One Anothering Ain't Easy

DAILY READING

Ephesians 6:10-18

Sermon Discussion guide

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

A Standing Soldier

by Elaine Pierce

I have read this passage many times, as I am guessing you have.  I often picture a knight in all his armor, getting ready for battle, when I read verses 13-17.  But as I read the passage today, praying about what I could write for this blog, verse 13 struck me in a new way.  Notice the word 'stand' is used twice in this verse:  

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.  

Why would a soldier, after putting all that armor on - the shield, the helmet, the sword, the breastplate - why would he simply stand?  Isn't the point of the armor to protect him while he is in the heat of the battle?  Isn't he wading into the fight?  Yes, he is, and Paul clearly warns us that there are 'powers of this dark world.....spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'  Satan is very much alive and he will work hard to defeat the truth.  But who is fighting this battle?  Are we fighting it, or is God fighting for us?  

Note how the armor is described.  Look at these words Paul uses to describe the Christian's armor:

• the belt of truth
• the breastplate of righteousness
• feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace
• the shield of faith
• the helmet of salvation
• the sword of the Spirit

It is easy to feel defeated by a world that is hostile to our faith.  It is easy to want to lash out when we feel attacked by a culture that doesn't value truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation.  But responding to hate and anger in kind rarely wins souls to Jesus.  This passage is reminding me that Jesus has given me all I need, abundantly so, and that when I am standing in his armor, in his truth, in his gospel, that even the worst kind of hate, anger, or attacks cannot harm me.  

Romans 12:17-19, is a good reminder that the battle is the Lord's, and he will win in the end:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:  "it is mine to avenge;  will repay," says the Lord.  

What a privilege it is to be in God's army!  To stand with him and to serve others because he first loved us.  Thanks be to God!  

Got your armor? You're ready

Tori Short is joining the Daily Bible Blast team. She will be providing the devotion for the first Friday of each month. Welcome Tori, I know we will all be blessed by your words.

I often think I am not ready or capable to do God's work or to share in His ministry or his gospel...I often will play out scenarios in my head and say "I don't know enough" or "I have to do this...." or "It's not the right time." But do you know what you and I both need to realize is: the time is now, the knowledge is known and God is with us.

In Leviticus 8:1-13, we start with reading that God spoke to Moses directly...God showed up and spoke.

Wouldn't that be awesome if God just said "Ok, let's go?" God speaks to us, maybe even in the same way He spoke to Moses but are we listening? Are we listening to hear that voice inside our heart saying “Get ready, get your stuff and let’s go.”

Moses prepared Aaron and his sons in a very specific way...Moses equipped each with a breastpiece, robe, waistband, a turban just as the Lord commanded Moses.

In the same way God equipped Aaron for ministry and the faith battle that awaited in the world, He equips you and I today. I imagine God saying “Be strong in Me because I am power and might. Let me put My full armor on you to equip you and guide you.”

“4 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”---Ephesians 6:10-17

So strap on your armor, your beautiful protection, shield and strength.

You are ready, keep listening!

Philippians 1:1-11

God is always working on us, pushing and pulling, prodding and pruning.  Make no mistake, this type of handling hurts.  The different ways God manipulates us to refine our spirits and restore us to His ways is painful.  The challenging situations we find ourselves in so often, are part of our faith growth.  They can be compared to a child’s learning experiences when they must experience physical pain in order to learn acceptable behavior; touching a hot surface, exploring a forbidden attic and so on.

"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 1:6b)

I am not going to sugar coat it and tell you that once you get through this time in your life everything will be okay.  That would not be true.  Most likely there are a number of seasons waiting in the wings that are meant to season us more, prepare us for the future. But we are not alone during these times.  Jesus is with us and so is His Holy Spirit.  Crying out to them for help is the best thing to do, opening up God's Word and learning to put on the whole armor of God to fight these earthly battles will defeat the enemy. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

I know that my faith has been made stronger because of the trials in my life.  Do I look forward to the next 'growing of my faith?'  I wish I could emphatically say YES, bring it on.  While that would be dishonest, I know from past experience I will be better for it, stronger and wiser and anticipating the day when God will "carry it on to completion."Read Philippians 1:1-11 here

Listen to Philippians 1:1-11 here

Philippians 3:1-21

Philippians 3:1 (NIV)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

How many times do we sometimes need to hear something for it to sink in?  I know for me, there are some words I need to read often; some messages I must take to heart over and over again.  Too often I allow the world to impact my spirit and I end up with a bad attitude or a sour disposition for no reason.

During those seasons where I am absorbed with problems, whether large or small, and I get away from my habit of daily quiet time first thing in the morning, I will be off kilter until I get myself back in that routine. When I allow life to get the better of me without my armor in place I will be easily pierced by the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Eph 6:10-18)

What can we do when we find ourselves in the midst of pain and suffering?  Get back to the basics, get into the Bible and seek direction or comfort.  It is all there, nestled in the pages of The Book.  It feels so good when I am centered on Christ.  He came to earth-to give us the freedom only salvation provides and reading about that precious gift everyday will cause my Spirit to soar, enabling me to face today with courage and look forward to tomorrow with confidence.

Read Philippians 3:1-21 here

Listen to Philippians 3:1-21 here