MIDWEEK MEDITATION

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 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.

Ephesians 6:10-13

There is a battle taking place around you. You cannot see it nor can you touch it. But it is as real as the air you are breathing and it is affecting you. Daniel 10 gives us a glimpse beyond the veil to see a reality few of us acknowledge. There is a spiritual battle taking place, a contest between spiritual beings. Daniel instinctively realized what was happening to his people was more than simple stubbornness. He also realized that the spiritual forces influencing this world for evil were far beyond his ability to handle. In that moment of realization, he didn’t turn to his influential position, he didn’t leverage his network, nor did he deliver a stirring speech. 

He prayed. 

His battle started on his knees. The enemy was far beyond his ability to handle. Thankfully, they were not beyond Gods. 

This isn’t just a story about Daniel. It is a reality for us as well. Ephesians tells us that we are presently in a spiritual battle and that we must be prepared for it. God has given us all that we need, from the armor we wear to the weapons we use. Ignoring this spiritual dimension of our lives will cost us. 

Are you ready for the battle?

MIDWEEK MEDITATION

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 
                                                                        Ephesians 4:25-32

You have something to give to those around you. 

The thief needs more to do than to simply stop stealing. The call on each of us is so much higher than a list of don’ts. We are called to give back and bring life to those around us. We must “put away” those things that tear others down (misdirected anger, slander, malice, etc.) and “put on” those things which build others up. 

Make sure your communication gives grace to those who hear it. 

Just as the thief should do honest work so that he can contribute to those around them, your words are not only for your benefit. God intended you to use them to speak truth in grace to all you meet. 

May you bring life to those around you this week.