Don't Forget to Get Dressed

I'm taking my first photography class at our local community college (along with five other "mom" friends of mine!). On the first day of class our teacher told us to set our cameras to "raw" in order to be able to work more effectively with the pictures when we start using "Photo shop." At the next class one of my girlfriends raised her hand and posed the question "When we are shooting in the raw..." at which point the whole class began to giggle (or should I say "laugh"since there were guys there and guys don't really "giggle" do they?).

My friends' "Shooting in the raw" question reminded me of the importance of "getting dressed" on a daily basis before going out to face the world. In the book of Ephesians (6:10-17), the apostle Paul writes "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..."

As a result of this exhortation I have been praying the following prayer on a regular basis for some time now and recently my friend Patti asked me if I would write it down for her so...here I go not only for Patti but for all of us out there that need to fight our spiritual battles properly because fighting the forces of darkness "In the raw" will get us nowhere!!!

Today I choose to get dressed in the armor that you've given me Lord.

I put on the "Helmet of Salvation" and trust that it will guard my mind.

I put on the "Breastplate of Righteousness" and believe that it will guard my heart. I thank you that you've exchanged my sin for the gift of your Righteousness and that as a result "I am the "Righteousness of Christ."

I place the "Belt of Truth" securely around my waist and believe that that Belt will help me keep out the lies and take in only that which measures up against the Truth found in the Word of God.

I put on my feet "The Shoes of the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace" and I thank you that I can take your peace into every relationship and situation that I walk into on this day.

I take up the "Shield of Faith" and believe that EVERY fiery dart the enemy throws my way will be extinguished on that shield. I thank you that I can choose to "walk by faith and not by sight."

Lastly, I take up the "Sword of the Spirit" which is the Word of God and I trust that you will give me the Word I need to speak today to fight and win the offensive battle I face today.

Thank you Jesus that you tell me that "I am more than a conqueror" and that "No weapon formed against me shall prosper."

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings,
Tracy Klehn