and placed it on my toilet wall. Then everyone can see and read it daily, including me.. It is so important to wear that spirital protection.
God Bless Pamela..

The Splendiferous Life said...

Great post...I know I could not face the day without the Armor of God on..such a great thing to teach our children...

sherry ;-)

http://splendiferousgirlsclub.blogspot.com

Connie Arnold said...

Your children look about the same ages as my three grandsons that I've just returned from visiting. How wonderful that you are helping them learn about God in such a special way, and thanks for sharing!

Marsha Young said...

A terrific post - and despite your self-doubts, it sounds like you are doing a great job of setting a good example for your kids. God bless you - Marsha

Pam said...

This is a wonderful idea. It sounds like you are doing an excellent job with your children. I'm returning your follow from The Thrifty Things. Hope you have a blessed day!

Kathleen said...

In days like these, I'm learning to sleep in that armor!

Kudos for being so intentional with your children.

Kathleen

Charlotte said...

These lessons learned by your children will stay with them a lifetime. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte