Dan Gould

Tag: Ephesians 6

  • Bible Challenge – Ephesians 6

    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. Ephesians 6:10-17

    When I was younger I use to have this weird dream of showing up to school in just my underwear.  Maybe I’m the only one, but I think many others have had that same dream.  I’d wake up in the morning thankful it was just a dream.  However, it saddens me how many Christ Followers leave their house naked … not in a physical sense but in a spiritual one.  They leave their house not fully dressed for the day ahead.  Yes, they may have spent hours in-front of a mirror, they may have pressed all their close and they may look good on the outside, but they have done nothing to pre-pare themselves for the day ahead on the inside.

    As a Christ Follower, it is important for me to be pre-pared for the day ahead.  It’s like getting in the zone before a big game. When I spend time with God, I am pre-pairing myself for the day.  I’m getting in the zone so I can be victorious over the temptations that the devil will bring my way that day.  Many battles with sin have been won and lost based on my time spent with the Lord.  However, when I put on the armor, I am pre-pared for the day.  The belt of Truth, guides my thoughts, the Breastplate of Righteousness guards my heart, the Shoes of peace, allows me to run from or stand firm against sin, the Shield of Faith, allows me to hide behind when the devil unleashes his attack, the Helmet of Salvation, keep me secure and protects my thoughts, and the Sword of the Spirit allows me to advance His Kingdom.  God has given us these things so we can stand against the evil one, so when he comes to attack, lets not be naked, but fully clothed so we can stand against him.

    Father, today, help me be fully clothed.  When the temptations come today, and I know they will, give me the power to stand my ground, to resist the temptation and push toward the victory.  In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!

     

    When you read Ephesians 6 what passage spoke to you?

     

  • Ephesains 6

    “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” v. 4 (NLT)

    Being a Father is both fun and challenging.  I am learning as my boys grow they are picking up all the good and bad qualities that I show off in front of them.  The challenge as they develop is to lovingly teach them the way they should act.  How I do this has big returns in the way they respond.  For example, right now Josiah is starting to lie.  We are in the process of teaching him why he/we shouldn’t lie.  It’s a process that if we aren’t careful we could totally miss the opportunity to teach him this in a loving way and something he will struggle with his whole life.  My role as a dad has huge impacts on my boys.  Realizing this early will save me from heartache later.

    Something to think about:  When it comes to the way you interact with your kids, do you spend more time building them up or tearing them down?  Here’s what I mean, are you always pointing out things they are doing wrong or encouraging them in the things they are doing right?  I was encouraged and challenged yesterday by this thought.  As parents we should spend 90% of our time building our kids up and 10% of our time correcting behavior.

    It’s a great challenge that may seem unreasonable at first, but what do you have to lose if it does not work?

    Today, if you’re a dad, try to spend some extra time with your kids.  Encourage them by telling them the good things you see going on in their life.  Example, Josiah is only 4 but I try to encourage him daily with Words of Life.  Give it a try, it will bless you and them and bring your relationship closer.