Eph. 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Read Eph. 6:10-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Verse 11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Verse 12For 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. Verse 13Therefore 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. Verse 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. Verse 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Verse 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Verse 18Pray 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.
Verse 19Pray 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, Verse 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Devotion
My 6-year-old and I were tussling about getting dressed the other day. Her day camp was taking a walking trip to the zoo and the playground, but there she was in a Sunday-morning skirt and flip-flops. My suggestions that she wear tennis shoes and shorts (to prevent blisters and protect her nice clothes) fell on deaf ears. Sure enough, by the end of the day her feet hurt and her favorite skirt had a big stain on it. Alas, it is not very satisfying to say, “I told you so” to a 6-year-old.
Being properly attired makes a difference. So what did you put on this morning? Something apropos to your day’s activities: wingtips or gardening gloves or a uniform or running shoes. But did you also take care to clothe your soul? Paul says you need to put on those things that will prepare and fortify you for whatever crosses your path – boldness, courage, trust, compassion, righteousness. Because you might encounter more than blisters and stains; you just might need to speak God’s word of truth.
Prayer
Lord, you put on us exactly what we need to face the day. Clothe us today with patience, kindness, and mercy. Protect us with confidence, faith, and forgiveness. Amen.