Daily Devotional – September 25-October 1
September 25 – 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 6:14-18, 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. 18 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.
Prayer: “Jesus, dress me in your armor. Put your belt of truth around me. Cover my heart with the righteousness that only comes from you. Put shoes on my feet that make me ready to tell the world the good news that brings lasting peace. Place faith in my hands to shield me from the many attacks of the enemy. Place your salvation upon me to keep my head in the right place and give me the powerful sword of Your Word that defeats the enemy. And I choose to offer many prayers to you at all times, not only for myself, but so that all Your people will stand firm in the faith forever. Amen.”
September 26 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:14, Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around you, with the breastplate of righteousness in its place.”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
Last week, Paul implored us to put on the full armor of God. Now he describes what the armor is. We can never be found without these key pieces of armor, or we make ourselves vulnerable when the enemy attacks. The belt of truth is necessary to defeat the many lies the enemy spews into our world. Many are deceived daily by so many false messages. We must passionately hold to what’s true. Christ’s righteousness upon our hearts gives us a right standing with the Father and compels us to do what is right and just in God’s eyes.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
I relentlessly hold on to truth and trust in Christ’s righteousness as I go into the spiritual battle.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Jesus, wrap me in your truth so that I won’t be deceived by so many false voices. I trust in and receive your gift of righteousness so that I may stand holy before the Father. Amen.”
September 27 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:15, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Write out the Scripture.
“and with shoes fitted for your feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Observe what it is saying.
This verse reminds us of the prophetic word of Isaiah in speaking of the Messiah’s coming kingdom. Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,
‘Your God reigns!’” We defeat the warring enemy by being prepared to speak the gospel of peace to the world. We are proclaimers of peace- with God, within, and with one another.
Relate it to your life.
The more I testify to the gospel of peace the more the devil’s schemes are defeated.
Do something.
“Jesus, put shoes on my feet that make me quick to tell the world the good news that brings lasting peace. As the message is heard, one by one, let others be set free from Satan. Amen.”
September 28 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:16, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Write out the Scripture.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Observe what it is saying.
When the enemy strikes with all of his fury, our defense system is faith in Jesus because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. With this shield, we can disarm the many lies and deception of the enemy who works to entrap us in doubt, fear, anxiety, and sin. It’s no surprise that without faith it’s impossible to please God and win the victory.
Relate it to your life.
I trust You have done it, You are doing it, and You’ll finish off the enemy’s work.
Do something.
“Jesus, I put my full trust in You who can defeat all the attacks mounted against me. Amen.”
September 29 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:17, Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Write out the Scripture.
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Observe what it is saying.
Salvation is our ultimate protection for it is how God begins to offer us spiritual victory. Without salvation none of the other pieces of armor matter. The only offensive weapon listed in this armor is the sword, God’s word. Just as Jesus used it to defeat Satan in the wilderness temptations, so it is our source to do the same. So, if we want to go on the offensive, it’s important for us to know, remember, and use the powerful weapon of Scripture.
Relate it to your life.
Because I know I am among the saved, I choose to go boldly into battle with Scripture’s power.
Do something.
“Jesus, thank you for your salvation and word that protects and empowers me to win. Amen.”
September 30 – Meditating on God’s Word
Ephesians 6:18, 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.
Write out the Scripture.
“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.”
Observe what it is saying.
Even though this isn’t listed as one of the pieces of armor, Paul includes it in the passage as a significant way to defend ourselves and others from the enemy’s attacks. Prayer is our portal to direct access into heaven’s power. Just imagine that as we pray in the Spirit, we’re instantly speaking to the Father and Son. We’re going straight to the top. No middle person is needed!
Relate it to your life.
Prayer is God’s direct access pass so that I can call on the Commander of the Armies of Heaven for help on behalf of others and myself.
Do something.
“Jesus, make my prayer life rich and full as I come to you through the Holy Spirit. Amen.”