Dear Faith Family, 

Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore…, (Ephesians 6:13-14). 

I was minding my own business (well, kind of).  It looked hand painted, a work of art.  See, I was walking on the patio outside the Fellowship Hall of our church family’s facility.  It’s what I like to do when I’m engrossed in a telephone conversation.  And there it was.  Lying on the concrete next to the building was this fascinating creature. 

Its abdomen was sort of striped yellow and black.  The black stripes were iridescent.  Depending on the lighting, they would turn blue or even green. The head was white with leopard spots that looked hand painted.  What an incredible work of art!  The wings flowed like a cape (one piece) from the head wearing the same paint job as the head. 

Like you, I wanted to know what it was.  So, search I did (learned that from Yoda).  Google, here I come.  There it was…a Leopard Moth!  Remarkably crafted with an incredible paint job!  But there’s more!  I read the following: “Remarkably, the moths have ears that are behind the spot where its hind wings join the body. Lepidopterists (hadn’t heard that before!), those who study or collect moths and butterflies, believe these organs enable giant leopard moths to detect the echolocation sonar the bats use to detect their prey. The moth even has the ability to produce clicking sounds. The theory is these sounds are used to jam the bat's echolocation system,” (Georgiawildlife.com). 

Here’s the thing (and you didn’t think Leopard Moth’s had a thing), God, in His sovereign wisdom has equipped the Leopard Moth with the right tools to protect it from would-be enemies (you know, like the kind of enemies that would eat them!).  Apparently, God has done no less for us, His children.  He has provided a complete outfit designed to protect us from our would-be enemy who is seeking someone to devour, (1 Peter 5:8).   

Problem: you are easy prey without your outfit.  Another problem: your God-given outfit does you no good neatly folded in your dresser drawer at home.  You’ve got to suit up (think Iron Man).  So then, are you securely fastened with the belt of truth (God’s Word)?  Like, right now?  Are you protected by the breastplate of God’s righteousness?  Are your feet adorned with the gospel of peace?  Is faith your shield?  Is the helmet of His salvation covering you today?  How about the sword that He’s entrusted to you?  Have you practiced wielding His sword today? 

Suit up, 
Pastor Karl