Moms of Faith

<–back to Armor of God Main

Ephesians 6:17b (KJV)

…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

This is much more than just armor or protection. This is a CRUCIAL weapon in our battle.

We MUST know the Word.

Let’s take a look at our example…Jesus…the One Who walked before us to show us the way by example…

• When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-10, He defeated the enemy and overcame with the Word.
• When Jesus was tempted by the Jewish leaders in Matthew 16, He fought back with the Word.
• When Jesus was tempted by Peter in Matthew 16:23, He remembered His position and authority…which comes from His knowledge of the Word.

We must also not only quote the Word, but we must use the Word and the knowledge we gain from it to gain victory in this very real battle.

When the enemy comes knocking on the doorway of our minds, we must fight back with Scripture…OUT LOUD. We must verbally put the little worm in His place.

When the enemy tempts us with fear, doubt, and low self esteem, we must remember what God’s Word says about us.

We must KNOW who and Who’s we are. The only way to know this is to know the Word. And the ONLY way to know the Word is to STUDY the Word.

If you think you are too busy…then you need to take your schedule to the Lord. Because I can GUARANTEE you that anything and I mean anything in your life that exalts itself above the knowledge of God (activities, job, children, friends, etc.) is NOT His Will for you. If you have no time for a relationship with your God, and getting to know His character through His Word…then you are too busy and your priorities are NOT lined up with His Will for your life.

Get your Sword of the Spirit…LEARN it and USE it!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, forgive me for the times that I have put You to the side. Forgive me for the times that I have put my needs, my desires, and my will before You. Forgive me for neglecting You and my relationship with You. Thank You for loving me beyond myself. Thank You for never giving up on me. Thank You for Your Word. Help me to learn all that I can about You and how to fight the enemy. Help me to get my priorities lined up with YOUR Will. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

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<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

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<–back to Armor of God Main

There is one more VERY important part of putting on the “whole armor of God.”

Ephesians 6:18 (Amplified)

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all saints (God’s consecrated people).

Prayer is VERY important. It is probably one of the most important parts of our lives as Christians. It is also a vital part of our battle and defense against the enemy.

We MUST pray…every day…all day. Of course I don’t mean go into a closet all day and don’t do anything else…I mean we should be in constant communication with the Throne all day….under our breath…singing a song…driving here and there…grocery shopping…an “official” prayer time….etc.

Prayer is a form of verbal communication with your Beloved Daddy, a VERY powerful weapon, a way of defense against the devil, a form of worship, and we should NEVER leave home without it!

We did a three part study a while back on prayer. You may want to go back and read…

Prayer, part 1

Prayer, part 2

Prayer, part 3

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Prayer. Thank You that I can BOLDLY come before You and make my requests, tell you my fears and struggles, call upon Your Name, and just talk to You. Thank You for loving me enough to want to hear from me. Thank You that EVERY time I talk to You, You are listening and paying attention. Thank You for the POWER that prayer holds. Help me to cultivate a daily prayer life. Help me to learn to include You throughout my day. Thank YOU! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

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<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

Ephesians 6:12-13

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day of danger, and, having done all to stand firmly in your place.

It is EXTREMELY important that we understand that we are NOT dealing with what we see. Demons and evil are VERY real. The devil is not just a metaphor. He is very real, hates you very much, and is out to get you.

Evil spiritual forces are whirling all around us, from the pulpit to the government. We MUST learn to recognize the enemy at work, and learn how to fight!

Following are some examples of the enemy at work today…

• Division: Strife, disagreements, and the like are crippling to the Church. And the enemy knows this. He is very aware of what unity can do for his cause. So, he and his slimy followers work overtime to divide…divide…divide…They help divide marriages, friendships, family, and the Church as a whole.Take Action! FORGIVE QUICKLY!(Matthew 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:23-24)

• Apathy: We have a Church that does not fight for righteousness. If it did then we would not be a society over run with pornography, endorsement of homosexual lifestyles, sexually charged entertainment, and the like. It’s like the Church keeps hitting the snooze button and the early bird (devil) is getting the worm.Take Action! WAKE UP! (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Revelation 3:15-16)

• Distraction: We live in a very fast paced society. Everyone is busy. Everyone has places to go and people to see. How many Christians have an active daily prayer life? Read the Word consistently? Are actively involved in their Father’s business?Have you ever “planned” to read your Bible or pray, and then go distracted? Or said, “I just don’t get this…I don’t have time…I can’t “get into” this…” ? The enemy is helping you my dear sisters. He will do EVERYTHING he can…He will pull out ALL the stops to get you to believe that it’s OK to just “be good.” It is a FATAL lie!

  Take Action! READ the WORD…EVERY day! (Psalm 37:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 1:10-11; Hebrews 12:11

PRAY…EVERY day! (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16b; 1 Peter 3:12, 14) We MUST! If we do not, we are playing right into the slime balls hands.

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for loving me enough to take the time to send Your Word. And to warn me of what I am dealing with. Help me to learn. Help me to recognize the enemy when he is at work in my life. Help me to take action. I love You, Lord. I do not want to be a “luke warm” Christian. I want to be on fire for You and Your Truth. I need You. I can’t do it without You. Thank You, Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

Ephesians 6:10-11

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

The Armor of God. What is it? how can I get it? These and many more questions will be answered over the next few days…

We now know that God provides it through His Word. And that we NEED it. We must put all of our hope, faith, and trust in Him. If God be for us, who can be against us? If we accept this fact, we will have the victory in EVERY circumstance!

Another important fact is that we must PUT THE ARMOR ON! It requires action from us. It will not just fall from the sky onto us. We must PUT it on ourselves. And, we must put on the WHOLE armor….not just pieces.

Finally, the armor of God will help us in our battle with the devil. He is no light weight. This is the big leagues. We must be prepared. The armor of God will give us the protection we need for the battle, and the power to defeat our adversaries.

I can’t wait to see what’s next! Can you?

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Mighty, Life giving Word. Help me to receive and put into practice all that I will learn in this series. Help me to learn how to properly place my armor and use my armor to gain the victory that Your precious Son died for me to have. I love You, Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

Ephesians 6:17a (KJV)

And take the helmet of salvation…

This is a pretty easy one. The Blood of Jesus took care of this one. The helmet of salvation is the piece of armor we get when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. However, we must accept it and put it on.

How do we put it on?

By believing what God’s Word says. We must BELIEVE that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day, and now sits at the Right Hand of the Father speaking on our behalf.

We can NOT get to Heaven by being good. We can be the nicest most generous person on earth…but if we do not have Jesus Christ, we will perish. Salvation is a FREE gift. It is UNDESERVED. However, it MUST be accepted and received.

So, stop beating yourself up every time you mess up. Pick yourself up and press on. KNOW that God loves you and He WILL forgive you when you repent. None of us will EVER be perfect until the day that we walk through those Pearly Gates.

We must realize that God loves us…He REALLY loves us. That is why He had to sacrifice His Son. It was the only way He could ever have relationship with man.

You are a daughter of the Most High. Your biggest mistake and ugliest flaws are not even noticed by Him. He sees perfection…He sees the covering of the Blood of the Lamb! Put that Helmet of Salvation on!!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You…thank You..thank You!! Thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for only wanting the best for me. Thank You that no matter how hard I try I can never earn Your love, because I already have it. Thank You for accepting me as I am. Thank You for helping me to become, day by day, all that You created me to be. Thank You that YOU are there to help me change. Thank You that I am NEVER alone. Thank You that every time I mess up and bring it before you in repentance, I can be assured of forgiveness. Thank You that I can call You Daddy. Thank You for being YOU! I love You Daddy! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

So far we have learned how to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Today, we will take care of our feet

Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Let’s look at the original Greek…

shod – hupodeo (hoop-od-eh’-o): Put on shoes or sandals. Bind on.

preparation – hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee’-ah): Firm footing for the foundation.

I like what The Complete Word Study Greek Dictionary by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D. said about preparation…“This intimates the firm and solid knowledge of the gospel in which the believer may stand firm and unmoved like soldiers in their military duty. The Roman soldiers were furnished with shoes that had cleats on the soles for this purpose.”

We are in a battle ladies. We are not being told to put on armor for the fun of it. This is WAR. We must go into battle properly prepared.

Truth and Righteousness are only the beginning. Now, we must learn how to have Peace. The peace that comes from the knowledge of the Word. The peace that all of us have inherited through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The peace that comes from knowing that know matter what trials and tribulations that we suffer here on earth, we have an eternity in all the spender of Heaven with our Daddy.

There is another side of peace that I think is VERY important to being properly equipped for the battle at hand. It is being a person who pursues peace. A person who will seek peace to the point of giving up the need to be right. A person who desires and maintains peace in every and all circumstances.

Peacemakers.

So, put on your fancy footwear…know the peace of God…and pursue peace…then you will have your feet shod with the preparation of peace…

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Peace. Thank You for the Peace that comes with Salvation. Thank You for the knowledge You have given me. Thank You that I can KNOW that no matter what, I am loved by You and I will spend eternity with You. Lord, please help me to be a pursuer of peace. Please help me to die to myself and become a peacemaker. Help me to properly shod my feet. Thank You, Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

OK, so, we have learned how to put on the belt of TRUTH.

Now…

Ephesians 6:14b

…and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

This is the kind of righteousness that comes with repenting of your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior. It cannot be earned. It is a gift from God.

We must realize, understand, and know who we are in Christ. The breastplate of righteousness is a position that we hold as children of the Most High God….

• We were created in the image of God.
• We were known and formed in our Mother’s womb.
• We are loved so much by Him that He sent His ONLY Son to come down to earth, live a common and sinless life, and then die a cruel death for OUR sins.
• We are a peculiar people.
• We were created to be the head and NOT the tail.
• No weapon formed against us shall prosper.
• We are daughters of the KING of kings and LORD of lords.
• We have the Holy Spirit to minister, pray, and guide us.
• We have special angels who walk with us and help protect us our entire lives.
• Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
• Jesus is up in Heaven preparing a mansion for each of us.
• We will spend eternity at the Beloved Feet of Jesus.

If God be for us….who can be against us!?

Once we grasp all of this…and MORE, we will have the ability and knowledge of exactly what the breastplate of righteousness is, and then we will put it on!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for creating me in Your Precious Image. Thank You for loving me enough to give me the tools for victory. Thank You for Your Life Giving Word. Thank You for all that You have created me to be. Thank You for all that I am through You and all that I am becoming with You. I love You, Daddy. Teach me how to walk in the knowledge of who and Who’s I really am. Thank YOU! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Armor of God Main

Today we begin learning how to “put on the whole armor of God.”

Ephesians 6:14a

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins…

I want to look at the word truth. The original Greek word for truth in this text is aletheuo (al-ayth-yoo’-o) and means; Real, actual, not counterfeit. To be true in doctrine and profession. To endeavor to express the truth in a loving manner. Not only speaking the truth, but presenting an action as the truth and not counterfeit.

Just to make sure we get this…the antonym (or opposite) of aletheuo is pseudomai (psyoo’-don-ahee) and means; to lie, deceive, and speak falsely.

This sheds a whole new light on the old phrase, “honesty is the best policy.” Wouldn’t you agree? TRUTH is a VERY important part of our protection and victory in the battle we all face. Remember, we must put on the COMPLETE armor of God.

The first piece of our armor is the belt of truth. Be honest in thought, word, and deed. Speak the truth in love….even when it may be uncomfortable to your flesh.

If you don’t want to go to lunch with so and so…say no. Don’t come up with some elaborate lie to make yourself look good…or to “protect” that person from getting hurt. TELL the TRUTH!

When you over spend…don’t lie to your husband. TELL the TRUTH! It may not be fun, but it is VITAL to your protection and victory in the battle.

HONESTY….TRUTH…the ONLY way to put on the belt is to put them into daily action in your life.

When you are tempted to lie or deceive…remember this…satan is the father of lies. Do you want to listen to him or the God of TRUTH? Better yet, who do you want your children to listen to? They WILL model you….

Step One: Put on the Belt of Truth

LIVE THE TRUTH!

BE TRANSPARENT.

BE A GOD PLEASER….NOT A SELF AND PEOPLE PLEASER!!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for being TRUTH. Thank You for NEVER lying or deceiving me. Thank You for showing me in Your Word how to live a victorious life. Forgive me for all the times that I have lied, deceived, and lived falsely. I repent of all deception in my life. Give me the strength to live and walk in truth. Teach me to speak the truth in love. Scold me when I even begin to deceive. Please help me Lord. I cannot do this on my own. I need You. I want to live in victory. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---