Secure Your Armor (Armor of Salvation Series Part 2) (September 2023 Reissue)

   I have held onto the second installment of this timely and truthful message for quite some time. The Lord placed these first initial thoughts in my heart during the first few weeks of last summer and I don't think there'd be any better time to finish out my message on the armor of salvation than right now. As the clouds of darkness continue to envelop our world, there is nothing more important than securing your armor of salvation. 

The first installment (which I have linked right here) provides a brief but detailed description of an endangered generation whose world doesn't offer a promise of protection from any source of deception; the world we live in today presents numerous challenges and life doesn't seem to be getting any easier. You cannot make it through life without a defender. You cannot make it in this world without Jesus.

Well, how does someone fight against the powers of this wicked world?

I cannot continue the message without first writing an urgent plea for those lost souls who may find themselves reading this--if you've never accepted Christ as your Savior, if you've never asked Him into your heart---now is the perfect time to get the matter of your eternal resting place settled. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. That whosoever includes you, my friend. 

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13 KJV)

The warfare against humanity surrounds us every single day; however, victory can be achieved through knowing all about how to fight against it.

"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 6:14-17 KJV)

Our minds are truly powerful and in a world that's filled with such confusion and deception, it is crucial to trust in and rely on God's precious Word as it is a quick and powerful sword that greatly prepares us for the battles that lie ahead. The breastplate of righteousness references salvation--the bulletproof vest that guarantees the presence and full protection from the Lord in urgent times of need

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". (Psalm 46:1 KJV)

The shield of faith also carries great significance because it is the basis of prayer--we must pray without ceasing because Satan preys without ceasing--honest faith placed in the Lord will be your greatest weapon as it provides much-needed strength that you will never have the ability to possess on your own, throughout all seasons of life. Trust in Jesus. Be sober and stay vigilant.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

 Every heart beats in need of Jesus; if you've never accepted His wonderful gift of eternal life, please know that you were never meant to live without Him and you will never know a greater source of love...an honest treasure that is incorruptible and unconditional. 

Won't you call upon Jesus and secure your armor of salvation today? 

An Endangered Generation (Armor of Salvation Series Part 1)

 

    I've spent the past several days deeply immersed in thought over the state of the world and the desperate need for hope to be placed into the hearts of many. The unwelcoming darkness is creating an endangered generation as its raging presence is becoming widely celebrated and welcomed with open arms. Social media accounts continue to reveal the declining condition of today's society: an epidemic of filtered selfies, promotion of sinful behaviors, and the dangerous practice of loving oneself. 

People are angry and in search of lasting hope and a place to belong; a source of refuge for an endangered generation. The ever-growing deception on this planet has hearts turning away from the most valuable wisdom they could ever receive: the unchanging truth that will keep one safe from the stranger danger that has taken hold and firmly protected from the path of eternal destruction.

Oh, how we all need the wisdom and protection from God as we travel through this land.

The term 'stranger danger' came to mind as I was forming my actual thoughts surrounding this post because that's a simple and accurate description of what is happening. Countless souls are being lured by the pleasures of this temporary world; boundaries continue to be pushed and the line drawn between what's defined as good versus what is evil doesn't seem to exist anymore. 

The world stands to offer us no protection at all from the perilous times we are living in.  The faithful shield that the presence of Jesus provides is the strongest form of safety one will ever know. 

Keep your eyes watchful and your hearts prepared and protected. I have written a few (hopefully) helpful survival tips for an endangered generation. 

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings: I know. I know. You are probably reading this and thinking, "I am aware"....the ongoing destruction of this world is on display. So much evil continues to unfold and the hearts of many are crumbling. The world of your surroundings offers no lasting hope; there is a nasty author of confusion among us. The greatest promise of safety and truth to be found is through trusting in Jesus. Know that life is but a vapor and that tomorrow is never promised. This planet and its pleasures are temporal, but the love of Christ is eternal.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14 KJV)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 KJV)

Always Ask For Help: Jesus is the helpful hand that is always willing and able to meet whatever physical or emotional need we may have. The unconditional love of Jesus and His incomparable strength waits for anyone who will call upon His name. 

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13 KJV)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19 KJV)

Secure Your Armor:  Placing your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is of utmost importance. It is the greatest form of protection you will ever possess amongst the evil in this world. Your place of eternal residence is a serious matter. God is not willing that any should perish. You don't have to live another day without the armor of salvation. You don't have to face another moment of hopelessness; for Jesus is the greatest source of refuge in the midst of an endangered generation.

"Put on the whole armour 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 armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13 KJV)