Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 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
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.
I was grateful my daughter had body armor to wear as she served two tours in Iraq. If only we could always wrap our children in armor and make them bulletproof. If only the many dangers and harsh experiences would just bounce off and not get to them. How do we prepare them, and us, for doing battle with the spiritual forces and cosmic powers?
We have hope because, along with the Apostle Paul, we trust that God is willing to equip us for battle with every foe. God gives us resources to deal with every difficulty. Be strong in the Lord. Suit up.
Prayer
Lord God, give our children, and us, the full armor of God so that we may stand firm against every assault. Amen.