December 7 Advent Devotional
December 7, 2019
Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10-12 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
As a child (and teenager and college student and an adult with children of my own), my mother would always say, “Be sweet, be kind, and be careful” when I was leaving. I would think, why does she say that? What could happen? But Mother’s words were always with me and, of course, the “advice” was passed to our sons— “be sweet, be kind and be careful.”
When speaking to the Ephesians, Paul was celebrating the adoption of the people of Ephesus into the family of God. “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (3:18). This was and is the gift of God but…as Paul explained in Ephesians 6:10-12, you are always loved but be careful! There will be darkness and evil. Be ready.
In Ephesians 6:10-12, Paul says “be strong in the Lord.” “Put on the full armor of God.” Be careful. As Christians, we must be aware of evil in the world and be ready to stand up to this evil. We can only succeed by recognizing, fighting and defending against the darkness caused by evil actions. We have the tools for this fight. God gives us strength. We wear the armor. Through God, all things are possible. Thanks be to God.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank you for your love that knows no end. Give us the strength to be bold and alert in this world, and to always remember that as your people, we wear the full armor of God. Amen
Submitted by: Jane Shear
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