It's been a while since I've mentioned the "A to Z Scripture Memory Challenge" from She Sparkles. How are you doing? Don't worry if you're behind or if you haven't started yet. There's no time like the present to join in! Believe me, if I can do it, so can you! (Scroll down to the bottom of this post if you'd like to review the verses we've learned so far.)
If you've been following along, we're up to "P":
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." ~ Ephesians 6:11
Ephesians 6 continues on to describe the armor piece by piece:
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 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.
Did you know all these pieces of armor are related to God's Word?
Belt of Truth - God's Word is where we learn what is true and what is a lie from satan.
Breastplate of Righteousness - We can never be righteous in our own strength, no matter how hard we try, but through faith in Christ we have His righteousness. We're assured of this in God's Word (see Philippians 3:9).
Feet Fitted with Readiness - comes from the gospel of peace (also known as, God's Word.)
Shield of Faith - Faith comes from God's Word; the more time you spend in God's Word, the stronger your faith.
Helmet of Salvation - A helmet protects your head. We protect our minds from the accusations of the enemy when we saturate them with God's Word.
Sword of the Spirit - is the Word of God. A sword is going to do you the most good when you have it with you, which is why it's so important to memorize Scripture!
Father, I thank you for the precious gift of Your Word. It's a slow process but I know it is through time in Your Word that I'm being transformed into the likeness of your Son Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to live in a place where I have easy access to Your Word, and protect those who spend time with you at risk to their lives.
The A to Z Verses we’ve learned so farFather, I thank you for the precious gift of Your Word. It's a slow process but I know it is through time in Your Word that I'm being transformed into the likeness of your Son Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to live in a place where I have easy access to Your Word, and protect those who spend time with you at risk to their lives.
Lisa
- A - As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b
- B – Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
- C – Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
- D – Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
- E – Every good and perfect gift is from above James 1:17
- F – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
- G – God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of need. Psalm 46:1
- H – How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth. Psalm 47:2
- I – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! Galatians 5:1
- J – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
- K – Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13
- L - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
- M – May Your unfailing love be my comfort. Psalm 119:76
- N – Nothing is too hard for God. Jeremiah 32:17b
- O – O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1
- P – Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph. 6:11
Very good! A old Puritan by the name of William Gurnall wrote a 3 volume set called (The Christian in Complete Armour) back in the year 1665. I recommend the new modernized abridgement of this set of books to every one. The late Rev. David Wilkerson "who to me was my role model as a Christian, other then Jesus, he recommended this set for people to read and put in their Christian library. I have given a few of these sets away to different pastors. I have done teachings on Spiritual Warfare and think people today need to get back to the basics of Christianity, churches are out in left field. The cross and what Jesus done on the cross needs to be taught more then The Prosperity Message, The Word of Faith Message, The Purpose Driven Life Message. We need to let the Holy Spirit have his way, we don't need to do the things of the world to get a crowd in church. Let the Holy Spirit have his way. Sorry but I speak the truth!!! Like your posts, keep them coming and God bless you and prosper you in good health and Thanks for your posts, they are a blessing!
HI Lisa,
I wonder, if we put on the armor of God intentionally every morning, how much more effective we'd be? Sometimes we're surprised by difficulty, but we are truly in a spiritual battle, and we need to treat life that way -- not paranoid, but prepared. Thanks so much for sharing the truth. Lori, visiting from Be Not Weary (www.lorihatcher.com).
My daughter recently found the pieces to the armor at the Dollar Store. Gave the children's church kids a good reminder as they learned about God's Armor. I learned it as a child, too, and believe it has to be a deliberate decision to walk each day as a Christian soldier. I'm not sure I ever thought about all the armor relating to God's Word. Thank you for sharing that. That's one of the things I love about the Word. I've been a Christian for 45 years and still find new nuggets of truth.
this is a great one for me. The armor of God....protecting in ways nothing else can. Love it.
The Christian in Complete Armour can be downloaded on Kindle fairly cheaply. I had the set of 3 in paperback version and gave it away! It was fairly intense but by all accounts, the new modernized abridgement of these books is reported to be excellent.
I try to pray the armor of God over myself and my husband daily and I really like how you connected each piece to God's Word! God bless you..
Good explanation of an important thing we all should do. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Thank you for this reminder. I love this scripture. I needed to hear this today. Thank you also for linking up at Leaving A Legacy!
Blessings~
Shari
Thanku so much for teaching the Truth of God's Word.yes we are in a battle whether we engage or not doesn't change it.I want to be protected and protect others from the effects so I want to be prepared and equipped as a good soldier. Like the ABC of memorising scripture for every situation.God bless you. Mary