Today’s Bible reading is Ephesians chapter 6
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
Christians have been called to a battleground not a playground. To ensure victory God provides us with His armor. We must put it on in prayer, and we must put it on in faith. We must be strong in the Lord and we must stand against the schemes of the devil. Our fight is against a spiritual enemy, not flesh and blood. There are six pieces of armor, and the first one is the “belt of truth.” Christ followers must be characterized by honesty and integrity. We must be honest with God, ourselves, and others. Second, we are to put on the “breastplate of righteousness.” Righteousness is our position since the day we were saved. We are in Christ and His righteousness has been imputed to us. Righteousness should also be our practice. Our hearts must be pure and our conduct godly. Third, we put on the “Gospel shoes.” Keep a Gospel focus and always be ready to share your faith. Pray that God leads you to someone today that you can share Christ with. Also, take up the “shield of faith.” Faith protects us from a the fiery darts of the enemy. Next, put on the “helmet of salvation.” Seek to have the mind of Christ. Know that Jesus is coming again. Then take up the “sword of the Spirit.” The Word of God is a sword! The Holy Spirit is its author! Be filled with the Word of God and led by the Spirit of God. Paul concludes the instructions of putting on God’s armor with this charge, “praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer… make supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.”
Prayer: “Dear Father, we take up your armor today in faith, knowing that the battle is the Lord’s. Thank You for protecting us and for defeating our enemies. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 