Daily Devotions – Be Strong in the Lord

Daily Devotions – Be Strong in the Lord

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Ephesians 6:10-24 (NIV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

 

What evidence of this battle do you see in your life?

 

Lord, these days evil is running rampant. There are battles of good versus evil and the good doesn’t always win. The spiritual battles against our leaders, authority, families, faith, values, decency and even all human life are real.  It’s all around me and I can’t avoid it. I need to take action. You have given me the tools for Your help and protection. Help me start by replacing my bad habits with good habits. Direct my focus on Your Word to give me ammunition and Your power. Keep me in a right relationship with You to do Your will. Teach me to trust You even in difficult times. I will continue to lift this world, this nation, this community, this city, this church and its families up to You in prayer, confident that You are in control. The ultimate battle of sin and death has been defeated by the cross, but until You return, cover me with Your armor to provide me the strength and stamina to stand up to the evil of this world. Amen