Today's Verse - Ephesians 6:11

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

—Ephesians 6:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We often focus only on the things we like, are good at doing, or are interested in accomplishing. God wants us to use every piece of his spiritual armor for every situation where it is needed. He wants us to be disciplined and grow in areas of our spiritual weakness, as well as in those we do not find particularly exciting or interesting. Our evil opponent is crafty and will attack us in the areas of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, the areas we neglect to bring under the Lordship of Christ. So let's not just commit to being diligent in the areas of our interests and strengths, but especially hone in those areas where we are not strong and don't usually pay attention. Let's put on the FULL armor of God and take our stand against the evil one and his schemes.

My Prayer...

Father, strengthen me in the areas where I am most vulnerable to sin because of my lethargy and neglect. Please open my eyes to see my areas of weakness and vulnerability. Rekindle my heart to passionately seek after your holiness as I strive to bring all of my life under the lordship of my Savior, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

—Ephesians 6:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some of our strength in fighting evil comes from the spiritual experiences in our past, the encouragement of other believers, and our knowledge of the truth from Scripture. Ultimately, however, our power comes from God's mighty power, the Holy Spirit. Paul uses his letter to the Ephesians to remind Christians that the power of the Holy Spirit, which raised Jesus from the dead, is at work in us now (Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:14-16). Through the Spirit's power at work in us, God can do much more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). As we put on our spiritual armor and dedicate ourselves to spiritual discipline, God blesses us with his power and his might to live holy lives of courage and grace. God enables us to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"!

My Prayer...

O LORD God Almighty, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd, strengthen me with your might and grace so that I can withstand the attacks and temptations of the evil one. In Jesus' name, I ask for the might of the Holy Spirit to be at work in me for your glory. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

—Ephesians 5:15-16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of the time it is in our world. The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. Temptations abound. Evil people seek to distort the truth and malign the way of God. Our Father in heaven wants us to "make most of every opportunity" - literally, "redeem the time" - making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with God's grace, resist worldly temptations, and overcome the opposition of the evil one by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:14-16).

My Prayer...

Give me wisdom, O LORD, to discern the best ways to use my time and my influence to honor you and bless others. Please open my eyes to see the temptations the evil one puts in my path. Please grow my courage so I can boldly stand for you in the face of our often perverse world. In addition, dear Father, please grant me the spiritual sensitivity to discern the best ways to bless others according to their needs. In Jesus' name, I pray, asking for your gracious help to make this so. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.