Strong in the Lord: Ephesians 6

"Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself."  (Eph 6: 10-11).

First, put on the belt of truth which keeps you safely on the right path.  Of course, truth is absolute!  There is no slight truth or somewhat truth.  The truth is in the Word of God.  Anything that is not validated by God and of the Church Tradition is not the truth.  This is why we have to listen to what Scripture and what the Church is teaching us.  It contains the truth which prevents us from wayward path.

Second, as the truth set us free, the next garb of the spiritual armor is the breastplate of righteousness.  This aspect of the armor protects our hearts and souls from sin.  We have to avoid the exposure to sin.  Let us avoid the occasion of sin, eg pornography.  We can commit sin when our eyes are exposed to the viciousness of lust which may overcome us.  Therefore, keep away from those things which may corrupt our eyes lest we fall by our own consent.

Third, as we ask the grace of God to keep us pure, the next part of the armour is the helmet of salvation.  It safeguards our mind with God's great promises.  Read the Holy Bible daily.  Let us go to Mass as much as we can, let us pray and have quiet time with the Lord as we wake up and before we go to sleep.  It keep us grounded and recharged with God's promises and of His love.

Thus, keeping our communication with God restores our spiritual health.  The next part of the armour is the shield of faith.  Let us trust in the Lord!  Not easy, but with great confidence, believe that nothing is impossible for Him.

Finally, the sword of the Spirit is our defensive weapon.  In temptation, utter a verse in Scripture.  It will make you strong.  Why?  Because the Word of God cuts through and separate the essential and nonessential!  It is powerful because it is the Word of the Almighty!  You have to believe in it, it's not magic or incantation.  It's simply the Word of our Amazing and Awesome God!  Who can contend with the Almighty?  Unrivaled in all ways...

Praise God in the highest heavens!  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Ref.  Bethany House. Moments of Peace for the Morning.