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Today's Scripture

"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. 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." -Ephesians 6:10-12(NIV)

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." -John 17:15(NIV)

Reflect on the Word

There are times in life when following God's direction is like stepping on a hornet's nest with hell's fury seemingly awakened. In John 17:15, Jesus prayed for His church to be protected from the evil one. We can take great comfort that He knows exactly what we're up against and is interceding before the Father on our behalf.

Let the passage from Ephesians 6 become your battle cry as you stand against the enemy's schemes. It requires intention to keep your mind secure in your salvation, to surrender to His righteousness and truth as protection for your life. Let your faith become your shield, and the Word of God be your weapon of warfare.

When you acknowledge your battle is not against the flesh, which readily presents as your enemy, but rather against spiritual forces you cannot see, it becomes possible to bring God's peace wherever your feet are planted. Experience God's strength and power while wearing His armor, and the powers of darkness set against you will be defeated.

Prayer + Contemplation

  1. Read Ephesians 6:1-12. How might acknowledging that Jesus is always interceding on your behalf help you in your battles, large or small?
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize the devil's schemes and to provide a fresh understanding of how God's weapons of warfare are wielded to defeat the enemy.
  3. Pray for the global church to have a deeper revelation of, and to surrender to the protection of God's armor and the power of His weapons.