A fascinating creature -- the pangolin -- lives in most parts of Africa. Its small head, thick body, long tapering tail, and four short legs give it the appearance of a miniature bridge. It is covered with large, overlapping brown scales, much like a coat of dark armour, but it is a mammal.

The small pangolin measures twenty-six inches or more. The Giant Pangolin grows to over five and a half feet, and often runs on its hind legs. Could you imagine yourself meeting one of these darkly armoured creatures in the forest or grasslands?

Pangolins feed on ants and termites, opening nests with their long sharp claws. With fastened-down scales, and closed eyes and nostrils, they poke their long, sticky, saliva-coated tongues into the nest, and partake of their favourite food.

They take ant baths as well. Yes, that's right. They settle on an open nest, let the ants crawl inside their lifted scales, then shut them in to crush and grind the ants against their skin. This acts as an abrasive cleaning agent. They then immerse themselves in water, and open their scales to let out the dead ants.

With its dark armour, it may appear to be a scary animal, but it is actually non-aggressive. It much prefers to make for home, curl up in a tight defensive ball, or squirt a foul-smelling fluid from the base of its tail, similar to that of the skunk.

God has supplied His creatures, including us, His beloved children, with the best of natural defences. But God has also provided Christians with spiritual defences: the whole armour of God.

Ephesians 6:11 - Put on God's whole armour [the armour of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies] that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and deceits of the devil. (AMP)

The apostle Paul goes on to encourage us to take up what God has provided for us to win our battles against satanic forces.

Ephesians 6:14-17 - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NLT)

Prayer: Our Father God, thank You for the scriptural and spiritual armour that we can wear with honour to glorify You, as we successfully defeat the deceitful works of the devil and his cohorts. Thank You, in Jesus' mighty, victorious name. Amen and Amen!

Rosemary Renninson rosemary396@dodo.com.au
Westbury, Victoria, Australia

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca