Episians 6:^{10 NIV} be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, as I walk through this life I need You, I need You to give me strength, I need You to take away my fears, I need You when I am doing something new, I need You when I am sleeping, I need You when I hurt, I need You when I don’t feel like I am good enough, I need You Lord in everything that I do. Lord be my guide, the light that directs me, the path that supports my feet, the wall that surrounds my house. Lord I am on my knees crying out to You Father protect me, guide me and use me to glorify You. In Jesus Name Amen

Be Strong

^{Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV}  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Have you ever wondered what the devil’s schemes are? We are told that the devil: Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ^{1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)} And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ^{2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)} So breaking that down you kind of get an idea of what the devil is trying to do, he is looking for those who are easy to devour. If we look to nature we see that Lions, wolves, or bears look for the easiest prey. Likewise this is what satan does. The next thing we are told is that he disguises himself as an angel of light. So the devil will find ways to make the things that he supports look good so that we become that easy prey.

The Fight

^{Ephesians 6:12 NIV} 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. When we struggle we need to understand that sometimes we are being played with, we are part of a temper-tantrum that the devil is having. He was thrown out of heaven because of pride: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. ^{Isaiah 14:12-15 ESV} You know what a fit looks like, they do not care what they do or who they hurt. We need to remember that: He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ^{Colossians 1:13 ESV} He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. ^{Colossians 2:15 ESV}

Stand your Ground

^{Ephesians 6:13 NIV} 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. The protection of a full suit of armor would be an item that protects you from most things that might get hurled at you. Could you imagine walking around with a full suit of protection wherever you go? Well God has given us that ability to always walk around fully protected. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” ^{Luke 21:36 ESV} For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ^{2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV}

Actual State of a Matter

^{Ephesians 6:14 NIV}  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

I have heard some lately explain truth as relative to the situation however truth is always what its definition is “the true or actual state of a matter.^*” If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ^{1 John 1:8 ESV} The truth is important if caught in a lie it places doubt in those around you. If we lie it invites satan in to convince us that it worked this time “I can do it again and again and no one will know it’s not hurting them.” Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ^{Ephesians 4:25 ESV} Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; ^{Psalm 86:11 ESV} When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ^{John 16:13 ESV}

Virtuous

^{Ephesians 6:14 NIV} with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Sometimes it is easy to do something that will benefit ourselves but could possibly hurt someone else, always choose the avenue that does not hurt that other person. Sometimes that will cost us a little but when trying to advance ourselves using the wrong motives will eventually come back to bite us. The meaning of righteousness is “acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous.^*” Chivalry is not dead; there are still morals because when we act upright we are the example and it is contagious. He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure. Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar. ^{Isaiah 33:15-17 ESV} ESV But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. ^{1 Peter 3:14} So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ^{2 Timothy 2:22 ESV}

Peace

^{Ephesians 6:15 NIV} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

I know that sometimes peace seems so hard to obtain when someone does not agree with us, our teenager just looks at you and defiantly does what they knew they were not supposed to do. When your significant other will simply not regard anything that you have to say; peace seems like the last thing that you want. Then we look at the meaning of peace, ”a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations.^*” Harmony is the last thing that is on our minds when we feel disrespected, we need to make sure we are the solution for a resolution otherwise we are creating a attitude of unharmonious chaos that only hurts ourselves. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. ^{Hebrews 12:14 ESV} Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” ^{Mark 9:50 ESV} And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ^{Colossians 3:15 ESV}

Shielded

^{Ephesians 6:16 NIV}  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ^{Hebrews 11:6 ESV} When we believe with all of our heart there is something to be said about the power of God. We will start to see how much He does for us every day you will be overwhelmed with the blessings that you see. The definition of the word faith sums up how to believe “confidence or trust in a person or thing.^*” I have found that as I place more and more of my trust in Jesus (sometimes hard to let someone else take control) He shows me Himself so much that my confidence in Him becomes so reassured that it is unmistakable that our God is here taking care me/us. And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” ^{Mark 9:23 ESV} He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” ^{Matthew 17:20 ESV} I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ^{Galatians 2:20 ESV}

Protected

^{Ephesians 6:17 NIV} Take the helmet of salvation

The helmet is an object that protects one of the most important and easiest to hurt parts of our body our head. With this little item protecting one of the most important parts of our body let’s look at what salvation is “the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, the state of being saved or protected from harm or risk. It’s the deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption.” Wow no wonder salvation is called the helmet! When we ask Jesus Christ into our lives our salvation begins and is so easy to start down that path: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ^{Acts 4:12 ESV} Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ^{Romans 10:9 ESV} For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV} The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. ^{Psalm 37:39 ESV}

Ammunition

^{Ephesians 6:17 NIV}  the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The word of God, the bible, we have been given this book that I call our owner’s manual. It gives us direction for all aspects of our lives and every circumstance that we will run into. This is why it is called the sword of the Spirit, it can cut through deception we tell ourselves, the deception that others are trying to convince us of. It gives us advice for dealing with relationships, inspiration and answers the hard questions. It is legitimate in its entirety Old and New Testaments, something I tell people all the time “they dealt with the same human imperfections that we do now the difference is they drove chariots and we drive cars.” For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ^{Hebrews 4:12 ESV} All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ^{2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV} Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ^{Psalm 119:105 ESV} This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ^{Joshua 1:8-9 ESV}

Prayer

^{Ephesians 6:18 NIV} And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

We are told here to pray on all occasions, have you ever wondered why we are told to pray? I want to give you something to think about, when we are build a relationship with someone we talk to them. We try to learn what they like, what they love to do, who is important to them. When we pray we are doing the same thing with God, we get to know Him more through prayer. We even will get to know ourselves better because He will lead us into subjects that sometimes we have never even thought of. Prayer is so important for asking for His protection over us and others. For healing, direction and the list is infinitely huge on what we can pray for. And always thank Him for what He does no one likes a one sided relationship that is take, take, take it is our responsibility to give thanks were thanks is due. The meaning of prayer is “a devout petition to God or an object of worship. Spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.^*” Hmm, thanksgiving, worship and confession from that there is not too much left to be said. Pray without ceasing, ^{Romans 8:26 ESV} Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ^{1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV} Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ^{Philippians 4:6 ESV} If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ^{John 15:7 ESV} Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ^{Mark 11:24 ESV} And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ^{Luke 11:9 ESV} Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. ^{Jeremiah 33:3 ESV} But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ^{Matthew 6:6-7 ESV} Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ^{Matthew 26:41 ESV} First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ^{1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV} Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ^{James 5:16 ESV}

Getting to Know Him

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Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.