Monday

Picture: Soldier (belt and breastplate)

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14; Psalm 119:160; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Take a minute to think about any soldier dressed and ready for combat. This week we will be looking at a soldier spiritually applying the armor of God in order to fight the daily battle of evil. With the application of ALL these pieces of armor, the soldier is able to stand firm (Ephesians 6 repeats “stand firm” many times.) Due to the multiple pieces of armor, today’s focus is BOTH the belt and breastplate. The soldier fastens himself tightly to the truth of God’s word. And then, the breastplate of righteousness is one that was purchased at the cross. It is an honor to put it on.

Is you belt completely fastened to His truth rather than what culture is tell you is true? Explain a lie of culture that is tempting to believe.

Are you wearing His righteousness or trying to be righteous on your own through doing good works? (One way to help you answer this question is to check your motives for doing the good works.)

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Thursday

Picture: Soldier (helmet)

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis on 17a); Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 3:1-2

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Think of a soldier putting on and securely fastening his helmet before battle. He understands a blow to the head is deadly, so it’s carefully applied. Likewise as believers, we must apply the helmet of salvation. In doing so, we choose to focus on the beautiful GIFT of our salvation in Christ as well as the hope of our future that is coming; when doing so, our minds are protected from the present earthly temptations around us. Carefully and slowly read this insightful excerpt by theologian Alexander MacLaren: “The helmet of salvation. This salvation in its present form will keep our heads in the day of battle. Its very characteristic is that it delivers us from evil, and all the graces with which Paul equips his ideal warrior are parts of the positive blessings which our salvation brings us. The more assured we are in our own happy consciousness of possessing the salvation of God, the more shall we be defended from all the temptations that seek to stir into action our lower selves. There will be no power in our fears to draw us into sin, and the possible evils that appeal to earthly passions of whatever sort will lose their power to disturb us, in the precise measure in which we know that we are saved in Christ. The consciousness of salvation will tend to damp down the magazine of combustibles that we all carry within us, and the sparks that fall will be as innocuous as those that light on wet gunpowder. If our thoughts are occupied with the blessings which we possess they will be guarded against the assaults of evil. The full cup has no room for poison.”

What dominates your mind, your present troubles or your future hope? Explain.

What is something you look forward to in your heavenly home? Meditate on this with a thankful heart all day today.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Wednesday

Picture: Soldier (shield)

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-16 (emphasis on v.16); Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 18:1-3; Psalm 91:4

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Envision a soldier’s protective shield. The ancient Roman shield was “made from goatskin or calf skin which was stretched over sturdy pieces of wood. It stood four-feet long and three-feet wide…Before going into battle, Roman soldiers drenched their leather-covered shields with water. When the fiery arrows of their enemies struck these soaked shields, the flames were immediately extinguished” (The Armor of God pamphlet, Rose Publishing). Just as this shield protected the soldier physically, our shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts spiritually. God will always stay as BIG as He is, but sometimes our shield (our belief in this big God) becomes small. We are then left to an all out attack from the enemy .

Has there ever been a time, or are you currently wavering in your faith in God’s promises due to life’s circumstances? Explain.

Write out at least three promises of God and use them all day long as your protective shield to quench the fiery arrows of the enemy.

Tuesday

Picture: Soldier (armored boots)

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-15 (emphasis on v.15); Psalm 18:29-36; Isaiah 61:1; Romans 16:20

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Think of a soldier putting on his combat boots. He makes sure they are the right size and securely laced. Likewise, in order for peace to occur, we too must be prepared to pursue and defeat the enemy. We fight not only for our own freedom but also for those who are held captive.

Do you put your “combat boots” on daily, making you ready to crush the enemy? Explain.

Who in your world needs to hear the Good News so they can be set free and finally have peace? What are they struggling with? Consider calling them or taking them to coffee/lunch.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.