The Armor of God....

It is 5:00 AM, and even with the "falling back" of the clock on this Sunday morning, it is very dark outside as I begin my morning walk.

The night is quiet and still and cold and clear.  I am clothed in my full length jogging pants and a double layered shirt.  I am wearing gloves for the first time since last winter.

My pace quickens and becomes a steady drumbeat against the pavement.  In the magic of the early morning, my thoughts turn to the Lord.  The wonder of it all.  All of His grace that has enabled an undeserving soul like me to achieve happiness and fulfillment.  And the knowledge that all we have to do to be saved is to believe, confess, ask forgiveness, have faith, and love God and love our neighbor.  The wonder of it all.

For me, the hardest thing is loving my neighbor (Who is my neighbor?---everyone!).  All day long---everyday---it seems that rudeness and arrogance and just plain meanness are all around us.  At home.  At work. On the highway.  At church.

My thoughts turn to Ephesians 6:10-18.  What beautiful words to address this problem of Satan in our relationships!

Especially verse 12--- "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."

And then, verse 11:  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Thank you, Paul!  Arriving home in the stillness, I have wrapped His armor around me, and I am ready to meet the day.