October 29

Standing Firm - Armor of God Day 29 by SGLY Ministry

and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:10 [NKJV]

JESUS IS THE ARMOR OF GOD

As believers we must realize that we will always be on satan’s “hit list”. He will always be prowling about seeking someway to devour us, or cause us to doubt, stumble, or fall.
The evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world will always be seeking ways to bring havoc into our life. The mighty powers in this dark world will always be creating chaos daily, and the evil spirits in the heavenly places will try to unseat us and influence us to follow false teachers or cause us to believe lies sent by satan, who is the father of lies, to lead us away from the truth.

But if we put on and wear God’s Armor daily which is Jesus Christ, Truth Himself, we will be protected in every way from the enemy’s onslaughts against us physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is only when we walk in this world un-protected, become complacent, let down our guard, don’t stay alert, or misjudge our enemy, that we are vulnerable to getting wounded or fall into temptation. God has provided everything we need to protect ourselves, we just must be obedient to use it.

…it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. …the day is at hand: let us put on the armour of light. …put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 13:11,12,14 KJV

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; Acts 17:28 KJV

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for providing everything I need to stand firm in faith and not be shaken by the enemies attacks. If I will but put on Your Armor daily as a true soldier is taught to do, I will not have any problems resisting the enemies attacks. If I “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” who is the Word of God, Truth, Righteousness, Prince of Peace, Salvation and Faith, the enemy must flee. Help me daily God to remember to stay alert and be diligent to put on the Armor of Light that will shine brightly to drive out darkness wherever I go.
Jesus said: “Abide in Me, and I in you… John 15:4 NKJV “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46 NKJV

Today: Be an obedient soldier. Wear the Full Armor of God and pray in the Spirit for yourself and all believers everywhere.

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Today’s Scripture: “[In His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy...” (Ephesians 1:4, AMP)

Handpicked by God

Before you were ever born, before the very foundation of the earth, God knew you, planned for you and chose you! He approved you and called you His own. You may have been overlooked by people in your life; maybe you were passed up for a job or overlooked by someone whose opinion you valued. But remember, God won’t ever overlook you! In fact, He handpicked you. He chose you to be holy, or set apart, for Himself.

Meditate on this truth today: You are God’s most valued possession. You are special. You are the apple of His eye. He knows everything about you; He even knows the number of hairs you have on your head. He has given you the gifts and abilities that you have for a purpose. You carry great value and significance. Don’t ever lose sight of the treasure He’s placed within you.

Remember, you are handpicked by God and nothing can change His love for you!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for loving me today. Help me to understand Your love so that I can show your love to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Joel Osteen

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The Lord is our great Protector and Defender

He is with me always

The Lord is my great Protector and Defender, in Him I can safely trust.

He is with me always.

Through trials and adversities, in the good times and during the bad times, He is with me.

During times of sadness and times of rejoicing, He is with me.

When I have suffered failures and defeats or when I have been victorious, He is with me.

When I am surrounded by many who love me or when I am alone and rejected, He is with me.

At times when I prosper and the harvest is plenteous or in times of drought and poverty, He is with me.

When the light shines brightly and truth prevails, or in times of darkness and falsehood abounds, He is with me.

The Lord, my God, is faithful and true, He will never leave me nor forsake me.

He is with me always. Amen.
Jim Welch

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Forgiveness by Max Lucado

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity!”

The word opportunity in this verse means territory or ground. In other words, anger gives ground to the devil. Bitterness invites him to occupy a space in your heart, to rent a room. Believe me, he’ll move in and stink up the place. Gossip, slander, temper—anytime you see these, Satan has claimed a bunk. Don’t even give him the time of day. Tell him to pack his bags and hit the road!

Begin the process of forgiveness. Keep no list of wrongs. Pray for your antagonists rather than plot against them. Outrageous as it may seem, Jesus died for them, too. If he thinks they’re worth forgiving, they are. Does that make forgiveness easy? No. Quick? Seldom. Forgive your enemies? Forgive them. You’ll get through this!

From You’ll Get Through This

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Forgiveness

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."1

A friend sent me the following illustration: One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we refused to forgive for whatever they did, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag.

We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for two weeks, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work, etc.

The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually and emotionally, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget it and leave it in embarrassing places.

Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for nursing our grudges. Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person while it clearly is for ourselves!

So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself, Isn't your bag heavy enough?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to forgive all who have ever hurt me and to never nurse a grudge—no matter what others have done or have failed to do—just as you always forgive me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Jesus (Luke 6:37, NIV).
--Daily Encounter

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Turn Your Security System On

A horrible thing happened to me today, a thief broke into my house.

It happened shortly after I awoke this morning. I got up and began rushing about. I had a thousand things on my list and was already running behind. Quickly, I gulped down breakfast, took a shower and got ready for work.

In my rush, I forgot to turn the security system on at my house. It was just about a half an hour later that the thief broke in. Of course, he didn't make a sound. Just kind of snuck inside, not drawing any attention to himself. In fact, none of the neighbors ever saw him.

But, I did.

You see, I was home when the thief broke in.

He naturally startled me, as I was unprepared for his visit. He, of course, didn't announce that he was coming and I certainly had not invited him over.

And yet, I found myself face to face with danger and I felt so powerless. I also felt so very stupid, because this whole incident could have been avoided if I had just taken the time to turn the security system on.

You better believe I'll be turning it on tomorrow morning! I thought I'd warn you about this guy, because he's still on the loose. Chances are, he's in your area. Possibly even headed for your house.

His name? His name is satan. You see, this morning when I jumped up in my haste to get started on my busy day, I skipped my prayer time--opting to pray later today. In other words, I didn't turn on the security system. My defense wasn't on, my guard was dropped and when the thief came into my home to attack me, I was unprepared to do battle. He tempted me and I felt powerless. Like I said, I also felt so very stupid, because I could have avoided the incident if I had just taken the time to pray.

My friend, the thief has come to steal, kill and destroy. And, as a Child of God, you are on his hit list. He'll probably pop over to your house today. He may be lurking outside your door right now, just waiting to catch you off guard.

Take time to pray this morning. Ask God to bind satan from your very presence, to protect you and empower you to do battle. In short, don't forget to turn your security system on. Author Unknown

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An attitude of gratitude

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NRSV)

Family, dogs, green grass, blue sky, friends, snow, sun, chirping birds, job, spouse, comfy shoes, a soft pillow, coffee, chocolate, smiles, music, art, books, evergreen trees, irises, fresh air, horses, friends… These are some of the things I’m grateful for, Lord, and Your creative hand provided them all.

Even though I may have money troubles, physical ailments, rebellious children or myriad other complaints, I still choose to give thanks to you. An attitude of gratitude is a decision I make each morning—even on the days when I have difficulty thinking of a single thing I’m thankful for. A baby’s laugh, a purring kitten, a friendly hug . . . I look until I find. And I give thanks.

Faith Step: Think of five things you are grateful for and concentrate on those today. Praise God for them.

Author Unknown

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Bible Verses

Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

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Psalm 85:8a – I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people.

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"You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

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Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. — Proverbs 29:25

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And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12

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1 Peter 1:24-25 “For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”

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Prayers

God of mercy, swift to help: as my lips pour forth your praise, fill my heart with the peace you give to those who wait for your salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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My Father, I pray that I may be more generous with my smiles and gladness, and more saving with my tears and sadness. Amen.

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Lord, let us never be so tied up or occupied only with our own concerns that we lose focus on the real world. Inspire us to live in such a way that we live balanced and unselfish lives, having quality time for others in which we are genuine in our attention and compassion and care, knowing that we are all brothers and sisters. Amen.

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Good Neighbors

Ephesians 4:25-28

Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience,

May the thought of deceit or falsehood never enter into my relations with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let all of us speak the truth with our neighbors, since we are members of each other.

Don't let my anger turn into sin. May I never let the sun go down on my wrath. Don't let grudge-holding and unforgiveness on my part give the devil any opportunity.

Help me never to covet anything that belongs to someone else, but rather to work with my mind and my hands to get the things needed by myself and others.

In the name of Jesus who sacrificed himself for my sake. Amen.

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Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:15–16, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, how lovingly you have thought of us! How much good you let us experience again and again! So our hearts are happy, and we go to rest this night full of joy and thanks because we are your children. Our thanks and joy shall be our service to you day and night. More than this you do not ask, and in this we will be faithful. We want to be joyful and to be glad for our lives. Even when we face dark hours, O Lord our God, we are filled with hope that brings us joy for the future as well as for the present, with assurance that your salvation is coming. We rejoice in what you give us already today. Amen.

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Dear Lord, I am so very grateful for all you have given me. Thank you for being there for me in my darkest hours. Please continue to be beside me as I face the unknown.

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“A Prayer For Recognition Of God’s Blessings”

Father, You are the Giver of all good things. You have given us so much and we are indeed grateful. Move upon our hearts to be generous with our resources. When we’re tempted to look at other’s possessions in comparison to our own, bring to our mind those who have less rather than those who have more. This will help us to be more prayerful and generous toward those who are without. It will also help us to be less whining and more content with what we have. Amen.

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Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgiveness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.