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| Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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 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. 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. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
New International Version (NIV)
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Armor matters, especially in a conflict. Football players can't play without a helmet. It would be way too dangerous. I remember carrying my pads with me to school so I could practice to win on Saturdays.
In his travels and trials, Paul found ample opportunity to observe Roman soldiers. He mentioned to the Philippians that the whole Palace guard knew he was in chains for defending the gospel.
In conflict, it is always good to identify our adversary. We may be sure the enemy, Satan has identified us. Sometimes we want to fight against flesh and blood. People are not our enemies. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to eternal life. God wants them all.
More important than our adversary is our Advocate. We put on the armor of God. We listen to his voice and ask him for help. God's supremacy over Satan is infinite. He will win. It will not be close. This means we who walk with God are already on the winning team. The outcome of the conflict is nothing doubt.
So we put on our armor. The conflict is real. Casualties happen. Christians wear armor because the battle is real and perilous. God's truth, righteousness, faithfulness, salvation, and word protect us every day. Our best offensive weapons are the word of God and prayer. What is God's word for us today? Who needs our prayer. Until we win, we battle for God to win the hearts of everyone in the world.
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Pray with me:
Glorious King, we do battle for your kingdom today. Remind us who we are. Speak through your word. Hear our intercession for each other. Lead us to victory today. In Jesus' name. Amen!
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Scripture memorization for this week:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
New International Version (NIV)
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| Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week. As we journal together this year, Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.
Joyfully,
Duane
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