Phylacteries

I always receive personal revelation through reading the scriptures.  I feel drawn to read a verse and it becomes my theme for a period of time before I move on the next one.

I love the idea of phylacteries.  A phylactery is a small leather box that a Jewish man wears around his head and left arm.  Inside the box is a piece of paper with a scripture written on it.  By wearing the scripture he is constantly reminded of Heavenly Father and the teachings contained within the scripture.  This practice developed from the scripture Deuteronomy 6:4-9,

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is bone Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

Picture originally found here.

Picture originally found here.

We have symbols that remind of us are devotion to Christ.  One of these is a ring with the initials or words Choose the Right.  Many Christians were a cross to remind them of the Christ and the Atonement.  When I was in high school in Alabama bracelets with the initials WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, were popular. 

My favorite thing about the phylacteries is that the scripture can be changed.  (Under Jewish custom, only certain scriptures are used.)  All you have to do is write it on a new piece of paper and switch it out.  Maybe one day I will have a bracelet with a locket where I can place my scripture theme inside. 

Here is the scripture I would currently want in my phylactery.  

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20.

Lately I have been studying and pondering about protecting ourselves from the influences of the devil and the temptations he places before us.  It has becomes evident to me how important it is to literally shield ourselves from the darkness with the light and knowledge of the Savior.  Wearing this scripture would serve as a reminder to me to feel the light of the Savior about me so that I can be protected.  It would serve as a reminder of how to act so that I can have the Spirit to enlighten me.

What scripture or scriptures would you have in your phylacteries?