Morning Devotional 081424 Dressed and Ready to Go

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  August 14, 2024

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. 11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. 12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. 13 Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. 14 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, 15 and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. 16 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.

Good Morning! Embrace the strength of the Lord!

12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.

As I read this familiar passage about putting on the armor of God, I am taken by verse 12. I feel a bit of a connection to the Marvel and DC heroes we flock to the movies to see. They are seemingly ordinary people who are fighting against injustice in the world. When called upon, their superpowers are activated, and off they go.

When I read further into the passage, the listing of the full armor of God takes on a new, empowering meaning: the belt of truth, the breastplate of justice, the shoes to carry the Good News of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Can you see yourself ready to transform from Clark Kent to Superman? 

Perhaps we cower at the thought of such power, or we don’t trust and believe fully, but the tools are available to us when we are ready to embrace the strength of God’s full armor. Fully dressed, we are ready to answer our call to serve the needs of others and love our neighbors. 

Faithful God, Thank you for creating us. Without you, we are weak, but with you, we are strong. Help us fully embrace all that you provide for us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God provides for our needs so that we may do his will. 

Suit up! It’s time to go! Pastor Liz