ROMANS 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”. ARMOR. There’s no doubt about it; the enemy is near –so close to me I have no place to go To find relief from onslaughts, O so great, so terribly deceiving. That to face this terrible, implacable power so close, I know Its help I need. Not from another, but from so deep within my breathing, That I myself, will never hesitate the armor to take on. Mine’s the choice the armor of light to don, and no provision making For this flesh of mine, to thus excuse itself.
That my eye seems the need to squint, is so intense, here I narrow Eyelids so full of tears which once the water washes clean, the sight That fills my view is so amazing, so beyond my thought. The armor for my use, my safety, is no other than Lord Jesus Christ, the Light. Armor true, that Joseph tried and won the battle of the flesh so valiantly; Is still as sure to win my battles so intense, that He alone when placed upon this soul of mine; Brings victory over the flesh and wins the fight.
And then I turn to look beyond, and graced with colors brilliant and so bright, And sounds so intense as to my whole attention claim. Its force appealing, Its attraction everywhere I look, its seeming warmth and fellowship so right. But closer still I move and reach out hands to warm at the fire glowing there; And find its burning there outside, but inward cold, and hard and dark as night. Is this too an enemy clothed so fine I cannot tell its truth for this one life of mine? Ah yes, an enemy in disguise is there to claim, my time, my interest, and my sight.
Who is this one with challenge so attractive that to resist I scarce can find the strength; To reach again, another armor to put on? The world has hold so bold and fine
That righteousness, the only armor I can find to stop it here, right now, before at length Its velvet chains surround my neck and lead me like a fool to wayward paths, that twine Insidious cloth so tight, I cannot break away from subtle light and sounds and voices bright Trying hard my soul to take its joy in pleasures wrong. But thanks to God the armor that is mine Is waiting to be put on, the One who in righteousness, holds the key to win the fight.
And look! Just there! Just beyond the ring of God’s encircling grace, is enemy number three; Holding himself there just past my power to resist, his thrust, his darts all ready. He’s waiting till I’m sidetracked with some trivial pursuit; something that I think holds there for me, Some satisfaction that I cannot find within that circle of God’s favor. Something petty, But attracts the soul that has not fed its need, where nourishment true is found, in Thee. And so, he waits; the devil, implacable, evil, undeterred; his time he bides to try to take me.
But thanks to God, the Greater One has in wholesome grace, and tender mercy, provided: Armor full, from feet to face; which God alone provides from His heavenly arsenal. An armor there for me to take, and put upon me piece by piece; so that when I’m fully arm`ed; Resistance strong; empowered by the Holy Spirit; he flees, the enemy so diabolical. Then on this journey long or short; with armor all completely tried and fully tested; With holy power, given by Him who hears my prayer for strength and perseverance; The enemy flees for now. I will remain armed. I know he’ll come again when least expected.
"O God and Father, who in tender grace and full supply, has provided all we need. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I come to pray for insight, understanding and wisdom in this fight with these enemies so strong. I know I am not able in myself to deal effectively and once for all with these foes. But I also appreciate more than I can express, the fact that in Your wise foresight, knowing my inherent weakness, an armor is there for my taking in every warlike situation. Amen.”