Speaker: Dwight Mason

Theme: Living Life to the Fullest

Read: Ephesians 6:10-18

Think: We used to live in Southern California and our community was pretty close with an international neighbor, Tijuana, Mexico. I remember a number of years back when under a new government administration, Mexican authorities were working to make that country a safer place. A big part of that was cleaning up corruption within their own forces. It was widely suspected that police had been conspiring with drug traffickers. As part of the government crackdown, the officers had their guns confiscated. Initially, fearing for their own safety, the police stopped patrolling. But eventually, some of them returned to work—carrying simple slingshots. Weeks passed before their weapons were returned to them! Not many people would have the courage to face the violent situations they often came across armed with such wimpy protection.

But in a little different manner we do – everyday! As followers of Christ we walk into threatening situations each day, oftentimes with even less protection than those officers had. We fight against an enemy we cannot see. Our battle isn’t “against flesh and blood, but against . . . spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12).

The outcome of our battle is already determined, however. Jesus wins! But until the war is over He provides us the armor and weapons we need “to stand” (v.13).  God gives us the armor we need — the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word (vv.13-17). Everything we need to not just endure, but to thrive while under the attack of the evil one is available for the asking. We fight in His power and strength.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11

Do:  Wherever we happen to be—at work, in the mall, on a business trip, even with other Christians—we need to know about Satan’s methods and be prepared to resist. He always seems to attack at our most vulnerable moments. But we have the weapons to fight and stand.

Pray: Lord, show us how to take a hold of the weapons you’ve given to protect us from the evil one who wants to draw us away from you and stop us from being effective for you. Help us be aware and discerning, and to be prepared with the ‘armor’ you provide. Thank you that nothing can stand against us when we stand with You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.