Oranges and the Armor of God

photo credit: faithgateway.com

Talking about the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19) with the kiddos in Jr. church, some years ago; we did an experiment with oranges and water. 

I placed a whole unpeeled orange in a bowl of water. This orange represents us, in Christ, fully armed in Him and protected. This one when placed in the water, floated! Though it could be pushed down, it always rose back to the surface. 

Next, I peeled another orange. With each chunk of peeling that came off, represented a different piece of armor; not used. For example, from the top I took a chunk and said, "uh-oh, this one doesn't have a helmet of salvation. The battle always begins in our minds! This one was just told a lie and they BELIEVED it." And so it went with each piece. 

Then I placed the fully peeled & "unprotected" orange in the bowl of water, next to the unpeeled one. Guess what? The peeled orange sank! It didn't have the covering of Christ to grant every need to stand! 

With all that said, are you covered in Christ, fully clothed in the protective armor of God? Have you joined the Lord's army? Are you able to stand the "wiles" or tricks of the enemy?

Placed on a pedestal

photo credit: depositphotos.com

Have you ever placed someone on a pedestal? Sure, we all have. We may admire those who've accomplished much, carry much social stature, those who prosper, the knowledgeable and wise, those whom seem to have it all together and/or may seem more generous & kind. 

Maybe even placed yourself above others? Let us be cautious in our thoughts & actions. Keeping ourselves and our view of others in check & balance! 

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3

"For there is no respect of persons with God." Romans 2:11 

The Creator views us all the same! Shouldn't we try to be more like Him and less like the world?

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45

I know your voice

My daughter & I were painting bedrooms one day. I gave her a small brush and showed her how to paint the trim above the baseboards.

She said, "Oh this is what my brother was learning the other day." (A friend of ours was teaching him) I laughingly said, yep and since you heard and saw him doing it, you should already know how." 

She paused a moment and said, "Well, I didn't really understand it until you told me because I know your voice." All I could do was giggle! 

The Lord did use her cute little phrase to speak to my heart as He reminded me of Jesus important words ...

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:4-5

Not only do we, in Christ, have the Great Shepherd who leads us but we know His voice as well as His Spirit who abides within teaches us! 

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26

I love spending time with my daughter and I love how the Lord uses simple things as great reminders! I hope this has encouraged you as it has me! Stay blessed!