10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For 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.
how often do we really realize that our battles are truly spiritual and not carnal... don't we usually think.. someone is just trying to make us look bad or cause us problems.. what if we realized that it has nothing to do with that person at all but instead it is the spirit within them... I think that would help us to show love in spite of circumstances.. but I also think we would let the flesh get at us and think.. no.. they just need to do better... yet do we always do better??
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
do we really use our armor? do we put it on daily.. or do we try to struggle this out in our own power? sadly.. I tend to struggle it out on my own...
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
we often pray.. but how often is it in the spirit... I am guilty here too...
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
ask for God to give me the right words... how often do we really ask God for the right words?? one of my weakest areas is my mouth... if I were to pray consistantly for God to guide my words in ALL situations.. wouldn't that possibly become one strengths... in fact.. if we prayed diligently about all of our weaknesses.. possibly they could become strengths.... I recently stated that my mouth.. which is my gift for speaking God's revealed words... is somehow the SAME tool that the enemy uses for me to be wrong... by the words that I say... sometimes unthinkingly.. just speaking... thankfully... I am not as bad as I used to be either... it is a process....
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