God of the Universe and of heart, bless and enrich the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench 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.
"Clothes makes the man" or so the saying was some time ago. Actually, according to one source, Mark Twain is the source of that quote and it continues, "Naked people have little or no influence on society." We know what good old Mark Twain was saying and for many it still is true; dressing right makes a difference in how you feel about yourself and how you may be perceived by others. We'll talk about how some have no clue even to this day... But what Paul is saying to the Christian is to dress appropriately for our role and responsibility as a believe in the Most High God. Our call is to be strong in the Lord. That is learn and live as much as you can about Jesus Christ. Christ is our model and how He lived, so should we. And Christ made it possible for us to dress with what Paul says are the necessary clothes and protection for us even today: It is armor and it protects us against God's and our enemy. Ours is a spiritual battle and one against evil. And to face it spiritually naked would mean a sure loss for us! Hear now and learn what is ours for the wearing: A belt of truth around our waist; actually the ancient text went a little lower: gird your loins. The implication is obvious; be truthful in all your dealings even or especially your physical. The second is the breastplate of righteousness; guard your heart with what is right as the breastplate protects your heart and lungs. Live, feel, and breathe the right about what God says about our lives. The shoes should be those which make us ready to proclaim the good news. In other words let God guide you to new opportunities and challenges where you can share and give witness to what God has, is and will do in our lives and in the lives of others. The shield of faith is that which covers all of your life and body; the stronger we are in our faith the more we can resist anything evil that comes against us. The helmet of salvation should be that protects your brain with the thought: Because God so loved me, He sent Jesus for my sake so that I would not perish (die) but have everlasting life - I am saved! Our sword is the Word of God; God's Holy Bible is that with which we can advance and gain new ground for the Lord.
Are you dressed correctly for the day? If you peeked outside and saw rain you'd know how to dress. The same if you saw snow. Why not dress spiritually for that which you know may be coming? God's the best clothier there is!
PRAYER: Clothe me dear God in the armor I need today and all days to stand strong and firm in my faith. May I resist evil, give witness to good and live for what is right and Yours. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
