See also: Ephesians 6 in The Message |
Copyright 2001-2005 by Macedonia Baptist Church 2633 Hillcrest Avenue, Norristown, PA 19401 |
Ephesians 6: 10-18 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And 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 saints. |
"Against the Evil One we wear the armor of God. That God has provided weapons of war for us sure makes a lot more sense if our days are like a scene from Saving Private Ryan. How many Christians have read over those passages about the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation and never really known what to do about them. What lovely poetic imagery, I wonder what it means. It means that God has given you armor and you'd better put it on. Every day. This equipment is really there, in the spiritual, unseen realm. We don't see it, but the angels and our enemies do. Start by simply praying the passage in Ephesians as if suiting up for the arena:" (John Eldredge, Wild at Heart, Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul, pp. 172-174). |
Put on the Full Armor of God |
The Spiritual Warrior's Prayer: Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths I so desperately need today. Expose the lies I'm not even aware that I'm believing. And yes, Lord, I wear your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with your holiness and purity -- defend me from all assaults against my heart. I do choose to live for the gospel at any moment. Show me where the larger story is unfolding and keep me from being so lax that I think the most important thing today is the soap operas of this world. Jesus, I lift against every lie and every assault the confidence that you are good, and that you have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because you are without me. Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from you and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in your kingdom. Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the assaults and the snares of the Enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day. Finally, Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with you in everything -- in all prayer as my spirit communes with you throughout the day. |
Dare to be the man God created you to be---passionate, adventurous, and free! In this provocative look at Christian manhood, Eldredge challenges you to abandon passivity and actively pursue the dreams God has given you. Encouragement for every man who wants to walk the road least taken---and important insights for the woman who loves him! 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson |
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See also: Ephesians 6 in The Message |
Macedonia Baptist Church - Norristown, PA 19401 |
"Building the Church of God, One Disciple at a Time Through Cell Communities." |
