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Ladies Daily Devotional

1-25-08

THE ROYAL DAUGHTER WEARS SHINING ARMOR

By Elizabeth Peak

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Paul, in this passage, is admonishing the Royal Daughter to "be strong in the Lord." In order to be strong in the Lord the Royal Daughter must have spiritual strength—a strength that only the Lord can supply. This spiritual strength is enabled through prayer, study, and meditation on God's Word. A strong prayer life and a thorough knowledge of God's Word is therefore a must for the Royal Daughter. Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian to wear the armor and to wield the sword.  This is an essential "to stand against the wiles of the devil."

The "wiles of the devil" are the multitudes of schemes, plans, and means used to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin the souls of Christians thus destroying their faith. This can be the music we listen to, the movies we watch, the books we read, the activities we participate in, or our thoughts. The devil is our enemy and is actively trying to get us on his side. James warns : "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death." (James 1:13-15)

Paul encourages the Romans to "cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) The shining armor of the Royal Daughter is composed of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

Paul urges the Thessalonians: "But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Thessalonians 5:8-9) The Royal Daughter will be able to overcome and receive a crown of life if she wears the shining armor.

Verses 3 and 4 of the beautiful hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" exhorts the Royal Daughter to:

Stand up, Stand up for Jesus!