New Day, New Year, and New Beginnings - 31 Days of Fresh StartsSample

A New Outfit...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11

If we are going to ponder all things new, we must consider changing our outfit—you know—what we are wearing these days.

We might be dressing ourselves in clothes of defeat, feeling overcome, stress, or anxiety. These feelings may precipitate our sense that something needs to change, to be made new. Yet Jesus has provided us with a new garment—His spiritual armor to clothe us at all times. It’s His reminder for the believer that regardless of what the world, the devil, or others throw at us, He has given us all we need to overcome, take back ground, and bring His kingdom to bear in every situation.

Consider a few aspects of this new clothing:

• Belt of Truth: What His Word states regarding who He is and who we are in Him. (John 8:31-32)
• Breastplate of Righteousness: Because of Jesus’ imputed righteousness to us, we have the authority of His name to see our enemy vanquished. (2 Corinthians. 5:21)
• Shoes of Peace: The ability to be led by the Holy Spirit’s peace through what we discern in any given moment. (Luke 1:79)
• Shield of Faith: Knowing Jesus is LORD. This shield is the standard we raise high, no matter what is occurring. (Matthew 17:20)
• Helmet of Salvation: The ability to focus our thoughts on Jesus, recognizing that the fullness of our salvation in Him applies to the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. (2 Cor. 10:5, 1 Thess. 5:23)
• Sword of the Spirit: God’s Word saturating our lives and on our lips. (Luke 4:4)

We’ll continue in the topic of spiritual warfare tomorrow...