God of peace, thank you for your protection. Give me the resources I need to stand against the devil's evil tricks and the wicked spiritual forces, and clothe me with your righteousness. Amen.

August 5, 2014 Ephesians 6:10-24 (Good News Translation) God's Word: Showing Us How to Live Introduction Ephesians 6:10-24: Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians REMAIN strong against what I calls "wicked spiritual forces" (6:12). I describe the armor of God That will help them guard against evil. Then I Exhorts them to pray for one another Continually. Today's Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 b Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason, keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. Today's Reading 10 Finally, build up your strength in junction With the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11Put on all the armor That God Gives You, so That You will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, Authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13 So put on God's armor now! Then the evil day When you eat, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. 14 So stand ready, With truth as a belt tight around your waist, With righteousness as your breastplate, 15and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. 16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One 17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword Which Gives You the Spirit. 18 Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. 19 And pray Also for me, That God will give me a message when i am ready to speak, so That I May speak boldly and make Known the gospel's secret. 20 For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray That I May be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should. 21 Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me, so That you may know how I am getting along. 22 That is why I am sending him to you-to tell you how all of us are getting along and to Encourage you. 23 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. 24May God's grace be With All Those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.  Reflect Reread verses 10-17. Paul uses militaristic imagery as I describe a spiritual armor That comes from God. How can you protect Such spiritual armor? What spiritual armor do you need Especially today?