Daily Bread Devotional for Today 8th January 2023 Sunday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Putting on the Equipment
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SCRIPTURE READING: EPHESIANS 6:10-20
KEY VERSE: Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. . . .— Ephesians 6:13
Daily Bread Devotional for Today 8th January 2023 MESSAGE
Over the years, I have purchased hockey equipment, soccer cleats, basketball shoes, baseball pants and hats, and more for my children growing up. I also learned that the longer they played a sport, the higher the costs of equipment went up. Our son outgrew his basketball shoes every six months as his feet continued to grow. Then, when he moved up from house league to competitive basketball, he asked for a new shoe that was popular but didn’t have ankle support. Against our better judgment, we bought a pair and soon realized as we iced his ankle that it wasn’t the best decision to buy those shoes. We should have bought the better equipment instead.
Paul taught that if Christians want to be equipped for spiritual warfare, they need the best equipment. To live into the fullness of God in our lives, we need to understand each piece of equipment and how to use it.
When I look at the armor Paul describes, I realize I am looking at a picture of Jesus. Jesus is the truth (belt of truth), and he is our righteousness and our peace (breastplate and shoes). The reason we have faith is through his faithfulness to us (shield of faith). And he is our salvation as well as the living Word (helmet and sword).
If we are equipped with the full character and blessings of Christ, we have the full armor of God to help us stand.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to learn from you and to be like you so that the armor you provide will help me live into the fullness of faith in you. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Beth Fellinger is the pastor of Destination Church in St. Thomas, Ontario. She and her husband have been involved in ministry in large urban centers and small rural communities. Beth has served in three church plants and a church rebirth as well as in established churches. She loves her children, their spouses, and grandchildren. She is a cancer survivor twice over and celebrates life every day. She believes strongly in the local church and what a church committed to Christ, missions, and its community can accomplish. She has an enthusiastic vision of how the church can reach out and share the good news of Jesus with others.
