AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.
In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13
In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is teaching His disciples that prayer is their (and our) main defense against the evil one. As we pray the Our Father we’re acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things including Satan and any of his wicked schemes.
Take Satan Seriously
Below the surface of our daily life an invisible battle is being waged against good and evil. Some people think the devil is a joke. But as believers we must take Satan and his threats seriously. The Bible tells us clearly that Satan is roaming the earth like a roaring lion looking for those he can devour.
Stay Armored
Because our enemy is always looking to harm us, it’s vital that we not attempt to go through any day spiritually unprotected. In the section of Scripture below, the Apostle Paul teaches us exactly how to protect ourselves with God’s special battle armor.
” Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.
Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 CEV
Study Scripture
We must study Scripture so we will be able to recognize Satan’s evil tactics when they arise. And most importantly, we must memorize Scripture verses so that no matter where we are we can protect ourselves when the enemy attacks.
Keep Godly Influences
And finally, we must keep our influences pure and godly. We must associate with people who love the Lord and will speak truth in our life. We must make sure that we are being taught by sound spiritual teachers that will impart godly wisdom and counsel.
As you start each day find a verse that you can carry with you to keep your heart, mind and soul strong in the Lord. I like to write verses on 3×5 cards to keep with me through the day. I pray you are blessed and encouraged with these words today.