be sober minded; be watchful. your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [1 peter 5:8]
we are at war. our souls as well as the souls of those around us hang in the balance. don’t be fooled. even stepping into the church building we are not immune to the attacks of lies, temptation, discouragement, and our own sinful nature. the moment we turn off our enemy radar, we place ourselves in a position of vulnerability, giving the enemy his foothold he’s been waiting for. remember, satan wants us dead.
peter warns us to be sober minded and watchful against these attacks. on our own, we have nothing that can withstand temptation. thankfully, peter also tells us, “God’s divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” [2 peter 1:3] God wouldn’t send us into battle without himself, and without full his armor to withstand enemy attacks.
finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. in all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. [eph 6:10-18]
as God’s beloved children, we are equipped with everything we need to fight the enemy. so today, pray. pray. pray. “revival tarries because we do not pray.” ~leonard ravenhill
Father, you have given me truth. let me know and cling to it. you have given me righteousness through the blood of your Son. let me wear it in freedom and joy. you have given me peace through the gospel. let me be ready with it to withstand the lies. you have given me faith. help my unbelief. you have given me salvation. let it protect me from my own sinful desires. you have given me your Spirit, who shows me your word. let me be filled with it. thank you for these gifts. thank you for your faithfulness. amen.
~arwen eastman