“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
Matthew 22:42
We know and celebrate Jesus as the Son of God, but in today’s reference, and many other places in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the “son of David.” Jesus even says of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David …” in Revelation 22:16, identifying Himself as both the creator (root) of David and David’s descendant. Only Jesus can claim both titles because He alone is the true and living Son of God come down to earth in the flesh – just as God promised David through the prophet Samuel.
The title “Son of David” is more than a statement of physical genealogy. It is a Messianic title. When people referred to Jesus as the Son of David, they meant that He was the long-awaited Deliverer, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
gotquestions.org
Our traditional Christmas celebrations are centered around the nativity. We talk of Mary and Joseph and others like Elizabeth and Zechariah or Anna and Simeon who are all part of the narrative. We sing of the baby in a manger, of shepherds and the angels on the night of His birth, and of the wise men who visited him from the East, and these are all good and true parts of the story worthy of rejoicing in. However, in recent years, I have grown to love this season of Advent – the time leading up to the celebration, a time when we look forward to the nativity by remembering God’s promise of a Messiah to His people and, ultimately, the world. It is a time of hope, peace, joy, and love coming down to earth in the flesh, Jesus – the Light and Savior of the world. Advent is a time of remembering that while Jesus is fully God, He is also the promised Messiah, the “son of David.” Combining the history of this long-awaited Messiah with the sweet baby boy in the manger has helped me more fully appreciate and celebrate Christmas for who and what it’s really about. The twinkling lights, the music, the presents, and childlike wonder are always going to tug at my heart of nostalgia and childlike delight – but the Advent will forever move me in awe and wonder of God’s love and fulfilled promise the Messiah – Immanuel – God with us!
May we press on faithfully in the observance of Advent and draw near with hearts of worship and wonder worthy of our God and Savior.
For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His dominion will be vast, and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing itand strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
In our larger passage, verses two through five are a message from the prophet Isaiah that tells of a time when God will send light back to Israel. War will cease and Israel’s enemies will no longer rule over them. Verses six and seven tell us how that will happen.
Oh the beauty of a promise kept and of hope given. Through God’s Word we have seen the child, the son that Isaiah spoke of, born to a virgin who called His name Emmanuel. We have seen Him on a cross bearing the weight of sins that belonged to the world. We have watched as God let Him die and listened as He cried in agony, “My God, My God – why have You forsaken Me?” We’ve peered into the tomb with Mary and the others to see the grave clothes but no body and then watched as He later ascended into heaven. Perhaps we’ve even doubted with Thomas but then realized the reality of His presence and cried out as Thomas did, “My Lord, and my God!” By faith we now believe that He sits at the right hand of God’s throne interceding on our behalf. And by faith we believe and wait with great anticipation for His promised return. Yes, oh yes! There is beauty in a promise kept and that beauty comes in the hope, peace, and strength that come from knowing Him .
Feel free to share your thoughts (observations, application …) about today’s passage – in the comment section
Reflections on Today’s Journey
Who is Jesus to you?
Why is He such an important person?
Why do so many people still follow Him?
Going Further
For more insight on today’s reading be sure and ready today’s blog from the LGG Team
It’s Tuesday friends and one day closer to the Thanksgiving Holiday and some time off with family and friends. If you’re like my daughters and are already enjoying a nice week-long break – I pray it is off to a good start. 🙂 Our new advent study, The Promised Messiah, begins next Monday (Nov.27) but for now let’s continue through our journey of Scriptures that prompt praise and worship for all God is and does.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
What is the promise?
The promise is, for those who are saved, all things will indeed work together for good. “All things” should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even pain or suffering. “Work,” or “work together,” must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together or, perhaps, works in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end? “Good.”
Bibleref.com
From Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to Jesus hanging on the cross for our sins this truth/promise brings us hope as it is played out in the lives of those who came before us and certainly in our own trouble or regrets. Is there anything in your past that you would do over if you could. Are there decisions you made then that have adversely affected your now? Take some time right now to remember or grasp hold of the truth from this verse of promise and hope – perhaps for the very first time. I used to think it said, “And we know all things work together for good…” and I remember the day and the place when I realized what it really said/meant: “…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Mistakes, regrets, things you had no control over, hurts, betrayal … these will surface in our minds from time to time – the enemy uses them as arrows but this powerful truth will combat them.
We must be careful to keep these words in the context Paul intended – and that was to bring hope to those believers who were struggling or suffering in life. He wanted them to remember that God is good and He is in perfect control on behalf of His children and according to His purpose, which by the way is perfect. Take hope in the encouragement that Paul’s words offer to those who belong to God – and trust that He truly has been and is continually working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.💜
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Joseph, to his brothers – Genesis 50:20
Your Turn
What about today’s verse, Romans 8:28, makes you thankful? Is there a way you have seen its truth played out in your life? – If so give thanks!
Will you take a minute and share your response(s) in the comment section – It may be just the encouragement that someone else needs and for certain it will bring God glory.
Worship Through Music
I do not own the rights to this music nor do I use it for any profit or gain –
Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – YET how quickly they forgot what he had done!
Psalm 106:1, 13a
Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 1 Chronicles 16:34 and so many other passages call us to “give thanks to the LORD.” The passages site various reasons like His faithfulness, His goodness, His steadfast love and more. The problem is when we fail to be impressed with the Lord’s character and acts of kindness and when we fail to notice His miraculous works. There is great danger in forgetting to acknowledge Him with praise and thanksgiving. For look at the example of the Israelites in today’s passage who failed to be impressed with the works of God’s hand and then quickly forgot what He had done. May we never find ourselves in this place – but rather daily find time and reasons to sing His praises and give HIm thanks – even for the littlest of blessings or fingerprints –
Your turn
What is that impresses You about God? – Make sure to journal it or write it out somewhere or even tell someone – and don’t forget to give thanks to Him to whom the praise/thanks is due. We must be intentional about this discipline in our life – not being so captivate by the day or the moment or the person but fully captivated by God alone – and intent on remembering the works of His hands. 💜
We will remember, we will remember We will remember the works of Your hands We will stop and give you praise For great is Thy faithfulness We will remember, we will remember We will remember the works of Your hands We will stop and give you praise For great is Thy faithfulness You’re our creator, our life sustainer Deliverer, our comfort, our joy Throughout the ages You’ve been our shelter Our peace in the midst of the storm With signs and wonders You’ve shown Your power With precious blood You showed us Your grace You’ve been our helper, our liberator The giver of life with no end We will remember, we will remember We will remember the works of Your hands We will stop and give you praise For great is Thy faithfulness When we walk through life’s darkest valleys We will look back at all You have done And we will shout, our God is good And He is the faithful One … Hear the entire song at https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AcUA7x9CVgs&feature=shared
Scripture: In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks.” God’s Word is full of this phrase from the Old Testament to the New. From Joseph’s attitude of gratitude in Genesis to the words of the twenty-four elders who fell down in worship in John’s Revelation, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.” These examples and all of the others we find between them are not just words on a page. They are there to teach us and to remind us that God is worthy of our praise – those that flow from a truly thankful heart. Such gratitude can’t help but flow forth from heart and tongue when we truly realize the good and perfect gifts that flow from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship to the Giver of all good gifts.
Gotquestions.org
Giving thanks to God isn’t for God’s glory alone – but it is a benefit for us as well, as God uses our acknowledgment of gratitude and our words of thanksgiving to remind us that everything we have is from Him. Every good and perfect gift, every awareness of Him acting on our behalf, keeps us centered on Him rather than on self and any problems or fears we might know.
Giving thanks also reminds us of how much we do have. Human beings are prone to covetousness. We tend to focus on what we don’t have. By giving thanks continually we are reminded of how much we do have. When we focus on blessings rather than wants, we are happier. When we start thanking God for the things we usually take for granted, our perspective changes. We realize that we could not even exist without the merciful blessings of God.
gotquestions.org
Let’s Apply It
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and as an encouragement to others and glory to God please share one thing, here in the comment section, that you are thankful for today. Then at home grab a journal or make a note on your phone and write down as many gifts from above that you notice throughout the day. I promise you will feel better and others will be blessed – it’s a win-win!
Worship through song: Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart is one of my favorites. You can find it on youtube
Prayer of Response to God’s Word
Father, You are beyond worthy of our praise and honor. You are worthy of our thanksgiving, worthy of our acknowledging all that you do and have done for us. Forgive us where we get caught up in our days and thoughts and ways and fail to thank You for Your acts of mercy, love, and grace – or for Your gifts of peace, and strength, and protection or provisions. We are most blessed and should faithfully tell You so. Open our eyes to see all Your fingerprints through any given day of our life. – In Jesus’ Name amen.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:17-18
Hopefully, after six weeks of starting Mondays with this passage, we have all become more familiar with the wisdom, truth, and help it offers us – so that we will not let down our guard. May we keep the armor of God on 24/7, 365 days of the year – ready to help us stand firm and resist the devil’s schemes.
Let’s not forget the necessity of suiting up daily with the whole armor of God. Let’s make it a daily practice to put on…
the Belt of Truth
the Breast Plate of Righteousness – and
the Shoes of Peace
May we faithfully…
Take up the Shield of Faith – and
Put on the Helmet of Salvation and
take the Sword of the of the Spirit
And don’t forget to …
pray at all times… for all believers everywhere
We will study the final piece of our armor this week, which is the sword of the Spirit – defined by Paul as the Word of God. Then, we will, at Paul’s suggestion, cover it all with prayer and an alertness. Remember this armor belongs to God and we will not be successful using any of it without first seeking His strength and power as Paul instructed us in the beginning of our study.
“Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2
Did You Know?
I found a fascinating note about the Sword of the Spirit that helped me understand just how powerful this offensive weapon really is. When I picture a “sword” I pictured a long sheath like sword, however, according to BIbileref.com the sword Paul describes is a short-bladed sword, easy to carry and draw quickly in combat. It is meant to kill and defeat the enemy during attack.
God’s Word is able and meant to be used like this in our spiritual battles. Christ Himself sets the example for us as we read in Matthew 4:1-11, where we find three examples of Jesus using the Word of God to defeat the enemy. I encourage you to read how He did it and not to miss the ending when the devil left him alone. May we be quick to follow His lead by being prepared with the Word whenever the enemy strikes.
Our Secret Weapon
When Jesus told His disciples He would be leaving them He also told them about another that would come and be with them so that they could carry on the work of the Father. Here in our passage today, Paul tells them to “pray in the Spirit,” the One that Christ said would be their helper.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and will remind us of everything [Christ] has told us. John 14:26
Reflecting on the Journey
What is the importance of praying at all times?
Response to God’s Word
Father, hide Your Word in our hearts that we might stand firm in the battles with temptation and all of the devil’s schemes. May we be sensitive to Your Spirit and powerful in Your might. Help us to remember that the battle belongs to You and You have empowered us with all that we need to stand firm. Remind us to stay devoted to prayer not only for ourselves but for the body of Christ and as the enemy wages war against Your people. May we not be detoured by his tactics and lose sight of the call to spread the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
It may seem odd to hear Paul – or anyone for that matter – encourage the believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, but Paul was teaching, as Bibleref.com explains, “as the Jewish people offered killed animals as sacrifices to God, Christians should instead offer ourselves, our bodies, to Him as living sacrifices.”
For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen.”
Romans 11:36
Paul’s point is that God is worthy, or as he says – “It is your reasonable act of service” to know and live out the will of God. Paul understood as we saw in our journey yesterday, that when we keep on thinking about the things of God – all He is and has done or promised to do – then our minds will be transformed and our will aligned with God’s. His desires become ours and we will be able to better distinguish what is good and pleasing to Him.
When we keep our mind on earthly things we will be influenced by those things, or people, or cultural norms which is the natural bent of humans. The sinful nature leads us to follow after our own desires rather than God’s, however, we are told throughout the letters of Paul to “put on the new nature – and be renewed.”
The way to escape conformation to the world is through transformation by God, which is the renewing of your mind -🦋
Me🦋 FromtheNsideoutt
It is important to understand that we cannot transform ourselves. Paul says to, “Let Godtransform You into a new person by changing the way you think.” In other words, we do not – actually we cannot – transform ourselves. Notice with me, while in many of his writings Paul tells us that we need to put off the old and put on the new, he does not tell them here to change they way they live, look, or even act but instead he tells them to “Let God change the way they think.” Paul is teaching them the same thing he taught the Colossians, the mind greatly influences our decisions. When we allow God to transform our minds from the old nature to the new one we have been given in Christ we will live in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.
One way I have found to let God change the way I think is through His Word. Whether it is reading it, listening to it in sermons, memorizing it, singing it, or discussing it with others, God’s Word will bring real and lasting transformation of our minds which will lead to a life-changing transformation from the inside-out 🦋 affecting not just us but all those around us.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14
Prayer of Response to the Word
Father, please help us to faithfully stay in Your Word and to live by it. Let us be women of faith who dwell in the Word so that Your Word may dwell in us – so that we may be forever changed – living lives that are pleasing and acceptable to You and igniting change in others! In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!
Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth
Colossians 3:2
So what does mean to “keep thinking about something?” The bottom line is it means to continually choose to think about a certain thing, event, or person. When we do this we allow that thing, person, or situation to become what influences our choices – such as how we talk or what actions we take or who we spend time with. When we do this our thinking will ultimately influence what goals, priorities or standards we set.
Setting our minds on things above establishes Godly priorities and sets Godly standards.
me – from the inside out 🦋
Paul poses two courses of thought, things on earth or things above, and he guides the Church to set their thoughts on the things above. The NLT translates things above as the realities of Heaven, but both mean the same thing: Think about the things of God. Think about what He’s done for us through Christ. Think about His promise of eternity and anything else that turns our thinking toward God. Okay, you say, but we have families and jobs and responsibilities that also take thought, right? Yes, and we do have to give thought to those things during the day, and in times of crises that arise here on earth life can demand or require our attention; but Paul’s point is not to neglect thinking about the crisis situations nor even what you’ll fix for dinner or which job you’ll take or where your kids will go to school. Instead, his point is to “keep on” thinking about the things of God even while you are weighing out or dealing with the other issues of life. Basically, we are to have our minds so set on the things of God that those thoughts influence all the other aspects of our life.
How can we do this while living on earth? Paul gives us the answer in many of his letters, but perhaps no where more clearly than here in Colossians chapter three. He makes it clear to the church that they are no longer to live by the standards of their old life. In verse five he uses some very strong words to emphasize the importance of setting new standards by saying, “put to death” any part of their old “earthly” living – including everything from sexual immorality to greed. He makes the point that these things are not pleasing to God. Paul understands that this is the way they used to live and that some were still struggling with the ungodly issues he referenced – and just in case they might have been thinking – ‘good grief, I’m not that bad’, he also covered things like anger and malice, as well as slander and ungodly words. When we profess Jesus as our Lord with our mouth we are to profess Him with our lives as well.
What does It Look Like?
Paul gave us a pretty good snap shot of what we will look like when we “keep thinking about things above instead of things on the earth.” He described those who choose to think like this as ones ” who are filled with tenderhearted mercy, they are kind. gentle, and patient, and they live in humility rather haughtiness. They remember how the Lord has forgiven them and loved them despite their faults – so they make allowance for other’s faults and are forgiving of those who offend them. They are loving and live in harmony with others and are noted for the peace that rules in their hearts; it’s a peace that helps them to live in peace with others. Their’s is a peace so obviously from Christ that is a reflective light of our faith.
Prayer of Response to God’s Word
Father, I confess it isn’t always easy to keep my mind from getting weighed down with the cares of this world. Whether it is the day to day routines or events or people in my life or the seasons of crises and turmoil – if I’m not careful – my mind is easily captivated and I find myself struggling with fears and worries or a myriad of other emotions that rob me of the peace that I have known when my mind is fixed on the things of Heaven, instead of the world. Thank You for continually reviewing this truth with me, for using this passage to change my life in so many ways. Help me to keep my mind on things above, to know Your strength when I am weak, and to avail myself often of your loving invitation to cast all my cares on You – because You care for me –
The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable. He is a shield to all who take shelter in him.
Psalm 18:30
Last week, we read in Ephesians 2:14 that Jesus is our peace, and in today’s SOAP passage, we read that God is a shield to all who take shelter in him. We see the evidence of David’s faith being firmly in the Lord throughout Scripture, but we also hear it in his descriptive words of God, as he declares Him to be the one true God who acts faithfully and who keeps His promises. Keep in mind that David learned these things both by observing God and from first hand experience. One of my favorite Old Testament passages is when David requests to stand up to the Philistine giant, Goliath, and declares to Saul: “The Lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” To be clear, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” and if we spend more than a minute in the Word of God we are bound to read the stories like David and Goliath or Noah and the ark, or of Rahab and the spies and Ruth and Naomi, or of Jesus’ life from the birth announcement to the cross to the empty grave and His ascension into Heaven. These stories bear witness to not only the Gospel but to the realness and the faithfulness of our God. They continue to bring people to faith every day and they strengthen the faith of those who have already believed, or such is my experience.
I made a profession of faith as a young child, but it was in my mid to late twenties, when my first child was born, that my faith began to grow and take deeper root. Looking both backward and forward from that point God has shown me the lions and the bears of my own life and how He has delivered me not only from them but from the giants I’ve had to face as well. It occurs to me as I’m writing this that David’s initial words about the lion and the bear are: “Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear.” He later acknowledges that it was the Lord who delivered him. This isn’t a discrepancy but the beauty of how God walks with us in our battles – fighting for us and through us to overcome the dangers and snares in our paths. We are wise to realize we cannot and should not attempt the battles, the storm tossed seas, or any other part of life without our faith firmly established in Him. After all, as David said – God is our shield.
“Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 David went on to say, “The Lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Then Saul said to David, “Go! The Lord will be with you.” –
1 Samuel 17:36-67
Noteworthy Observations
Many things about Psalm 18 jumped off the page to me, starting with the fact that “David – sang to the LORD the words of the song.” I love this, partly because I do it too – as I drive to or from work or as I’m praying. However, I think what I love most is that it is like a love song to the Lord, expounding not only on his love for God but on the wonderful ways God has loved and cared for Him. David knew God was worthy of His praise, but he also wanted anyone who heard the song to see the greatness of God and what He had done for David, which is most likely why he didn’t just say God, You’re so good – but went into details of His goodness.
I also love that David didn’t mind admitting that he was vulnerable and needed help, and he knew his help came from the LORD. When he was feeling like he was being overwhelmed by the currents of chaos and feeling distressed, we find him calling out to God for help. We may not feel the waves of death like David did, but much of life can easily engulf us and leave us feeling trapped very quickly and needing “the One True God” to come to our defense and rescue us. I’m so thankful David, the “servant after God’s own heart,” has given us an example of how to respond in these situations.
One other observation I want to note is that while it may be easy to read some of David’s words as boastful or proud, however, we must keep in mind the opening words of the Psalm, which say “…by the LORD’S servant David, who sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul.”(1a) David’s song was specific to an event in which David had pleased God and how God proved to be loyal, trustworthy and reliable in return; but to Saul, who had acted contrary to the ways of God, the LORD showed sharp and powerful judgment.
How do I Apply this to my life?
I love you LORD, my source of strength! Psalm 18:6
I believe we start with Psalm 18:6, understanding and acknowledging who truly is our source of strength. Can we, like David, say that the LORD is our source of strength? Who do we seek when we are in trouble? Who do we trust more than any other? Who do we believe is truly able to do more than we ask or imagine? It is easy to answer these questions with the Christian answer of God, or Jesus, or His Spirit in us. However, we must not answer according to who we “know it should be” but rather by who we “Know it is.” Ask Him to show you any areas of your life where another is the source of your strength. Don’t be surprised if He shows you places where your faith needs to be rooted a little deeper in Him and less in the world or others. After all, we are works in progress – He’s not finished with us yet. *Note, if God has given you a wonderful friend or friends that are faithful to help you with anything, anytime, and anywhere – this is a blessing to be cherished – but we should be quick to acknowledge that they too, are a gift from God.
Be quick to see and then acknowledge the goodness and faithfulness of God. Count your blessings, name them one by one, as the old hymn says – it truly will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Be quick to ask Him for help, He knows you need it and He is poised and ready and desirous to help His children.
A Response of Prayer to God’s Word
Father, grace us with eyes to see and minds to recall all the ways You have acted on our behalf. Please help us to remember your goodness and faithfulness to rescue us from the power of our enemies and the struggles in this life. When the waves are crashing at our heads and distress is overtaking us, remind us to do as David did and call out to You, the One from whom we receive our help. Help us not lean on our understanding and power but to remember You are our only true and faithful source of strength. Thank You for being our shield! Thank You for being the One who is faithful and a keeper of His promises – May these truths help us to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, the shoes of peace on our feet, and the shield of faith ready to douse the flaming arrows of the evil one. And, when like David, we see the victory – help us to faithfully respond with songs of praise to You born of love and faith in who You are. – Amen!
Response of Worship
The words of the Psalm brought this song to mind, may it be a blessing to you as it always is to me –
and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:18
Dressed and Ready – Well, Almost
Ok, so you have your belt of truth in place which is securing your breastplate of righteousness and your feet are readily fitted with the Gospel of peace – but don’t forget your shield of faith. According to gotquestions.org, FAITH is a protective barrier that helps us stay grounded in the TRUTH. It is the VICTORY we know that overcomes the world! (1Jn 5:4 and Hebrews 11:1) In reference to “overcoming the world”, we would do well to remember that Jesus Himself referred to satan, our enemy, the evil one, as the “ruler of this world”. When talking about His own impending death, Jesus announced: “The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.” John 12:31.
Bigger and Better than We Can Imagine
Check out this word picture of our “Shield of Faith”. It makes me tired just thinking about how I will lift it and hold it in place but then I remember that, if I followed Paul’s instructions from the beginning – my strength and power come from the Lord! – Ephesians 6:10
The Roman shield of the time was called a scutum (/ˈsko͞odəm/). This type of shield was as large as a door and would cover the warrior entirely. Such a shield was not just defensive but could also be used to push opponents. When fighting as a group, a phalanx of soldiers could position their shields so as to form an enclosure around themselves, called a testudo (“tortoise”). This was especially helpful to protect against arrows launched from the walls of cities they were attacking. Shields, often made of wood and then covered in hide, when wet, could extinguish flaming arrows.
gotquestions.org
If that word picture isn’t enough, Scripture’s is even better, our faith is one of the greatest gifts we have, abiding right along side hope and love – 1 Cor 13:13; Paul goes on to write that faith is the way we receive grace, Eph 2:8-9 and that it is the means of our justification, Rom 5:1 and Col 3:24.
So take heart, in those moments when you feel like you are the enemy’s target practice, like he just launches one flaming arrow after another, God’s armor includes a sure and powerful shield that is ours through faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer of Response to God’s Word
Father, some days or even seasons of life it can seem like the enemy hurls one flaming arrow after another but we have this hope through faith in Christ – that no weapon formed against us can stand. We have access to Your Armor that is surely able to defeat the enemy! Help us to heed Paul’s opening word of instruction concerning the armor – to be strengthen in You and in Your power, for I am convinced that we cannot wear this armor with Your Power and strength. Help us to suit up in the full armor, including the shield of FAITH that can extinguish all the flaming arrows of evil one. Help us to stay alert, remembering that our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour and he uses all kinds of tactic, from fruit of a tree in the garden to the challenge to
Worship Through Song
Reflections from the Journey
What does Ephesian 6:16 teach us about the importance of taking up the shield of faith?
How does the shield of faith protect us from the attacks of the enemy?
Going Further in the Journey
Don’t forget to check out the LGG Blog Post for today’s study, The Armor of God/w4d1
Me From the Inside Out 