Seeking the Protection of God as we pursue His full “Kingdom Potential” (Read Ephesians 6: 10-20)
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (Eph 6:11)
Paul encourages us to put on the full armor of God. Why? Because the life of the Kingdom is lived on a battlefield. That may sound exaggerated, but it’s true!
As God’s people earnestly seek the face of the Lord desiring to be led by Him, the enemy will not take it in stride. We can be certain he will fight back. And like a preying lion, he will take whatever opportunity he can to pounce in order to discourage, or distract, or derail, or divide.
As we earnestly pray for and live out the reign of God in our families, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces, the enemy knows his “territory” is being threatened and he will fight back. I share this not to raise fear, but awareness.
I remember a man’s wise counsel in my life when I felt particularly low and beaten down, and he said, “Wesley, Paul says we must consider it pure joy when we suffer! God is using you!...and the enemy has taken notice.”
PRAY
Let us pray for God’s protection over us as we prayerfully discern God’s ministry direction for our church. Put on the armor of God:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (Eph 6:11)
Paul encourages us to put on the full armor of God. Why? Because the life of the Kingdom is lived on a battlefield. That may sound exaggerated, but it’s true!
As God’s people earnestly seek the face of the Lord desiring to be led by Him, the enemy will not take it in stride. We can be certain he will fight back. And like a preying lion, he will take whatever opportunity he can to pounce in order to discourage, or distract, or derail, or divide.
As we earnestly pray for and live out the reign of God in our families, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces, the enemy knows his “territory” is being threatened and he will fight back. I share this not to raise fear, but awareness.
I remember a man’s wise counsel in my life when I felt particularly low and beaten down, and he said, “Wesley, Paul says we must consider it pure joy when we suffer! God is using you!...and the enemy has taken notice.”
PRAY
Let us pray for God’s protection over us as we prayerfully discern God’s ministry direction for our church. Put on the armor of God:
- “Belt” – pray that we will be grounded in the Word.
- “Breastplate” – pray that God will guard our heart so we can live with integrity and righteousness.
- “Shoes” – pray for willingness to share God’s hope and healing in our daily lives.
- “Shield” – trust God in adversity, exercise Christ’s authority to stop the devil’s attacks of doubt, fear, cynicism, etc.
- “Helmet” – pray that our thoughts may be protected and that mind may be renewed by the Living Christ.
- “Sword” – pray that we will know the Word, love it, study it, speak it, and live it.