Take: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Take

            Take up the armor

            gift of ability

            to withstand by

            grace’s protective one

            trusted and proven

            given as a choice

            to each individual

            God’s abundant pardon

            timeless invitation.

Reflection: Withstand: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     The Lord says to take the whole, but we often only take a portion. Why?

2.     In what areas are you most vulnerable? How do you lean on the Lord for His protection?

3.     In what areas are you most strong? Do you still lean on His strength? Why or why not?

       Share: Where do you need help to stand firm today?

Withstand: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Ephesians 6:13

“Therefore, 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.

No sugarcoating. No deceit. No pretense.

“On that evil day” that will happen. The definition of the evil day may change. And sometimes we cannot always identify what or why another considers a day evil or cruel or desperate.

But the Lord does. He knows what is a breaking point for each of us. He knows what turns our heart into fear or ice. He knows the battles within and without.

“Take.” He cares. He protects. He gives the warning.

He allows us to choose whether or not to accept His armor.

And yet we still resist, or pick and choose when, or if, we will take a portion. Maybe denial of the battle we face. Maybe we don’t want to admit our weakness. Maybe we don’t want to ‘owe’ Him, or think we have to.

“So that you may be able to withstand.”

Only His armor can give us full protection. Only in His graceful love can we stand.

Lord, please give us the humility to accept Your pardon and protection.

Psalm of Worship: Isaiah 55:7

“Let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”