Day 18 - Ephesians 6:10-24

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 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.

19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Terrie's Comments:

As 2016 comes to an end it seems natural to reflect and look ahead with new renewal.  Looking back at 2016 it has been a year of re-focusing in ministry and reshaping my life moving from mothering teenagers to adult children.  

As I look ahead to 2017 I do have some resolutions... 

-I would like to blog more on my personal blog.  I believe there is much that God has spoken to my heart that has just stayed there because I haven't written down much or blogged much in the past couple of years.

-I would like to be consistent in working on the Christ Capp blog and updating our website for the benefit of everyone who is led to look at them.

-I would like to Be more consistent in many ways this year... like taking care of my family and our home.

- Most of all I would like to be more like Jesus a year from now.  I want that change to be evident to those around me and set captives free.  

This passage, being our last one of 2016 is so appropriate.  Especially verses 10-18 are verses that remind us that we are in a battle as long as we are here on earth but we have the victory in Jesus.  We must remain in the word of God so we are equipped to fight every attach of the enemy.  

May 2017 be filled with great hope as you explore all the treasures in God's word daily and are led by the God's Holy Spirit.  Walk forward in this next year without fear!  Faith in Jesus Christ gives us freedom, let's use our freedom to advance the kingdom of heaven :-) 

Tori's Comments:

I think it gets so easy to get caught up in the small struggles day to day. Simple frustrations and worries can cloud my view of Jesus and hold me back from following God wholeheartedly.

As I decide on resolutions for the upcoming year, I've definitely noticed a desire in my life to remove those clouds and push away anything hindering me from running the race set out for me.

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!