ODJ: exposed
August 29, 2013
READ: Ephesians 6:10-18
Let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armour of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
A close friend of mine is married to a senior leader of an African nation that has for decades been known for extreme persecution. While her husband was serving as a catalyst in seeing that country’s people freed from an oppressive regime, my friend and her three children recently spent a year with me in Uganda.
One evening my son and I went to church with my friend and her family. When we climbed into their armoured vehicle, I noticed that the 4 inch thick bulletproof windows were open. “The windows were not made to go down,” my friend explained. “But mechanics working on the vehicle yesterday were intrigued with the car and tampered with the windows. Now we can’t close them.”
Though my friend’s vehicle is designed to protect against grenades and other weapons, without the car’s full armour intact its passengers are vulnerable.
As believers, we have an enemy that’s on the prowl, looking for cracks in our armour where he can attack. “We are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). That’s why we’re instructed to “be strong in the Lord,” and to “put on all of God’s armour” so that we can “stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (vv.10-11).
Today, and every day, remember to put on every piece of God’s armour: the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, the body armour of God’s righteousness and the shield of faith (vv.13-17). And as you wield the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), you’ll be beating back the enemy and thwarting His devastating attacks. —Roxanne Robbins
› Matthew 21:1-17
Read about the person King Saul’s son Jonathan relied on to carry his armour in 1 Samuel 14:1-6. Which of your friends can help you face spiritual battles?
What will it take for you to be better prepared for spiritual attacks? How can God’s Word help you in these battles?
I think I can relate to today’s passage. I realise I’ve not been careful in watching for the Devil who prowls like a hungry lion. I’ve let my emotions, insecurities and personal struggle with sin affect my relationship with a particular friend. The path to reconciliation is painful as well and I feel dejected and helpless. The sense of regret over misspoken things is really weighing down on me.
I’m thankful for this passage today. It’s a reminder that we always have to live as though during war times, always alert and ready to fight sin and resist the Devil.
to reconcile is pain…but if we stand firm to obey God….through the pain, and throughout the process, we lean and grow… we also learn to know God and know ourselves better.
don’t be sad for what you have done, you may regret but praise God for He mold you and teach you through the ‘mistake’ you have done. this is our God – mighty and graceful God.
we know we are so vulnerable (through the failures we experiencing), we know we are weak, but God is almighty. 我们以软弱事奉，彰显神的恩典和大能！
be strong in The Lord, my brother! not be strong yourselves,u cannot because we are so weak.
you are not alone! God is with you and He has sent His people to help you and remind you how to go on. share with a good Christian leader and continue to rely on God.
Finally, be strong in Lord and in the strength of His might. (Eph. 6:10)