Advent Devotional for Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Week 2: HOPE
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 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. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:14-20
Living in a fashion conscious society with designer labels coming and going, it’s interesting that the Apostle Paul tells us how to dress for spiritual success. We are told to put on the whole armor of God. First, this armor is put together by Truth, described as a belt. God is Truth! He is the foundation that holds all of life together! Second, we are to wear the breastplate of righteousness, a protective covering for our hearts. While the heart is the one key organ that sends blood through our circulatory system to keep us alive, our spiritual lives can be deadened if our hearts are not right with God! Third, we are to prepare our feet for the Christian walk. When you walk in the righteousness of God, it is a weapon of defense against the enemy. “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you.” Fourth, there is a shield of faith that we must wear to overcome spiritual attacks and problems. Faith is something that we all possess and use daily. The value of faith is not in the person exercising it, but in the person whom the faith is in! Fifth, we must put on a covering or helmet of salvation. This is to protect our minds. There is so much negative thinking in our world that can keep us confused if we don’t guard our minds. This comes by praying and immersing ourselves in the “Sword of the Spirit” which is the Word of God.
Hope is God’s gift to us!!!
During this holiday season we will hear carolers sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” For some people, Christmas won’t be merry without material possessions. Let us be thankful for the gift we have in Christ Jesus. He gives things that money can’t buy such as love, salvation, joy, and peace. He supplies our every need! Our hope is in His return!
Why not give the gift that keeps on giving. Share Jesus Christ with others.
Written by Gwendolyn Howard, Counselor
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