The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:13-17
Beth Moore 

Today’s Treasure: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16 KJV).

Among the strategically prescribed pieces of the armor of God, why “above all” do we need to learn to use our shield of faith?  Because the shield is the armor’s armor. If the ancient warrior received a direct hit on any of the other defensive covers it could still stun and bruise even if it didn’t wound.  The warrior’s goal was to extinguish any oncoming dart with his shield in order to diffuse all potential damage.  When the warrior’s shield was down, the other pieces of armor were vastly more vulnerable.

The same is true in our warfare.  Our toughest battles will invariably concern matters of faith—times when we’re tempted to think God’s Word and His ways won’t work for us, that He has abandoned us, let us down, or failed to come through for us.  If Satan can get us to drop our shield of faith, he knows we can’t remain standing for very long.  Firsts have great importance in Scripture.  Do you know the first recorded words that ever came from the serpent’s mouth? “Did God really say…?” (Gen. 3:1).

He used the spade of deceit to sow doubt. Satan, posing as the serpent, couldn’t keep Eve from believing in God, so he did the next best thing.  He baited her, tempting Eve not to believe God or trust His motives.  Her walk was crippled, her doubt was contagious, and the couple lost the land God had placed under their feet.  You see, when Eve dropped her shield of faith, every other piece of spiritual armor became vulnerable.  Satan knew she wouldn’t remain standing for long.  When she fell, she fell hard.  I know the feeling.

“Above all,” you and I need to learn to take up our shield of faith.  We also desperately need to know the Word of God and wield the Sword of the Spirit so that when the enemy slyly suggests “Did God really say…?”, we can know the answer emphatically.  When we respond to attacks of doubt, distortion, and deceit with the truth of God’s Word, the fiery dart is extinguished and the enemy takes another hit. I owe him a few. Do you?

Where do I sense the enemy targeting his fiery darts? 
What lies am I believing about God?
What Scriptures could help me combat attacks of doubt, distortion, and deceit?

Father, thank You for providing armor for my protection.  I pray to wear and use every piece.  Give me strong arms to wield the sword of the Spirit and take up the shield of faith.  Be mighty through me, to the praise of Your glorious name. Amen. 

                           
 

I read this devotional today, and it really spoke to my heart regarding the spiritual battles that we are so often up against!  Beth Moore has always blessed me with her teachings.  If any of you are in a battle now, I trust this helps you as well! 

I hope you’re having a great weekend!  Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet … ha … I’ve barely begun mine!  We did have a great day yesterday over at my niece’s, celebrating an early Christmas, and both my sister’s, and my great niece’s birthdays!  Pattie had her 50th birthday, and it would be such a blessing to her if you would go wish her a Happy Birthday!  She’ll be updating with pictures … she got a new little camera and put it to good use yesterday!  I hope to get around to all of you very soon, and I need to be making more changes here myself, (as the song goes … ‘we need a little Christmas, right this very minute’ … I’ve gotta get rid of these leaves … trade it in for some snow!)  I’ll also be posting some of my pictures, as well!

Well, you all be blessed, and have a wonderful Sunday … and don’t forget that Shield of Faith!  I was going to put a picture up at the top of this devotional that went along with it, but I couldn’t upload it …. Xanga had a notice posted saying that their ‘server maintenance’ was working on it, but they did thank me for my patience … well, at least they noticed!  Lol!! 

Hugs,
              ~ Deborah <><