“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” Ephesians 6:10-17 New King James Version.
Almighty God,
So much animosity and war around the world today. We need to be reminded that regardless of wicked leaders there is nothing and no-one greater than you. You know everything, are everywhere all the time and are all powerful. You were there before the world began. And yet You still allow us to be here, even though You know how wicked man and woman can be. You planned to send your Son Jesus, knowing He would be rejected and killed. Hallelujah, what a Saviour.
Your Word reminds us that in this fallen world, everyday life can be like an ongoing battle. Not always full on front line. The enemy can be like a sniper, organising hard situations, skirmishes, making threats and making much background noise. However, nothing surprises You. Thank you that Paul tells us about Your protective armour. We don’t have to buy it, make it or constantly replace or wash it. You give us each our own personal armour. “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NKJV. You enable us to stand.
Ear problems can mean poor balance literally. A need to be still. Pausing, taking time, sitting with you Lord, is a way of keeping our balance when we are pushed, knocked or tripped up. Sometimes we are not sure if it is the enemy or just life causing difficulty. We are not immune from accidents and emergencies. So help us stand firm. Not submitted to the darkness, not paralysed by fear, not willing to be lead astray by lies. But waiting on You, our Lord and Saviour.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Loving Father,
For our family, extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Sunday school teachers.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal family.
New Prime Minister and government.
For Gaza, Middle East, solutions for peace for all. Break down hatred.
For Ukraine. Send a miracle, an end to war.
For the USA political situation.
For those facing difficult days, bereavement, medical challenges.
2 days to go. For Paris, the athletes, coaches and Olympian teams. Worldwide audiences.
For our emergency services. For help lines, prayer lines and those who support and listen.
For the anxious, the worriers and the fearful.
For grandparents, guardians, carers, play schemes caring for children in school holidays.
Help us to see all the good things in today, to look forward to the simple things that we take for granted each day. Warm and rest our hearts in Your love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 24th July 2024
So many hymns come to mind: He who would valiant be, O Church Arise and put your armour on, Stand up stand up for Jesus Ye soldiers of the cross, Standing on the promises of God, Onward Christian Soldiers . . .
Heavenly armour always.
In Heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that is fashioned
against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honour
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honour
Power and strength to the Lord
When the power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He is raised up a standard
the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
Chorus
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend
your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
Chorus
Lyrics: Jamie Owens Collins