The Armor of God | Helmet of Salvation, Day 1

These five devotions were written earlier in the year to include in a booklet for a local youth camp that is held in July. Now that camp is over, I thought I'd share the devotions. Helping Hands Camp is a faith based youth camp that allows campers to provide services and to fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Helmet of Salvation, Day 1

[17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Many studies have been done on how the way that you dress affects your attitude and behaviors. You might be able identify with that statement, when you consider how you feel when your lounging around in your favorite sweats verses wearing an outfit that you know you look good in.

Likewise the things that we think about affect our actions. Our main passage this week in Ephesians refers to the “Helmet of Salvation”. Another verse in Philippians 2:2 says “that we should be like-minded [with Christ], having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

If we get up in the morning and think about ourselves and our own interests we will most likely only pursue those things throughout the day. If we choose to “put on” the thoughts of Christ we will, not only be more inclined to pursue his interests; we will also be more careful and thoughtful with our actions.

Think About It

1. Is there a significant moment in your own faith walk that makes you “thankful” to God? Perhaps even, your salvation? If so, how could thinking about that moment regularly, alter your daily living?

2. What are some areas that you struggle with in your mind? Do you suffer from insecurity, anger, fear, depression, being judgmental?

3. How could putting on the mind of Christ help you in these areas?

Throughout this day or week, look for areas in your mind where you get stuck or fixated on something.  Try to make a note of those thoughts. If you get time during camp or when you get home, sit down with that list and look for scripture(s) regarding each area.  When you find verses that speak to you, write them down on something small enough to put in your wallet or store them in your phone. Maybe you can even commit them to memory.  The next time that issue arrives, find your scripture(s) and speak it out, offering up a quick prayer to God.