Scripture for the First Monday in Advent
November 30, 2009 by Lillie
Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Our Heavenly Father, the Bible tells us that our struggles are against the enemy of our soul and spiritual forces of evil. We come to You today asking that You bind, dismiss, and contend with the enemy who contends with us. The enemy takes our focus from You. He fills us with doubts and discouragement. He tells us that we deserve to enjoy ourselves and to experience the pleasures of this world rather than serving You. Turn the enemy from us, O Lord, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Faith Matters! The whole Armor that God wants us to wear is the pure WORD of the LORD. If we will live and daily follow and obey what GOD has told us in the Bible we will be triumphant believers of CHRIST.
John,
All I can say is Amen.
I love that you’re doing this, Lillie. Advent is such a beautiful season. It’s one of my favorite celebrations.
)
Lori,
I’m glad you appreciate it, Lori. I wasn’t sure if readers would like it or not but figured they could just skip those posts if they weren’t interested.
Why do we capitalize “You” when speaking to God? I know that some people think it’s a form of respect, but to me it seems rude. When I read that out loud with the “You” emphasized, it seems like I’m bossing God around… and that’s not the way it should be.
Alfred,
I capitalize every name and pronoun referring to God, the Almighty, the Omnipotent Lord, the Creator of the Universe because we owe Him all reverence and honor and glory.
If you prefer not to, simply ignore my capitals.
Great verse, I’ve always liked that one. Especially the part about how we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and rulers of the darkness of this world.
…Against spiritual wickedness in high places..
Very powerful verse – and really puts it all in perspective.
.-= Brad´s last blog ..Bleeding Hemroid Treatment In Children =-.
Brad,
It is powerful … and so true.
Amen! I totally agree with your statement that the enemy takes our focus from God. I’m looking forward to the time where evil will be extinguished. Thanks for your insight!
Jared,
Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
What a beautiful post.
Thank you, Jason.
It’s especially important to remember that our struggles are not against flesh and blood, especially since people can often become so frustrating
If you look at the bigger issues, it is much easier to get along with people.
C,
You’re right. We have to remember that bigger picture rather than fret over the actions of others.
God has really been showing me the truth of this scripture lately. When we look at relationships in light of this passage, it’s so much easier to show kindness, love, and humility to others!
Jeanne,
So true. The people are not the enemy; Satan is the enemy.
I also like your post but I must say that for myself I’m a little bit skeptic about the war between good and evil. In my opinion there is no necessity for such war, because if you believe in a thing called “good” or “love” you have to also take responsibility for using that words. I believe that fighting evil could be a big mistake, only making love and good is the way. Only with goodness and showing the will of God can bring any reasonable solution. I say no to any fight, even Satan, because that would be his method.
Alicia,
St. Paul tells us this in Ephesians 6:
Although I certainly fall short, I try to take my guidance from God’s Word rather than from own feeble understanding.
I agree with C McCoffee, you’ve definately got to look at the bigger picture and not let the petty things get you down.
.-= Zoe@Baby Bedroom Furniture´s last blog ..Buying a new Cot =-.
Zoe,
Right, if we remember our real enemy is the devil and not other people, we can more easily deal with petty frustrations.