Today's Verse: Ephesians 6:12

Thursday, October 29, 2009

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The battle we face is not a physical one. It is not one against other people, even if they hold us as enemies. Our battle is part of our war with powers that we cannot easily see, yet which are powerful and pervasive. We must not dismiss this spiritual battle as an imaginary, irrelevant, or outdated. Just as clearly as Satan was crouching at Cain's door, desiring to have him, so he crouches at our door as well (Genesis 4:7). Just as the evil one tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13), he will use his demonic forces of evil to do all he can to defeat, destroy, or corrupt us personally. We must take this war seriously and recognize the power of our evil foe. However, we must not fear this battle or the evil one behind it. We shared in Jesus' ultimate victory over the evil one and his minions on the cross and through his resurrection when we were baptized in faith and raised with him in the power of God (Colossians 2:12-15). Our lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and we will share in his glorious victory when he returns (Colossians 3:1-4). Until then, let's recognize the struggle we face and enter that battle to win in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord!

My Prayer...

Father, forgive me for the times I have not taken the threat of demonic powers and the evil one seriously. Please give me a holy revulsion for anything unholy, ungodly, or wicked. Please awaken me, as I am determined not to let the evil one or his influences deceive me. Deliver me from the power of the evil, and the evil one. In the mighty name of Jesus, I confidently pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

28 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 6:12 — For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, October 29, 2009

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[To the people questioning Jesus at the Temple, he continued,] "But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I...."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, perfecter of our love, Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which you give us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Fellow Heir of Glory, As God's child and as My younger sibling in the Father's family of grace, you are an heir of glory. The glory that I enjoy..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink!"

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.