February 14, 2019 - DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Day 45 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Samuel 17:38-58, Psalm 43, Ephesians 6:5-23)

“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.” (Ephesians 6:11-13 ESV) 

“Deliver us from evil,” is the Seventh Petition of the Lord’s Prayer. Paul states the case for the necessity of such delivery. “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.” 

Our enemy, the devil, is scheming our destruction. But there is hope. God provides armor for our protection, as Paul outlines for us next:

● the belt of truth
● the breastplate of righteousness
● put on (shoes) the gospel of peace. 
● the shield of faith, (extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one)
● the helmet of salvation
● the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

Gracious Lord, please protect me and all believers by means of Your armor. Remind me that the sword of the Spirit (Your Word) is designed for both defense and offense. In Jesus’ protecting name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psals - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2019 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!