Monday, December 18, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Psalm 125; Ephesians 6:10-17
“See” is the theme of this week in Advent. We want to see how God is at work, moving toward the fulfillment of His plan to restore all creation and establish his kingdom here on earth.
Paul encouraged the Ephesians to know that although God will be the final victor in this war between good and evil, we will find ourselves in the middle of battles and skirmishes along the way. Some we will win and some we will lose. Either way, God encircles us with His love. He has not left us naked and exposed, without protection and weapons to fight the good fight for His kingdom to come.
Be still and Reflect: Be still and remember at time God encircled you while you navigated a difficult season or circumstance. How did trusting in His truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, Word, and faith enable you through that season or circumstance? How will remembering this time encourage you through today?
Pray: Gracious God, I am ready and armed to tackle this day and anything the enemy tries to throw at me. You encircle me on all sides and provide all I need. I clothe myself in Your full armor:
I fasten the belt of truth around my waist;
I put on the breastplate of righteousness covering my heart and soul,
and I stand firm in the shoes of Your peace that passes all understanding.
I put on the helmet of salvation reminding me You have delivered me through Christ;
I take up the shield of faith that covers me head to toe and protects me from any flaming arrows the enemy may launch at me;
And I pick up and carry the only weapon I need – the sword of Your Holy Spirit, which is the Word.
Thank you, Lord for the victory I know I will see in You. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.