Wear The Armor of God (and Remember to Bring your War Tent)

We (my family) just came from a camping trip on Pinalejo, Santa Barbara, where our church held meetings every year on Easters. The purpose of the trip was not only to greet old friends, but we received some excellent messages from a guest pastor. Yeah, we actually went to an open-view sort of church out in the woods.

There were some nice pine trees there. The bad part is the occasional pine cone on your head...

The day we drove there was as always just a sleep-off, only that I couldn't sleep (Well, except in those parts when the only things to see are asphalt and leather seats) Then, about two hours later, we arrived. There were people in the entrance to the camping fields, and they gave us name tags (everybody seems to forget old friends) And we finally parked the car.

We got down, hugged some people who were either my Mom's friends or my Dad's. We assisted a devotional session at the tabernacle before dining in the cafeteria. And I heard the strangest utterance from the anonymous: the time in camp was one hour ahead of local time. While that seemed totally pointless, that was the rule.

I set the alarm at 6:00 am Camp Time, 5:00 am Local Time

And to top it off, we forgot our tent.
WE HAD TO SLEEP IN THE CAR.

Great...

The next morning our muscles were all cramped up from sitting/sleeping on the chairs. In another devotional session, we met the guest pastor I mentioned earlier. His lesson was one that you ought to remember: the Armor of God.

Note: the Armor:

1. Is not Automatic.
2. Can't be partially worn. You have one, you have all.
   
3. Is property of the LORD.

It's actually quite simple:

• The Belt of Truth is the link between all the pieces of the Armor. Without it, the armor would simply fall off (if you lie, you are left unprotected, naked against the devil)
• The Breastplate of Righteousness lies prominent above the other pieces. It's the main protection against Satan's attacks.
• The Shoes of the Gospel are your stabilizers during the battles against the devil. They provide not only support, but also give it to others.
• The Shield of Faith is essential to the battle with the devil, for it is your main defense from his fiery darts (Why fiery darts? Our old, profane desires are like a stack of hay, forgotten inside us. Satan wants to light the fire inside our desires)
  
• The Helm of Salvation protects our minds. And like the Shoes, it gives others protection and help.
• The most important piece of the Armor of God is the Bible itself, as it is your main weapon against Satan. The Sword of the Spirit is the most effective weapon against the stalking devil.

The Sword of the Spirit is actually a million swords, each taking the form of a verse in the Bible. You have to choose the correct one, as Jesus did when Satan tempted him three times.

As you can see, it's quite important to be protected against the attacks of Satan, for he, like a lion, stalks all territory, looking for someone to devour...

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:11-17