Daily Devotional – September 18-24
September 18 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
Ephesians 6:10-13, 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.
Prayer: “Jesus, make me strong in You and in the power that’s available through Your Holy Spirit. Dress me in Your spiritual armor so that I can stand up against all of Satan’s deceitful schemes and strategies. I realize my main struggle isn’t against people but against the whole host of supernatural powers in the unseen spiritual realm. This is why I need to be dressed in Your wardrobe so that when the day of evil comes in the form of temptation, trial, or tribulation, I will not lose faith but stand strong in Your power. At the end of the day, at the end of time, I want to be included among all who have been tested and are still standing with You. Amen.”
September 19 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:10, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
Paul makes it clear that our strength does not reside in us. We don’t have a “pull yourselves up by your boot straps” kind of religion. That’s the human way. It’s the common way. However, our faith tells us that our strength is located in Jesus and in His spiritual power. Our strength relies on our willingness to trust and depend on Christ and what He has promised He can and will do. Our part of the equation is faith. It’s our willingness to surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit within us.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
My strength is dependent upon my faith and trust in Jesus to do what He said He would.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Jesus, thank you for Your strength and mighty power that’s far greater than anything I have to offer. I choose to trust in You. I choose to believe that You will honor Your word and do what You say You will do. You are my source of strength that will carry me through this day, difficulty, discouragement, or glorious opportunity. Thank You for your faithfulness! Amen.”
September 20 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:11, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Write out the Scripture.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Observe what it is saying.
We must decide to put the armor on that God has provided. We are to wear it, and not just some of it. All of it- the full armor. It doesn’t do us any good to only be partially covered and protected. It takes God’s armor because we are in a battle with Satan who has many strategies to take us down. So, if we want to stand strong in the battle, then God’s armor is the wardrobe of choice.
Relate it to your life.
My spiritual victory depends upon on how prepared I am for the battle ahead.
Do something.
“Jesus, dress me in Your protection. Cover my body, my mind, my soul, and my heart. Don’t let anything be exposed or compromised for the Enemy to take me down. Amen.”
September 21 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:12, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood …
Write out the Scripture.
“For our struggle isn’t against people …”
Observe what it is saying.
All the trouble and problems that we experience in this world are easily associated with the people who are involved. It seems so obvious that it’s because of what they said, did, or didn’t do that we have trouble. We like to blame others for our problems, and we often don’t recognize our own part in the conflict. However, there’s something else at work they we may not see.
Relate it to your life.
Even when it’s apparent that others’ behavior is a problem, may I understand my primary struggle is not with them.
Do something.
“Jesus, keep me from treating others as the enemy when there’s so much more to the story that I don’t see. Give me spiritual eyes to see the whole story. Amen.”
September 22 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:12, …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.
Write out the Scripture.
“…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.’”
Observe what it is saying.
We errantly think our biggest problems are with the people in our lives. However, Paul opens our eyes to a spiritual reality that we can’t see and may not even realize that exists. There’s whole other spiritual world that’s filled with all kinds of authorities, powers, and forces that are at work battling for our souls, our relationships, and, dare I say, our very lives. We think we have problems with each other, but the real struggle is with evil principalities working to destroy faith.
Relate it to your life.
May I not cower in fear but respond with faith-filled courage to do battle in the spiritual realms.
Do something.
“Jesus, I need You to fight my battles. I put my faith in You as I go into the ring today. Amen.”
September 23 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:13, 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.
Write out the Scripture.
“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.”
Observe what it is saying.
In a short couple of verses, Paul re-states the emphatic message urging us to be spiritually prepared for the day when temptation and trouble come. We’re not promised we’ll be spared from the conflict itself but that we’ll be spiritually intact, having successfully weathered the storm.
Relate it to your life.
I choose to dress myself daily in Jesus’ power so that I’ll be prepared for the evil one’s attack.
Do something.
“Jesus, dress me in your spiritual armor so that I’ll still be standing at the end of the day. Amen.”