Ephesians 6:14 - 17 (NKJV) - " Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should."
Paul challenges his readers to remain alert. Alert means to be ready, watching so that a calamitous tragedy doesn't overtake us. So we pray, asking God to help us be on guard against sin, so we overcome the schemes of the devil, and no one takes us captive through philosophy and empty deception (Ephesians 6:11; Colossians 2:8).
Luke 22:40, 46 tells us to pray so that we don't enter into temptation.
Acts 20:29-31a calls us to pray that false teachers and false doctrines don't overtake us.
1 Corinthians 16:13 challenges us to pray that we remain strong and steadfast in the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 says to pray that we remain sober, and don't spiritually fall sleep.
1 Peter 5:18 warns us to pray that we're alert, watching for Satan, his schemes, and his deceptions.
And in Matthew 25:13 we are to pray that we're alert, watching for Christ's coming.
Today, ponder over how you can stay alert in the battle. That you do not fall into the deceptions of the Evil One.
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