Pulling on Armor

On this Memorial Day, I’m honored that many of my family members chose to serve our country through its armed forces. Several gave their lives in defense of our nation.

I’m proud that my son currently serves as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He’ll be deployed soon, and I ask for your prayers to keep him safe.

While our troops selflessly fight for our freedom and the rights of those who can’t defend themselves, we also are battling on the home front. Spiritual warfare is real, and it’s the responsibility of believers to stand strong against all that comes between us and our relationship with God.

My current manuscript, The Demons Among Us, addresses the challenges two teen siblings face when they discover the star quarterback is demon-possessed. If they keep his secret, they could receive everything they’ve ever wanted, including eternal life on Earth. If they expose him, they must engage in a spiritual battle that could cost them their lives.

Today, I encourage you to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I also ask that you spend a little time thinking about how you can help fight God’s war against evil. Where do you think God needs you most?

Following are my favorite scriptures that help me stand strong during spiritual warfare. Please share your favorites in the comments below.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Pet. 5:8-9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Josh. 1:9

Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom. 12:21

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thess. 3:3

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:11-17