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Listen while you read: "Lord I'm Coming Home"1 (Lyrics) |
Our world today is full of protective devices. Some are part of our everyday life whether we choose them or not. Airbags in cars, highway guard rails, and stop signs are universal safety equipment intended for the common good. Other protections, such as COVID-19 vaccines, masks, lifejackets, and smoke alarms, are often offered and strongly recommended, but are not always mandated. We live in a world of choices and must take personal responsibility for our own choices.
The same is true in our Christian life. We face many dangers in our walk of faith, but Ephesians 6 tells us of a means of full protection that is freely offered to us. It is up to us to avail ourselves of this protection.
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (NIV)
This full suit of armour — the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the footwear of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) — is specially designed to protect us against all of Satan's tricks.
Paul described armour that was commonly used by soldiers of the Roman Empire in the first century A.D. My mental image — triggered by memories of flannelgraph stories in Sunday school — is of a Roman helmet, shield, and breastplate.
Here are some points about this spiritual armour that I have noted:
- We are told to put on this armour. It is not forced upon us but seems to be a matter of our (wise and strongly encouraged) choice.
- This armour is given as protection in a struggle against spiritual forces of evil, not earthly foes.
- We aren't to initiate the battle, but we are to stand firm as Satan attacks us head on.
- With one exception, all of these pieces of armour are for defense, not offense. Our one offensive weapon is God's Word. We can freely use His words — not our own — to defend our faith and our position.
These thoughts remind me that our battle is in God's hands and that He has offered us all the protection that we need in this spiritual battle. In times of discouragement, we can be encouraged by God's promises. When we have a difficult choice to make, we can find guidance from God's Word. When we are faced with temptation, we can call on Him for help.
To think about: How can we put on God's armour in our spiritual battle today?
Prayer: O Lord, You know the trials and struggles that we face every day. May we show evidence of our faith in You by not trying to run from trouble, but by choosing to use the spiritual armour that You have given us to equip us for this daily struggle. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 
Thanks for the inspiration, Gail.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Thank you, Gail! I loved this! It spoke to my heart at a time I really needed to hear it. God Bless you!
Thanks, Gail. If only we could remember this all the time: “These thoughts remind me that our battle is in God’s hands”.
Greetings Gail and thanks for another of your special and very meaningful devotionals. Those words of instruction laid out in Ephesians 6:11 are definitely important to follow. Blessings for these great writings you contribute.
Good morning, Gail,
A good devotional as usual, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the footwear of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)are such good items of protection to have, but so many things in our lives, sometimes we tend to lose or temporarily misplace one. But through faith and prayer we find it again.
Thank you for writing and I wish you and yours a blessed Sunday.
Good morning, Gail,
I love your points about the armour which I had not thought of. That it is defensive and not offensive because when I think of armour, I think of fighting a war so the armour would be both. We are not initiating the battle but are standing our ground against attack and that God’s Word can be used both ways and that is good.
I also had never seen the word “flannelgraph” before. I looked it up and I have seen it in action but did not know that was what it can be called. I did love when they used flannel figures and objects to tell Christian stories. It made them come more alive.
I recently heard that as someone was dying, he told his family that he was going home. The title of the song chosen to go with your devotional brought that to my mind. I felt such peace when I knew this man was going home and he was at peace with it. Blessings.