In the Armor of Christ
by Michael Doyle

Unpacked in a letter to predicate
The good news the Bible indicates
Is the bridging of the gap to build our community
It's a story of starting as one to become a family

I am a wealthy man by spiritual measure
My faith is focused on Heaven's treasure
Yet, the resistance faced calls for war
The armor of God is needed to even our score

Despite our determination to walk in the light
There comes a time when it's time to fight
Standing strong and faithful through God's power
We stand against the Devil in that evil hour

Truth and righteousness have built the place
At which we extinguish the Devil's armies that trace
The challenges that inevitably come our way
We must stand ready to fight this fight every day

In our weaknesses, we are yet, made strong
As we stand with God, where we belong
In God's power, we will find our victory
When the evil day comes in our personal history

We are shaped by the context we live in
As we are born to love and victims of sin
These choices made lead to our consequence
And in need of spirituality's recompense 

Challenged by the world, our flesh, and the Devil
It's hard to keep our perspectives drawn level
We are understood as vulnerable and unprepared
It can make a good person seem unwilling compared

To those who prepare and constantly train
Becoming willing to minister and live the strain
The strain that deepens us causes our mistakes
In this modern age of constant, unsteadying heartbreaks

Challenged by indecision, doubt, and vapid desire
We must overcome deception and not falter and tire
This is a struggle against the appetite for destruction
In these days, we must drive through despite frustration

This is how we might and heal in constant conjunction
With the need to fight through this by our construction
To face down every coming trick, and treacherous temptation
Each will be taken on in God's grace for our redemption

Living as adopted children in God's holy, healing family 
Our journey is one of steps taken that are sacred and holy
There is very little, if anything, we have to prove
And yet, against Satan's agenda, we must make our moves

The image of Christ is put upon us as our identity
AS we move ever toward the journey to reach eternity
Hungry, tired, and often driven into cold isolation
Our challenges feel exaggerated into our alienation

Instead, we need to put on God's armor of undying love
God's ways are the best and are truly given from above
Our privileges and responsibilities live as faith and devotion
As we are continually in prayer standing above life's connection

Overcoming life's hits and bruising will prove us legit
This happens as witness by that the world won't forget
Fortified for defense and our offensive needed to withstand
Whatever the world and the Devil wickedly demands

Relational rightness prepares us to live a godly life
Giving into peace and walking away from a path of strife
The belt of truth is walked to wearing boots of peace
When we follow Jesus, we find this as our release

Marching headlong to the very gates of Hell
Through the strength of God, we will prevail
This is the gospel shaped up to kill hostility
It will be these steps that bring us to eternity

Praying for all others and for their provision
That our words might move beyond expected supposition
Fearless, we faithfully move in our tender love
To make the world better, as if ambassadors of Heaven above

(c) September 8, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved