We are continuing our series about The Whole Armor of God as described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6. Throughout the series you are invited to read and study verses from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus as well as other scripture found in the Bible. You’re also invited to memorize a verse or two each week. Memorizing scripture is a way to equip your mind with messages from the Lord that will speak to you during the challenges of life, as well as help to defend you against the attacks of the evil one (Matthew 4:1-11).

 

Invite the Lord to speak to you today by praying the prayer below based on Revelation 2:7:

Lord, help me to hear what you are saying to me today so that I respond according to your will.

 

Read the amazing message from the prophet found in Isaiah 25:6-9. How is Holy Communion a preview of the feast God will prepare for his people when we are with him throughout eternity? What stands out from the verses you read?

 

Pray in response to the Lord Almighty and in gratitude for the feast he will prepare for us.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

Invite Jesus to speak to you today by praying the prayer below based on Revelation 2:7:

Jesus, help me to hear what you are saying to me today so that I respond according to your will.

 

Read Isaiah 49:5-6. These verses were written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, but they pointed towards the coming Messiah. Who is the Messiah, God’s servant, sent to reach?

 

Read Jesus’ statement about himself in John 9:5. The phrase “the world” includes all people, Jews and Gentiles.

 

Pray in response to Jesus, the light of the world. Pray that we, the church of Jesus Christ, will be his light for all people throughout the earth here and now.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you today by praying the prayer below based on Revelation 2:7:

Spirit of the living God, help me to hear what you are saying to me today so that I can respond and live according to your will.

 

Read Isaiah 59:12-21. Did you notice the connection from the words of the prophet with the imagery used by the apostle Paul to describe the Armor of God in Ephesians 6? Which word, phrase, or verse is God using to speak to you today from what you read? Pray through your day, praying about all you will do or have already done, as well as for the people you’ll encounter or the ones you encountered. Trust that God’s Spirit will give

you the words he wants you to say when it is time for you to share them.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

 

Invite God to speak to you today by praying the prayer below based on Revelation 2:7:

Father in heaven, help me to hear what you are saying to me today through scripture and the whisper of your voice within me, so that I live according to your will.

 

Read part of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus from Ephesians 1:3-14. Which

word, phrase, or verse is God using to speak to you today from what you read?

 

Pray words of praise to God for who he is, what he has done for us through Jesus, and

thank him for the blessings he has given you.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

 

Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you today by praying the prayer below based on Revelation 2:7:

Spirit of the living God, help me to hear what you are saying to me today so that I can respond and live according to your will.

 

Read the apostle Paul’s message from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 about the “Day of the Lord” and Jesus’ second coming. What stands out to you from what you read? Pray for those who are not yet believers in Christ. Eventually, we will all stand before Jesus either when we die or when he returns. Pray for courage and boldness to share the good news about Jesus with others, as well as your own testimonial.

 

Are you intentionally developing a relationship with someone who is not a Christian? If not, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you to the person/people God intends for you to help lead to Christ.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

Invite the Lord to speak to you today by praying the prayer below:

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.

 

Read Hebrews 9:27-28. Have you thought about Jesus’ second coming? Within the Apostles’ Creed we state the following belief as Christians:

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was…crucified, died, and buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living

and the dead.

 

The Apostles’ Creed is included in our baptism covenant. For those who trust in Jesus and are waiting for his second coming, the fulness of his salvation will be given to us when he returns. It will be a glorious day! Do you believe it? Confess the sins of your thoughts, words, and actions or inactions to God as you seek and receive forgiveness. Praise and thank God for sending Jesus as a perfect and holy sacrifice for our sins. Use the words of the portion of the Apostles’ Creed about Jesus to guide you in declaring your faith in our Savior and Lord yet again.

 

*Our memory verses are Jesus’ words from John 3:16-17.

 

You are strongly encouraged to observe the sabbath either today or tomorrow as a time to rest, reflect, and enjoy recreation. To learn more about the sabbath, read Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 16:31, Leviticus 23:3, and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. The questions below can be used to help with some time of reflection:

How did I see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about my experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.