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“Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” Ephesians 6:16
This would probably go down as one of the most unusual funerals ever. Instead of the typical somber, ultra-quiet atmosphere, a piano, violin and cello played traditional hymns. And each person was greeted by an usher who not only guided them to a seat but handed out New Testaments as well.
Instead of the hushed whispering found at most funerals, this one was filled with light conversation, a few bits of laughter here and there and many, many smiling faces. The source of this totally un-funeral like attitude was a booklet, included with the New Testament given each person, which listed a series of humorous short stories from the man’s life.
Also, unlike any funeral anyone had attended, there was no casket up front. Instead, where a casket might rest, stood an old wooden cross, weathered and cracked. Against this cross, rested a shield; A tarnished, dented, discolored shield.
From the second row a little boy’s voice could be heard, “Grandpa, what is that metal thing leaning against the cross?”
“That was his shield of faith, son!”
Ephesians 6:10-18 The Whole Armor of God
Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.
So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.
But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.
Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
Ephesians 1:19-23 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Colossians 3:1-4 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
God is our shield of faith. He gave it to us and assures our victories in this battle we call life. Since Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith, our job is to take up the shield daily, in preparation for battle. The fiery darts of satan can only be deflected by our shield of faith which we are responsible to carry.
Is your shield of faith dinged, dirty, dented and well-used? Or do you have it safely stored in the closet, shiny and bright, just in case you might need it some day?
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