TRUTH: The Full Armor of God Series (Part 1)

TRUTH: People believe lies. Lots of lies. Lies about God. Lies about their identity. Lies about true beauty. Lies about real love and intimacy. Lies about security. Lies about what is healthy. Lies about EVERYTHING. People believe these lies over and over and over again.

One of my husbands favorite movies is The Usual Suspects. Although it is definitely a "guy movie" that poses too much violence and vulgarity for my taste, I do acknowledge that it does have a great line in it where the villain makes a very profound statement. He says, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist." The statement was actually coined from an early piece of literature entitled The Generous Gambler written by Charles Pierre Baudelaire, a nineteenth century French poet. Nonetheless, it is an interesting concept to consider, don't you think? The devil lies to us about EVERYTHING, including himself. Instead of acknowledging his plans to derail us and calling him out as the snake he clearly is, we forget his corrupted existence.... we forget his sinful motives... we forget his malicious intent, and instead... we believe his lies. I must admit, that is a good trick... but not one that I wish to be the patsy of.

So, to avoid further confusion, let me tell you a few things about Satan. (a.k.a. - The Father of Lies!!!) Let me share the TRUTH about who we are up against... who is behind the deceptive schemes and half-truths that we easily fall prey into believing.

Satan can only produce evil. His goal is to blind the eyes of those who don't believe in Jesus, and to cause those who do to stumble and question their faith and worth. He is an accuser, a tempter, a deceiver, a slanderer, a thief, a counterfeit. He is tireless to destroy and ruthless to mislead. His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above Almighty God by fraudulently imitating all that God does with the hope to gain the worship of men and encourage opposition toward God's kingdom. He is tireless in his quest and extremely intelligent, clever, full of pride, and powerful... but not more powerful than our God. Satan will do anything and everything he can to oppose God and those who follow Jesus. He is Beelzebub, the prince of the devils. The constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice - seducing to evil in every possible way. He is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He has no mercy, no grace, no hope. His only wish for mankind is to separate us from our Creator. He wants us defeated, shamed, guilt-ridden, tormented, depressed, heavily burdened. In short, he wants us DEAD.

So, do you really want to continue believing what Satan has to say? I sure don't.

WHY do we believe Satan's lies? I am convinced it is because many people accept Christ's gift of salvation but then forget to unwrap and use the contents of the fitted armor that accompanies that gift. So, let's take a look at what God's armor includes. Let's read Ephesians 6:11-18 and see what the scripture says about the Armor of God...

"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. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

The first element of our armor is the Belt of Truth. How wonderful would it be if we actually secured this around our waist, wrapping ourselves with God's promises in our daily lives? God considers deception to be an abomination. In Proverbs 6, He tells us that a “lying tongue” is detestable to Him. We are therefore exhorted to "put on truth" for our own sanctification and deliverance, as well as for the benefit of those to whom we witness. What would happen if we just decided to do this... to speak only truthful words to ourselves and others, and to secure our position in the truthful promises of our King rather than believe the lies of the enemy? We would be free indeed! Freedom to look at ourselves, our future, our capabilities, our existence in an entirely new way. This is not news to be put aside or forgotten. This is all part of the GOOD NEWS that must be told and re-told... studied and memorized... sought after and lived every single day - for all eternity!

As Christians, we must be confident in what God has promised to us. His truth assures us that God is good. We are royalty and children of the King of Kings. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. True beauty is a reflection of who we are in Jesus because all things become new and perfect in Him. There is no greater love than the love of our Father in Heaven. The Lord will provide and take care of us because He treasures us over all other creation. We were lost but are now found. And most importantly.... nothing.... NOTHING can separate us from the love of our Father!!!

Ladies, secure that belt and believe these promises. Put your whole trust in the ONE who is faithful, constant, righteous and holy. No matter what happens in your life - remember that those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior have been redeemed and belong only to God. Satan does not have ANY authority over us! So, measure and evaluate what comes your way by these guidelines: (1) Everything that is good is from God and is TRUE; (2) Everything that is not good is of the devil and is a LIE. (3) If you find yourself in a situation that is not good - WAKE UP, GIVE IT TO GOD, AND TRUST YOUR KING! (4) If you feel yourself reverting to old belief systems that tear you down - WAKE UP, GIVE IT TO GOD, AND TRUST YOUR KING! (5) No matter how many issues Satan thows your way with the intent to convince you that you are "less" or that God is unfaithful... DO NOT BELIEVE SATAN'S LIES! WAKE UP! GIVE IT TO GOD! TRUST YOUR KING!

Tighten that belt strap and BELIEVE THE PROMISES OF YOUR KING!

TRUTH: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Believe the Living Word of God, Jesus Christ. He is Truth. He is King. He is the Christ who came to reveal God to man and redeem all who believe in His Name. Believe Him and be FREE!

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson