Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For 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. 13 Therefore 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.
Observation: This is the crowning finish to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. "Finally, be strong in the Lord..." His letter has been filled with instructions on living up to the calling of God. (Eph. 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.) And here he is leaving the Ephesian believers with the secret to victorious living. It's being strong in God and utilizing "the full armor of God." Paul points out that we are engaged in a struggle with invisible forces. To win the battle, we must do "everything" -- making full use of the "full armor". It would be unwise to go into any battle without the full armor. Whatever piece or pieces were missing would expose a vulnerability that could allow the enemy to kill us.
Application: So Paul wants us to win -- to stand our ground, to do everything, and to stand. This speaks to me of a thorough and complete obedience to God. What are the things I can do to build myself spiritually? I must do them all. Are there requests that I have felt God making of me that I have not fulfilled? Fulfill them all. Are there areas of weakness that I know of? Address my weaknesses. I must do all to be the one still standing when the battle is over. Anything less is a recipe for disaster and defeat. Do it all -- and stand.
Prayer: Lord, I do desire to be one who is standing with you at the end. I don't want to be a casualty. (Even the word casualty has the word casual as its root. Help me not to be casual about the battle.) Strengthen me in your might. May I stand and help others to stand for you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment