Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 6:10-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Verse 11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Verse 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Verse 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Verse 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. Verse 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Verse 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Verse 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Verse 19Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, Verse 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Devotion
What kinds of shoes do you have in your closet? Perhaps there is something special for those formal occasions. Perhaps you have specialty shoes for sports or dance. Perhaps there is something for stormy weather or working in the garden. What shoes will you put on today?
St. Paul gives good advice for the well-dressed Christian ready for action in the world. Besides the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, he says “as for shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” These are to be our everyday, go-anywhere shoes, ready to take you to places that need God’s word of peace. With boldness, speak the word that is given to you through the Spirit. Step out with confidence in the name of Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, dress me today for work in your kingdom. Move me to the places where your word of peace can be heard. Bless those throughout the world who make known the mystery of the gospel. Amen.