Mon.’s Devo - Be Equipped to Stand

Read: Isaiah 54:1-57:14; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8 Isaiah spoke prosperity into a barren nation who had been so disgraced and humiliated. God was bringing restoration and redemption to them. God’s discipline time was over and with love and compassion he was welcoming them back to him. He was bringing them back to a place where they and their families would be able to rest in peace and security under a just government. All the nations that come against them now will be defeated. No weapon will prosper against them. This new promise to them was not just to the young Israelite but to the old, the outcast and the foreigner. It was for anyone who wanted to be a part of God’s people. God rebuked the blind and ignorant leaders, prophets and pastors. They had been intent on personal gain and their own entertainment. Those that had followed the idolatry of the nations they were taken captive in would be punished for their crimes. Their idols would not protect them from God’s punishment. Those who trusted in the Lord during exile would inherit the land and possess the holy mountain of Jerusalem. In Ephesians, Paul spoke to the individual as Isaiah spoke to the nation. He told them to obey their parents and to honor them because this was the right thing to do. He told employees to honor their bosses and to work as if they were working for the Lord. He spoke to the bosses and told them to treat their employees like they would want God to treat them. He reminded them to be strong in God’s power and to remember that they are not fighting people but spirits in high places. They would need every piece of armor to resist the enemy. They were told to put on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and to take the Word of God into every situation. Also, to pray in the Spirit, stay alert and don’t give up on their praying. Paul also asked for prayer for himself to he could adequately proclaim the truth of God’s Good News. Lord, may we walk in your armor surrounded in your presence today.