Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- March 12, 2013
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:14
The most strategic piece of spiritual armor may be the breastplate of righteousness. All other weapons are directly affected by this central defensive device for God. At salvation a new believer is made righteous in Christ, but going forward there growth in grace that is practical righteousness lived out day by day. Indeed, the breastplate covers vital organs that give life. Likewise, holiness protects the heart of affection, the well of emotion and the lungs of prayer.
A holy heart of affection sets its sights on loving God. These warriors of the light are enamored with their Savior’s agenda, not their own. So, when you put on the breastplate of righteousness you invite the Holy Spirit to be your suitor. Nothing else and no one else is a close competitor in your loyalty to the Lord Jesus. As a #2 pencil is unable to penetrate a steel door, so the fiery darts of the devil fall harmlessly to the ground when encountering Christ’s righteousness in you.
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22
Emotions exposed are fair game for the enemy. The devil loves drama, so he can sow seeds of confusion to create a crisis. However, when our emotions are under the influence of righteousness, we do not submit to sideways energy. We keep the bigger picture of what God is doing. Our central focus is Jesus, not our own interests. Under the Holy Spirit’s control we channel our emotions into productive prayers and selfless service. Righteousness avoids wounds.
Satan aimlessly attempts to scratch through your steel plate of righteousness, but to no avail. His taunting and pawing tries to constrict your spiritual breath with fear, but he is rebuffed by your righteous prayers. Yes, you exhale any uncleanliness in humble confession and you inhale by faith the clean air of God’s grace. Your prayers are a result of righteousness and they result in righteousness. Therefore, you can trust the Lord. He has your front and He’s got your back!
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
Prayer: Heavenly Father I am grateful for Your protection by the righteousness I have in Christ.
Related Readings: Psalm 132:9; Isaiah 59:17; 1 Corinthains 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Post/Tweet today: Your prayers are a result of righteousness and they result in righteousness. #prayer
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Thank you for your faithfulness in the call of the Lord.
In Ephesians, it is actually the Shield of Faith that quenches the fiery darts of the evil one, not the Breastplate of Righteousness. They are both parts of the Armor of God, though.