Be Adorned in Armor

image by Share Faith

Be strong in the Lord,

and stand in His might;

put on full armor,

be ready to fight.

For our fight’s not seen,

flesh and blood it’s not;

spiritual battle,

all hell’s ugly lot.

On with the armor,

that God does provide;

faithful protection,

to take all in stride.

Fasten the belt of truth,

safe around the waist;

let no lie enter,

nor bring on disgrace.

Breastplate that’s righteous,

secure over heart;

protects emotions,

from hell’s fiery darts.

Feet fitted, ready,

with gospel of peace,

to share with others,

and offer release.

Hold onto the shield,

for by faith we’re strong;

extinguishing flames,

intended for wrong.

Place on the helmet,

of your salvation;

protector of mind,

brings revelation.

Sword of the Spirit,

it’s the word of God;

for by it we’ll know,

where to safely trod.

Be ever alert,

and be quick to pray;

for self and others,

in love, don’t delay.

(Responding to Ephesians 6:10-18)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our defense against all that comes against us.  Help us to remember that despite what we see around us, the real battle is beyond what we can see, and is raging in the spiritual realm.  Forgive us for forgetting not only that there is an enemy of our soul, but that You are the Savior of all.  Teach us to arm ourselves with Your spiritual armor each day, so that we may go forth equipped to seek and serve You, undeterred.  May our faithful obedience and seeming resilience, supplied by Your strength, lead those who need to know You, into a lasting relationship with You, our Redeemer.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Refined to Reflect

image by Beverly & Pack

The Lord is my refuge

from the fiery darts;

fired forth from the wicked,

aim taken at my heart.

Though the bows may be bent,

and arrows set to string,

God will ever remain,

my righteous, faithful King.

As the challenges come,

may my heart’s one desire,

be to stay ever true,

through the Refiner’s fire.

Let my heart be upright,

may I faithfully race,

at the end of my days,

so my eyes see His face.

(Responding to Psalm 11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hold our hearts in Your hands.  When challenges come, when wickedness wields its ugliness, You are still God, and You never leave us, nor forsake us.  Father, it is a season of struggle for so many.  Please make Your presence known, and may Your strength and peace permeate each person at their point of need.  Forgive us for our fear of the fiery darts.  Help us to see You as our shield and safe haven.  May we ever seek You, and in You, find rest.  As we remain resilient in Your refuge, may we be refined to better reflect You, our remarkable Redeemer.  May many come to know You and Your goodness through our faithfulness in the fight.  All glory and honor to You.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present