Notes of Faith May 21, 2024
Armor Up!
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. — Ephesians 6:11 ESV
Woman sitting in a beach chair
Scuba diving is a popular beach excursion, and every diver wears the appropriate equipment in order to survive while exploring underwater worlds. The mask protects your eyes and clarifies your view. The scuba regulator transfers air from the scuba tank to your mouth. The fins or flippers help you swim and navigate efficiently, and the wet suit warms and protects your skin. Each piece of equipment helps ensure a successful visit to under-the-sea wonders.
Don’t take the Gospel into the world without the armor of God.
Similarly, each part of the armor Paul described in Ephesians 6:14-17 is necessary to help us successfully complete God’s mission in our lives.
God has made us the ambassadors of His redemption story — a bold move, as we are often weak on our own. Our personal inadequacy alerts us to armor up, so we put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. This precious covering, these spiritual tools, aid us in deflecting the darts of the enemy so we can bring forth God’s plans and kingdom.
This armor doesn’t weigh us down; it enables us to thrive in our mission to minister the kingdom of light. Like scuba divers jumping into watery depths, we use the proper gear so we can thwart evil “schemes” and reveal God’s plan of redemption. Just as you would never travel underwater without scuba equipment, don’t take the Gospel into the world without the armor of God.
Father, give me the tools I need to be an effective part of Your good plan for creation, prepared to outplay the evil one.
Excerpted from Devotions from the Beach, copyright Thomas Nelson.
The Cushion of the Sea
Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
A number of years ago, a submarine being tested had to be submerged for several hours. Upon returning to harbor, the captain was asked, “How did that terrible storm last night affect you?” Surprised, the captain exclaimed, “Storm? We didn’t even know there was one!” Their submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached what sailors refer to as “the cushion of the sea”—a depth in the ocean where the waters below are never stirred despite any commotion on the surface.1
In our fast-paced world, it is a challenge to slow down and remember that God is in control. We are a society of “do-everything,” “go-everywhere,” “get-it-done” people who mistakenly believe we can handle everything if we just keep going. In reality, we need to become so submerged in God’s peace that no matter what’s happening in our life, we are able to remain as calm as “the cushion of the sea.”
If you feel overwhelmed, bogged down, or burnt out, add one more activity to your daily schedule: Spend time with Almighty God. It is the only way to reach the depth needed to find true calm in the midst of any storm.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we try to live too fast.
Peter Marshall
The more intimate our relationship with God, the more prepared we are for any circumstance this life, world, the devil, or anything else that comes our way. Speak often with God. Read His Word daily and again, hear Him speak to you. Allow His Spirit within you to lead, guide and direct your thoughts and actions. You will be at peace in all things, no matter what is going on.
Pastor Dale