"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Friday, October 04, 2024 - Day 278 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 29,30; Ephesians 6)
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
“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
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