Daily Bible Reading: Acts 24
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. ~ Ephesians 6:11-17 (NIV)
I was thinking about the rituals we have on a daily basis. You know those routines and habits we follow each and every day… We get up, brush our hair and teeth. We take showers, get dressed, put our shoes on...and it got me thinking. We have the opportunity to add to the routine: put on the full armor of God each morning.
I love the thought of the armor of God that we read about in today's Scripture passage. It is shiny and glistens with the light of our Heavenly Father, but it also has some dings and scratches which is proof of how it has protected us, and at the very same time it provides us with warmth and security. It is proof that we are soldiers for Christ, and that God is our Commander and he has supplied everything we need for any battle. It allows us to minister to others, as we are strengthened by the supernatural armor as well.
The belt of truth tightened around the waist. The breastplate of righteousness protecting our hearts and chest from gut punches and stabs to the heart. Shoes of peace, such a beautiful picture of being grounded in the peace that only comes from God. Those shoes of peace must be the most comfortable shoes ever. A shield of faith, I love the picture of a giant shield that shatters all fiery arrows that are thrown our way. And then my favorites, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. The helmet which protects our mind so that we can think clearly and focus on God, and then the sword of the Spirit makes me envision a glowing sword cutting off anything that tries to harm.
The armor of God allows us to stand; it allows us to feel confident that even though we may not see all the angles of a situation, God does! And as we dress in the armor each morning, through his Word and our faith we are under God’s protection. And the last part of this verse, “then pray in the Spirit on all occasions…” Talking to God and trusting him to lead us in every decision, seeking God’s will in our lives is a true game- changer. It allows God to use us in such a mighty way.
Prayer: God I want to be a “Difference Maker” and do all that You are calling me to do. I pray that this week I will consciously put on the armor of God, I ask that you will grow me this week to allow me to be a difference maker for your kingdom, Lord Jesus. I pray that the armor is shiny and attracts people so that many come to know you through me. I thank you that your priority is now my priority and Lord, I want to serve you! Thank you Father for providing everything I need to do what YOU have planned. I ask that you grow me and strengthen me throughout the week as I search your Word. Thank you Jesus for this life you have given me. In Your name, Amen.
Timberlake Church One Million Reasons Daily Devotional
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