Soldier's Orders: Combat Gear

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12 (ESV)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

At the beginning of basic training, new recruits get fitted with combat gear: durable uniforms and equipment: to officially identify them, to prepare them as soldiers and fighters.

Because given a choice, no warrior wants to fight in shorts, flip-flops, and a smile. Or, God forbid… less: 'You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked' (Revelation 3:17).

Jesus showed us the real war, which He won! Notably, it's not a physical war, but a more deadly spiritual war. 

'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places' (Ephesians 6:12).

Consider this fascinating prequel: God spoke Planet Earth into existence: ' 'Let there be light,' and there was light' (Genesis 1:3). 

Thereafter, the Lord’s most frequent M.O. was to speak life (and death) through His prophets: 'O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord!' (Ezekiel 37:4).

When Jesus left, God’s number of prophets grew by the gift of the Holy Spirit: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy' (Acts 2:17). Therein:

  • If 'Life and death are in the power of the tongue' (Proverbs 18:21),

  • If 'Faith comes by hearing' (Romans 10:17),

  • If faith combined with words can move mountains (see Mark 11:23),

  • Then our spoken words carry great power.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

As you dress each day in the physical, also dress in the supernatural. How? Speak it on in the power of prayer. Because without the 'Robe of righteousness' (Isaiah 61:10) and without the no-fail 'Armor of God' (Ephesians 6:13)… to Satan, you're naked and defenseless.

Nothing made by the hands of men on Earth… can shield you from the fiery darts of hell. While it may not be common to discuss enemy attacks in well-groomed churches, demons love the clear access we give them…when we don’t put on the armor of God.

So, shield yourself by dressing for success. (Ignoring Satan invites his attacks.)

Soldier's Orders: Combat Gear (Part 5)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* The armor of God: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:10-18&version=NKJV

Carey Arban