SEPTEMBER 21
BE STRONG IN THE LORD
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: (WEB)
Today's Bible reading is often quoted when describing spiritual warfare. It clearly stands out as one of the more detailed passages in Scripture that helps us visualize the armor of God. When I consider how this instruction from the Apostle Paul applies to me, I believe that the first two verses hold the key to what follows.
.
First things first... Paul says for us to 'be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.' Any spiritual authority we have does not come from us, but from God Himself. It is His might, not ours.
I believe we can get into trouble if we think we can somehow muster the strength to do for ourselves what only God can do. It is His power, His strength, His authority, and His armor. All we can do is 'put on' His helmet, His breastplate, His shield, and so on.
My prayer today is that the Holy Spirit would grant us wisdom on how to live out this passage of practical Scripture in our lives. May we always remember that the battle belongs to the Lord and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: (WEB)
Today's Bible reading is often quoted when describing spiritual warfare. It clearly stands out as one of the more detailed passages in Scripture that helps us visualize the armor of God. When I consider how this instruction from the Apostle Paul applies to me, I believe that the first two verses hold the key to what follows.
.
First things first... Paul says for us to 'be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.' Any spiritual authority we have does not come from us, but from God Himself. It is His might, not ours.
I believe we can get into trouble if we think we can somehow muster the strength to do for ourselves what only God can do. It is His power, His strength, His authority, and His armor. All we can do is 'put on' His helmet, His breastplate, His shield, and so on.
My prayer today is that the Holy Spirit would grant us wisdom on how to live out this passage of practical Scripture in our lives. May we always remember that the battle belongs to the Lord and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)