Jul 16 2024

Today's Bible Verse

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

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In this verse from Ephesians, Paul introduces the armor of God. It includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes readied by the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, meaning the Word of God. These help us to be strong in the Lord, sound in His might and goodness.

This armor is important because it protects us. As Christians, we have a real and active adversary, Satan, who is working against our joy, peace, and relationship with the Lord. He would love for us to be weak, helpless, and discouraged in our walk with God. His attacks against us are vicious and relentless. The Lord, knowing this, has given us ample armor to protect against these attacks. Through the covering that He offers us, we can be strong in Him.

Notice that in the armor, there is only a single offensive weapon—the Word of God, which is described as a sword. This means we are not to fight in our own power, or in our own strength, but instead with God's promises. Our greatest strength is not in ourselves, but in the great power of His Word. It gives us strength in all times and all seasons, and it speaks into our lives with power and truth.

When we spend time in the Word, learning about the Lord and who He is, we will become strong in Him. Nothing can come against the eternal truths in His Word. No lie that Satan whispers, no fear in our hearts, and no worry or anxiety can stand against the Word of the Lord. The Word is our ultimate, final defense—and it is an everlasting source of strength.

Today, if you need strength, spend time in the Word. Meditate upon the truths about the Lord—that He is loving, wise, and perfect—and pray through the armor of God. He will give you the strength you need to live a life that honors Him today.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to be strong in you. Sometimes I feel weak, as if I cannot do anything. However, I know that you sustain me through everything. Thank you for your goodness to me and help me to serve you well. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Jul 15 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. :

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Yesterday's Bible study

In this verse from Matthew, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples to minister throughout Israel. He tells them to heal the sick, raise the dead, and exorcise demons, which they are able to do because the Lord has given them power. Their actions would reveal the type of kingdom the Lord represents… a kingdom of healing and restoration.

We do not serve a God who is far away, distant from our physical bodies and pain. Much to the contrary, He is active in our lives on a tangible level. We see this through the command that Jesus gave to the disciples. He wanted them to show that He was not indifferent to human suffering, but rather, He cared deeply about people and their spiritual conditions. The physical healing that the disciples offered foreshadowed the spiritual healing that Jesus, who would soon join them, provided. Just as they healed a leper's skin, Jesus could heal a broken soul.

This means we can come to the Lord with boldness and ask for healing. He once commanded His disciples to heal; we know that it is His will to heal.

Whatever is on our hearts, whether it's a physical condition, an emotional wound, or a broken relationship, the Lord can mend with His hands. He has already healed our souls, which were once far away from Him but have now been brought near. Today, if you are in need of healing, ask the Lord to provide it. He is a healer. Even if your healing does not come immediately as you hope, you can trust that He is working all things for the good, and your suffering is not in vain. We have eternal healing promised us, and will forever enjoy a perfect union with God in Heaven.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for being a God of healing. I thank you for caring for me. Please, Lord, do heal the broken parts of me. Help me to be full in body and soul so I can honor you with my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
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