Today's Verse: Ephesians 6:12

Saturday, October 29, 2005

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 We must not dismiss this spiritual battle as an imaginary, irrelevant, or outdated.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 Saturday, October 29, 2005

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[To his disciples, Jesus continued:] "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end....."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Child of the Father in Heaven, In My earthly ministry, I taught My disciples these essential truths:Some people store up treasures in their..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Fill me with your heavenly wisdom, which involves alertness to problems and opportunities, avoidance of addictions, fullness of your..."

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.