The Armor of God

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6:13

At no time in history have we needed the full armor of God more. The fiery darts of the wicked one are coming from all directions. But we are not without protection.

Gird your waist with truth. Who can we believe anymore? There was a time when journalism could be trusted. Yes, the press has always slanted the news, but these days the finest magazines and articles are riddled with unsubstantiated facts written by well-respected journalists. How are we to tell the truth in all the mumbo-jumbo? Consider the source. Trust the testimony of two or three witnesses. Perhaps most of all, use the discernment of the Holy Spirit Who resides within.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. None of us are righteous without Christ. Repentance is essential. Daily. Repentance is a process, not a one-time thing. And we must not forget to support those who fight for righteousness. Don’t let our fellow-laborers stand alone. In our politically correct world, I fear we are too silent.

Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Yes, be prepared to spread the gospel. This is our foundation and daily Bible study is necessary.

Take the shield of faith with you. Those fiery darts are incoming more often. Our faith is tested as never before. Good is called bad and bad is called good. How can we withstand the arguments without our shield before us?

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. The word of God affirms our salvation, and that sword cuts deep—into the marrow. We live in a culture that doesn’t want to hear the truth and will flock to those who tell them lies to affirm their evil ways. If we proclaim the Word boldly, as we should, we won’t survive without that helmet on our heads and the sword in hand.

I pray that each of us will put on the full armor of God and fight the good fight, counting it a blessing to be on the winning side.

I used Ephesians 6:12 as the Scripture reference for my historical romantic suspense, Pursued, since it's about an idealistic librarian and a troubled rancher who fight wickedness in high places, and not always wearing their armor. 

Carianne Barlow never expected to leave her comfortable Philadelphia townhouse and travel to the wild-west, but when she inherits a fortune, conditions are attached. She must carry out her grandmother’s vision of a western culture center anchored by a library to rival those of the east. Such an undertaking requires political support, and no one is more influential than Rhyan Cason, a handsome cattle baron with the reputation of hardened businessman and rabble rousing lobbyist. Carianne gets on the westbound train with no thought of the treacherous world awaiting her in the little prairie town near Rhyan’s sprawling ranch.

When Rhyan asks her to catalog his library, Carianne jumps at the chance without considering the ramifications. She learns too late Rhyan is pursued by a sinister enemy determined to destroy everything he cares for—including her.

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