Truth:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
Thought:
When the children of Israel entered the promise land, it was to engage in battle with the enemies whose sin reached its full measure (Genesis 15:16). When they entered the land flowing with milk and honey, it wasn’t a holiday. It wasn’t time to relax. It was time to engage the enemy.
And the time for us to do the same is now.
Our enemy isn’t flesh and blood, and God is good so He hasn’t called us to do something He hasn’t already equipped us for.
God has provided us armor and “putting it on” is more than just saying, “I have put on the full armor of God!” Having the armor of God on is living out its implications for our lives.? Living with the armor of God in place is what we’re going to be reminded of this first week as we refrain from any thought or talk that is contrary to the will of God expressed in Scripture.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for preparing us for every battle that we face. Thank You that You never leave us or forsake us. Thank You, You’ve called us your partners and co-workers and friends. Help us, Holy Spirit, to be overwhelmed with that once more.
Challenge:
We start by preparing ourselves to allow God to change us and a vocal declaration of truth opens the way for that to begin.
Just by saying, “I have put on the full armor of God!” doesn’t mean we have… but it does mean we’re willing. It’s not a magic formula, but it has power to break down thoughts that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.
The challenge today should be easy for most, but some may find it a little silly or trite. Watch your judgmental attitude. When we’re teachable, God can do miracles.
Today’s challenge is to vocalize the declaration today and everyday this week we are reminded to have the full armor of God in place.
Then thank God for His Goodness in preparing you for every battle. Thank Him by faith if you can’t see it in the moment.
Declaration:
I choose to put on the full armor of God. I put on truth. I put on righteousness. I put on peace. I put on faith. I put on salvation. And I choose to learn to use the word of God with great power and in love.
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Thanks for helping others live life above the negativity!
Thank you, Trevor, for making this available to me. It is very helpful to have a program to follow when making a change of thought habit. I have been reciting certain scriptures out loud first thing in the morning for years as well as declaring my goals (including those specifically related to having a positive mental attitude), however, it seems to me your offering is a melding of the two (scripture and PMA).
My big take away from this is that the battle described in Ephesians 6 is (at least in part) with our thought process. This is something over which we have control, especially when we release it to the power of Jesus and let Him be lord over our individual minds. I am enthusiastically devoting precious morning time to this biblically-based Life Above Negativity.
Thanks again Phillip. Keep experiencing God by spending time with Him. I find it changes in different seasons…He seems to like to keep it interesting. I’m praying for you as you go through the devotionals.
Love this 40 Negativity Fast! I did it via email a while ago and only just purchased the e-Book. I must say that the first few chapters of your book are SO IMPORTANT: “Getting Acquainted with Key Concepts”; “Examining Scripture” and “Strategies for the Battlegrounds You’re About to Face”. I highly recommend that those beginning this fast should read this material in your book. Thank you, Rev Trev!
Thanks so much for the props Christine. I appreciate it so much. More times than not I have people wanting to argue with me about a negativity fast. I’ve learned the hard way to leave it with God.
Well, I’m not the only one who appreciates your ministry. A group of friends from BC told me about you and now I have “passed the fast” on to my church here in ON and many other friends across the country . Currently I am reading “How to Judge Without Being a Jerk”! A timely word and one that we all need to hear. So… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing your gift and for all of your hard work!
Thank yo so much Christine. I’ve whitelisted you now so I don’t have to moderate your comments…it’s not just because I value you words that are so encouraging to me…Well, OK I guess it is. I don’t tend to whitelist people who just want to stir up trouble…although I often let their comments stand. A little controversy isn’t bad for a website
Be Blessed!
Thank you! I am honoured! Looking forward to the inevitable challenges that this fast is undoubtedly going to bring once again. Blessings to you and your family, as well.
Greetings!
I’m not sure blog posting counts as a declaration – but I’m in! I choose to put on the full armor of God!
Whenever I’ve been given examples of the armor, I’ve heard that it protects our front, but leaves our back exposed. That’s why bringing others along and fighting back to back brings safety – and more Godly meaning to the phrase “I’ve got your back!
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Blessings of grace and peace to you!
Thank you John. Put on the full armour.