Men’s Devo: Day 2
FIGHT NIGHT MEN’S DEVOTIONAL – FIGHT FOR YOUR FAITH 1
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Reflection:
Every day you are in a battle. As a man of God your faith will be tested and tried by a real enemy, the devil, who wants nothing but to steal from you, kill you, and destroy your life. This isn’t a battle against people, but against unseen forces that seek to undermine your trust in God and lead you away from His truth.The reality is that if you engage in this battle on your own strength, you don’t stand a chance. However, you aren’t meant to fight alone, because God gives you his strength in abundance. The power to fight against the devil’s attacks and temptations of life comes from Christ who lives in you! In Ephesians 6:10-18, The Apostle Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God.” This armor serves as divine protection to help you fight for your faith every day:
- Belt of Truth: Jesus Christ is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life. In a world that is constantly lying to you 24/7, cling to Jesus and the promises of God found in His Word. Christ is your anchor!
- Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteousness is essentially living to please God. When you aim to reflect Jesus in your conduct, attitude, thoughts and speech, your heart begins to change as your desire for God increases. Guard your heart with the righteousness that comes from Christ. Stay committed to living a life that reflects Him!
- Gospel of Peace (Shoes): One of the most effective ways to fight for your faith is to carry the light of the Gospel into dark places by telling others of the life changing love of Jesus and what He has done in your life!
- Shield of Faith: Use your faith as a shield against doubts and fears knowing that faith is not the absence of fear but the conscious choice to trust God despite it.
- Helmet of Salvation: Protect your mind with the assurance of salvation knowing that there is nothing that could ever separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:39).
- Sword of the Spirit: This is the Word of God, the Bible. While all of the other armor that the apostle Paul speaks of is defensive in nature, the Word of God is your offensive weapon! In the moments when you start to doubt, give into the lies of the enemy, or feel compelled by the temptation to sin, I pray that you would proclaim God’s Word boldly over your life!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me to fight for my faith. Help me to put on Your armor daily and stand firm as I follow you. I pray that you will strengthen my faith and help me to reflect you always. Help me to be a light in the darkness, sharing Your love and the hope of Christ with those around me. Give me the courage to face my battles with confidence, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. To You be the glory! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.