Focus
Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh.
Read
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench 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.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Reflect
Today’s scripture reading brings to mind a courageous knight in his armor with a magnificent sword at his side. Thus equipped, he appears fully protected from his opponent. I also think of David, who faced an intimidating enemy with no armor at all. His courage came from his strong faith and belief that God would prevail. First Samuel 17:45 tells us “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts….” David faced Goliath with the kind of armor mentioned in the verses above—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God. In fact, God’s word is called the “sword of the Spirit.”
Our enemy is “not blood and flesh” and requires more than the armor of a courageous knight. However, we need not be discouraged or fearful. Rather, be encouraged that you have everything you need to face the spiritual forces of evil.
Pray
Our Great God, thank you for your assurance of protection as we face spiritual attacks. May we always trust in your ways and not our own when facing the enemy of our soul. Amen.
Go with God.
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