Alert and Armored: Standing Strong in Today's Battle
A Morning Devotion by Rev. Joseph Holmes HC Ministries November 28, 2025
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope this day finds you rested and ready, because I've got something heavy on my heart this morning that I need to share with you. It's something the Lord's been pressing on me all week, and I believe it's a word for right now—not just for today, but for every single morning we open our eyes.
See, we live in a world that's moving fast. Things are coming at us from every direction—worry, distraction, temptation, lies, fear. And if we're honest, some days it feels like we're barely keeping our heads above water. But here's the truth: we're not in this fight alone, and we're not in it unarmed. God has given us everything we need to stand firm. The question is, are we using it?
This morning, I want to talk to you about two passages of Scripture that, when tied together, become a daily game plan for victory. Not just survival—victory. Let's dig in.
Scripture Connection
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)"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. 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 Lord's people."
The Devotion: Wake Up and Suit Up
Let me paint you a picture. You wouldn't leave your house in the middle of winter without a coat, would you? You wouldn't head out to work a hard day's labor without your boots on, right? Of course not. That'd be foolish. You'd freeze or get hurt before you even got started.
Well, the same thing applies to your spiritual life. Every single day, there's a battle going on. Peter makes it crystal clear—your enemy, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. That's not a bedtime story. That's reality. He's not taking a day off. He's not sleeping in. He's actively looking for a weak spot, a distraction, a crack in your armor.
But here's the good news: God hasn't left you defenseless.
Paul tells us in Ephesians to put on the full armor of God. Not part of it. Not just the pieces we like or the ones that feel comfortable. All of it. Every morning. Because when we do, we're not just ready for the day—we're ready for the battle.
Now, some folks hear "spiritual warfare" and think that sounds intense or scary. But let me simplify it for you. This isn't about being afraid. It's about being aware. It's about waking up each day and saying, "Lord, I know the enemy is real. I know he's got schemes. But I also know You've already won. So I'm going to live like it."
Peter says, "Be alert and of sober mind." That means stay awake. Stay sharp. Don't get lazy or distracted. Know what's going on around you. The enemy loves to catch us when we're not paying attention—when we're tired, stressed, discouraged, or isolated.
But awareness alone isn't enough. That's where Paul's words come in. He says, "Put on the full armor of God." You've got to get dressed for battle. Let me break it down real simple:
The Belt of Truth – When lies come at you (and they will), you counter them with God's truth. His Word. His promises.
The Breastplate of Righteousness – This guards your heart. When guilt or shame tries to creep in, you stand on the righteousness of Christ, not your own.
Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace – You walk steady, grounded in the good news. No matter what happens, you've got a sure foundation.
The Shield of Faith – When doubt, fear, or accusation comes flying at you like flaming arrows, your faith blocks it. You trust God more than you trust your feelings.
The Helmet of Salvation – This protects your mind. You remember who you are in Christ and where you're headed. Your identity is secure.
The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God. This is your offense. When you're attacked, you don't just defend—you speak the Word and watch the enemy flee.
And then Paul ties it all together with prayer. He says to pray on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers. Stay connected to God. That's your lifeline.
Here's the thing, church: Peter tells us to stay alert. Paul tells us to stay armed. You need both. Awareness without armor leaves you vulnerable. Armor without awareness leaves you careless. But together? Together, they make you dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.
This isn't about being religious. This isn't about checking boxes or playing church on Sunday morning. This is about walking with Jesus every single day, fully alive, fully awake, fully equipped. Religion is empty ritual. Following Jesus is a living, breathing relationship where you depend on Him for everything and trust Him to lead you through the fire.
So each morning when you wake up, I want you to do two things:
Acknowledge the battle. Don't be naive. The enemy is real. He's active. But he's also defeated. Jesus already won. You're just enforcing the victory.
Put on the armor. Don't leave home without it. Pray it on. Speak it out loud if you have to. "Lord, I put on the belt of truth today. I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I take up the shield of faith..."
That's how you start your day strong. That's how you live in victory.
Application: Make It Real
Let me get practical with you. Here's how you tie these two scriptures together starting this morning:
1. Start Your Day with PrayerBefore you check your phone, before you turn on the news, before you dive into the chaos—talk to God. Ask Him to make you alert. Ask Him to help you put on His armor. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just honest.
2. Recognize the Real EnemyWhen frustration comes, when someone cuts you off in traffic, when your coworker gets under your skin—remember Ephesians 6:12. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood. The person isn't your enemy. There's a darker force trying to steal your peace. Don't take the bait.
3. Use the Armor in Real Time
When temptation whispers, grab the shield of faith and say, "I trust God more than this feeling."
When lies creep in ("You're not good enough," "God's disappointed in you"), fasten the belt of truth and remind yourself what God's Word says about you.
When fear tries to dominate your thoughts, put on the helmet of salvation and remember: you are saved, sealed, and secure in Christ.
When you need to fight back, pick up the sword of the Spirit—speak Scripture out loud. The enemy can't stand against the Word of God.
4. Stay Connected Through PrayerDon't just pray in the morning and forget about God the rest of the day. Talk to Him throughout your day. Keep that line open. Prayer is your power source.
5. Remember You're Not AlonePeter reminds us that believers all over the world are facing the same struggles. You're part of a family. Reach out. Encourage someone. Let someone encourage you. We're in this together.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, I want to leave you with this: the devil may prowl, but he is not in control. He may roar, but his teeth have been pulled. Jesus has already crushed his head. Your job is simply to stand firm, stay alert, and live in the victory that's already been won for you.
Don't walk into today unprepared. Don't step into the battlefield in your pajamas. Wake up. Suit up. And stand strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
You are more than a conqueror. You are a child of the Most High God. And today, you're going to walk like it.
Closing Prayer
Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for loving us, for equipping us, and for never leaving us to face the enemy alone. Lord, we ask that You make us alert today—awake to the schemes of the enemy, but confident in Your power.
Help us to put on the full armor of God this morning and every morning. May we walk in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the power of Your Word. Guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
Father, this morning we also lift up those who are hurting. We pray for the family of Sarah Beckstrom, who gave her life in service to others in the tragic shooting in Washington, D.C. Lord, comfort her loved ones with Your presence. Surround them with Your peace that passes all understanding. We also pray for the other soldier who is still fighting for their life in critical condition. God, we ask for Your healing touch. Strengthen their body, sustain their spirit, and let Your will be done. Be near to all who are grieving and afraid. Remind them that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit.
Lord, may we live today not in fear, but in faith. Not in defeat, but in victory. We trust You. We love You. And we surrender this day to You.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray.
Amen.
Motivational Quote
"You don't fight for victory—you fight from victory. Jesus already won the war. Now suit up, stand firm, and live like the enemy has already lost."— Rev. Joseph Holmes