Photo by Laura Jostes
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:10-20
* * * * *
Our Champion goes before us
Victory in His Hands
And we who stand before Him
listen to His commands
To speak His Word of Truth and Grace
In a world that’s in the dark
that would rather quell the News.
Lord give us the same bold Spirit
to speak Your Name aloud.
Grant us Your protection
Give us courage
For Jesus’ sake,
Amen.
Lord God, in the midst of the spiritual battles of our day–You are with us. When all around us are people who desire to erase all mention of You from the public arena, give us boldness and discernment and humble hearts. For all too often our “old Adam” wants to turn his back to you and to go its own way. Forgive us, Lord, when we fail to walk in Your ways. Thank you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that you forgive our sins, and continue to be our Champion. Equip us this day to be “light” in the world around us, that others may come to know you as the Way and the Truth and the Life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Triune God, be Thou our stay;
O let us perish never!
Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
And grant us life forever.
Keep us from the evil one;
Uphold our faith most holy,
And let us trust You soley
With humble hearts and lowly.
Let us put God’s armor on,
With all true Christians running,
Our heavn’ly race and shunning
The devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen, amen! This be done;
So sing we, Alleluia!”
~Martin Luther
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