Daily Devotion Chat

The Gear for the Battle

 Written by Cowboy Evangelist Rev. Joseph Holmes

 Produced by: H C Cowboy Ministries

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 6:10–20

Mornin’, Friends.

It’s Monday today, as we start a new week. I would like to say something first, now I know that work is waiting, but before we rush out the door, I want to take a minute to remind everyone how we ought to prepare for each day.

Let me start by saying you wouldn’t catch a cowboy riding into a mesquite thicket wearing shorts and flip-flops, that’s a good way to get tore up.

Because before we ever put a foot in the stirrup, we make sure that we got everything we going to need. We pull on our boots, then our chaps to protect us from the thorns, weather, and the saddle rubbing. We know that our boots to protect our ankles from rattlesnakes and , keeps our spurs from falling off, and our feet in the stirrups if the horse starts to buck. We put a hat on to shade our eyes, and we check the cinch to make sure the saddle isn't going to roll when things get western.

We do all that because we know the country we ride in is rough. It’s unforgiving. And if you go out there unprotected, you’re asking for hurt.

Today’s devotion is a wake-up call for the hand who’s been walking out the door every morning spiritually naked.

You see, the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that we are in a war. Now, I’m not talking about a fistfight behind the chutes or a disagreement with another cowboy or your boss. Paul says our fight isn't against "flesh and blood." The real enemy isn't your boss, it isn't your ex-wife, and it isn't the politician on the TV.

The real enemy is spiritual. It’s the devil and his crew, and they play dirty. They shoot arrows of discouragement, they lay traps of temptation, and they try to spook you into running.

If you try to fight that battle with just your own grit and a smile, you’re going to going to lose. You need the gear God gave you. Paul calls it the "Whole Armor of God."

Let’s look at what we need to cinch up every morning:

First, The Belt of Truth. Think of this like your cinch. If your cinch is loose, your saddle slips, and you go down. If you aren’t wrapped tight in God’s truth, the lies of the world will spin you right around.

Second, The Breastplate of Righteousness. This protects your vitals—your heart. It’s knowing that you are right with God, not because you’re perfect, but because Jesus is. It guards you from the guilt that tries to pierce your chest.

Third, Boots of Peace. Paul talks about having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. A cowboy needs boots with a good heel so he doesn’t slip in the mud or get hung up in the stirrup. When you have God’s peace, you can stand your ground even when the whole world is slipping and sliding around you.

Fourth, The Shield of Faith. The enemy loves to fire "flaming darts"—thoughts of fear, doubt, and "what-ifs." Faith is the shield that catches them before they can burn you down. It’s trusting that God is who He says He is, no matter what the trail looks like.

Fifth, The Helmet of Salvation. Your head is a target. The enemy wants to mess with your mind—make you doubt your salvation or question your worth. Pull that helmet down tight. Let the assurance that you are saved protect your thoughts.

And finally, The Sword of the Spirit. This is the Word of God. It’s the only offensive weapon in the scabbard. Everything else is for protection, but the Bible? That’s for fighting back. When the devil tried to tempt Jesus, the Lord didn’t argue with Him; He quoted Scripture. He cut through the lies with the Truth.

Friends, don’t leave the bunkhouse without your gear. I see too many good folks getting chewed up by life because they’re trying to ride into battle unprepared. You can’t wait until the trouble starts to start looking for your armor. You have to put it on before the sun comes up.

Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus, I confess that I’ve been riding out into the day unprepared. I’ve been trying to fight spiritual battles with my own strength, and I’m tired of getting beat up. Today, I’m making a choice to suit up. I wrap myself in Your Truth. I guard my heart with Your Righteousness. I stand firm in Your Peace. I lift up the shield of Faith against the enemy’s lies. I cover my mind with the hope of Salvation. And I take up Your Word to fight the battles You’ve called me to. Captain of the Lord’s Host, lead me on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now Friends, take a minute this morning. Don’t just rush out to the truck. Stop and mentally put on that armor. The enemy is waiting, but if you’re suited up in God’s power, he doesn’t stand a chance.

Let me leave you with this thought as you head out to work: A cowboy don’t get dressed just to look pretty; everything he wears is for a reason. Make sure your spiritual gear is the same.