Armor for Everyone, Everything, and Everywhere
In the first century, Roman armor would have been made of metal and treated leather. Today, we might imagine a soldier or police officer's bulky tactical gear with bulletproof vests and helmets. Not many of us wear this kind of head-to-toe protective gear before heading out in the morning.
But the Bible urges us to consider spiritual armor essential. Why?
Because unseen spiritual adversaries exist, and we're vulnerable to their attacks. Here are two vital things to notice about our "armor."
First, God is the one who gives us armor. It's the armor of God. We can't possibly protect ourselves from spiritual attacks. But God supplies all we need.
Second, we don't put on our armor or fight alone. The mental image of the lone soldier standing in an arena against an enemy is not what Paul has in mind. The instructions to put on spiritual armor aren't given to you, the individual—they're given to all of us, together, who make up the church.
We all suit up together in God's armor, and we stand, pray, praise, and defend… together.
God graciously gives us armor so that when we experience a spiritual attack, we will stand and fight by His strength. Today, imagine standing strong in God's protective armor. How might this imagery influence how you endure and remain resilient in the face of spiritual battles and uncertainties?
Knowing God
Our hope is anchored in a breathtaking promise: "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as waters cover the sea." This is not a thin layer or partial awareness, but a complete, overflowing fullness—God present everywhere, known and enjoyed in every place.
The prophet Habakkuk wrestled honestly with God, questioning why injustice seemed to prevail and why the wicked were allowed to judge God’s people. God’s response lifted Habakkuk’s eyes beyond the immediate crisis. Though God does address evil, His ultimate purpose reaches far beyond judgment. His heart is that all the earth would truly know Him.
In Scripture, “knowledge” is not mere information. In Hebrew thought, to know God is relational—it speaks of intimacy, trust, love, and lived experience. It is the same word used to describe the deepest human relationship or marriage. God is not aiming to fill the world with facts about Himself, but with people who walk with Him, listen to ...