Daily Devotional for Sunday March 3, 2002

Spiritual Warfare - Part II - God's Protection Plan

(Ephesians 6:13-17)

God, in His omniscience, knew that as we worked for Him we would face fierce attacks from satan. Therefore, He did not leave us without protection. Today's passage of scripture tells us about the armor of God, God's protection for His children as we battle each day. There are many eloquent and anointed teachings on this passage of scripture. Any message or book on spiritual warfare will give you a full and concise teaching on God's armor. My purpose here is to encourage you to use the protection God has provided as you battle the enemy each day. I do want to focus for a second on one aspect though. All of God's protection is defensive; however, God has provided us with one offensive weapon to fight with--His Word!!!

In past devotionals, as I have ministered to you about overcoming sin in your life, I talk quite a bit about a battle plan. The most simple and effective battle plan I have ever found for battling sin on a daily basis has been to carry a small New Testament with me at all times. In those moments of weakness, as the attacks come, to take it out and start reading, anywhere, and in just a few minutes know the sinful thoughts have fled because they cannot stand up under the power of God's Word.

I have always been a very offensive-minded person, not willing to just sit back and wait, so while I appreciate the defensive armor God has provided us with and I use it every day for protection, it is the Word of God I love so much because it is my best weapon in fighting the enemy. I can go into his backyard (the Internet) with no fear because God's Word tells me I am more than a conqueror. With God with me, who can be against me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen!!!

I want to encourage you today that as you fight those spiritual battles in your life, use those defensive tools God has provided you with, but do not neglect the offensive weapons he gave you. It is time for God's people to get serious, quit being so passive, and get busy in confidence knowing that God has given them all they need to go out and lift His name up before this sinful and dark world. My friend, today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it, and go out and make a difference for HIM!!!

I love you, care about you and pray for you each day. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support. Never hesitate to email me with whatever battles or problems you are facing so that I can stand with you. As we stand together, we shall see the Kingdom of God in all its glory in the changed lives of people worldwide. My His blessings be with you in abundance this day.