God’s Armor – Ephesians 6:13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (NRSV)

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, urging them to take up the full armor of God to stand firm against evil. Equip yourself with spiritual protection by standing strong in faith, studying the bible, praying, and resisting temptation.

14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[c] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. – Ephesians 6:14-18a (NRSV)

The full armor of God is composed of truth, faith, salvation, righteousness, peace, and God’s word. When we faithfully follow Him, His armor protects us from temptation and the devil’s schemes. We stand firm, grounded in faith.

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (AMP)

When you actively put on His armor in prayer, study the scriptures, and live out God’s teachings, you are arming yourself against evil influences that are trying to pull you away from God’s path.

We don’t need to fight the battle; we need to stand firm Christ has the victory. The devil is a defeated foe but has the freedom to act. When we put on the armor of God and are faithful and persevering in Jesus, we can stand firm against Satan’s wiles.

10 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. Ephesians 6:10 (MSG)

^13-18Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. – Ephesians 6:13 -18 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, teach us to put on Your armor daily and stand firm against evil. Guide us to follow your path and not be tempted by evil. Help us to stand firmly grounded in faith. As the individual flower of the yarrow plant blooms gathered together, let us bloom in love and gather together in righteousness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Radiance of God’s glory – Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

This verse is about Jesus, the Son of God. The radiance of God’s glory. In some versions, it says that Jesus is the reflection of God’s glory or the brightness of God’s glory. Jesus shines or radiates all that is honorable, praiseworthy, and glorious in God. He is divine as God is divine.

In the Old Testament, God spoke in many ways; now, He speaks to us through Jesus. Jesus is the eternal Word of God. He sustains all things by His powerful word.

After Christ was crucified and died on the cross, His work on earth was finished. He ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father. To sit at the right hand is a reference to power and honor. For Jesus, to be seated at the right hand of God shows honor, power, and authority; He reigns with God.

By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words! After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God, far higher than any angel in rank and rule. Hebrews 1:2-3 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. We are blessed for You love us so much that You gave us Your Son, Jesus, the radiance of Your glory. Teach us to follow Jesus, the word of God. Like sunflowers brighten summer days and reflect light, let us shine bright and reflect Jesus’ light. Amen

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Heavenly Citizenship – Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, – Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

As Christians, though we live on earth, our ultimate home is heaven; we have a heavenly citizenship. Things on earth are temporary, so we should focus on what pleases God rather than earthly concerns.

Our perspective should glorify God’s kingdom, while with anticipation and hope, we eagerly await Christ’s return. The joyful expectation of Christ’s return should shape our attitudes and actions.

We have a heavenly citizenship when we believe in Jesus; heaven is our future home.

20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him. –

Philippians 3:20-21 (MSG)

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, we eagerly await Your return. Teach us to listen to You and follow You. Let our focus be on our ultimate home, Heaven, rather than on things of this world. We are thankful for our heavenly citizenship. As the open flower of the lily reaches toward the sun, let us be openhearted and reach toward You, Jesus, son of God. Amen

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Listen to Him: Matthew 17:5

5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

– Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus. They watched, and in front of them, Jesus was transfigured; His face shone like the sun, and He glowed with light, radiating the glory of God.

2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.

Matthew 17:2 (NLT)

Then Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Peter is excited and speaking to Jesus when a bright cloud arrives and overshadows them.

5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

From the bright cloud, God’s voice affirms Jesus and says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”

God is telling us to listen to His beloved son, Jesus, to seek no other teachers, to hear Him, to believe in Him, and to heed His teachings. We are to be obedient and incorporate the teachings of Jesus into our lives daily.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we love You and thank You for Your son Jesus. Teach us to open our hearts and listen to Him. Help us follow Jesus and incorporate His teachings into our daily life. Like the native sunflowers, flourish in the sunshine, let us follow Jesus and flourish in Your Son’s light. Amen

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