DAY 10 - PLAYING WITH PAPER ARMOR
Our God has equipped each of us with the tools we need for battle.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
OUR DEVOTIONAL
As a veteran of children’s ministry, when I read Ephesians 6 about the Armor of God, my mind immediately goes to craft time with the kids. Children learn how the Lord provides tools to protect us and help us fight in battle against the enemy. Super cute cardboard swords, paper bag “breastplate” vests and all the pieces that young children have fun assembling always produce a memorable experience in the classroom. I seriously LOVE this lesson! But today my mind was blown.
As I read Ephesians a few minutes ago, instead of adorable paper armor, my mind recalled a jarring battle scene from a movie series I’ve seen a number of times: The enemy army is coming. Outnumbered heroes prepare for the fight of their lives; weapons are sharpened and at hand, armor is tightened, helmets adjusted. The enemy attacks, expecting an easy victory, but NO! Our valiant heroes are ready and counter attack with everything in them. Reinforcements arrive also ready for battle and the enemy is soundly defeated. WOW!
No battle is won by underestimating the enemy. Weak defenses and nonexistent weapons are no match for a deadly adversary. Our very real enemy is completely focused on the mission to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) …yet how often have we found ourselves playing around with paper armor when confronted with attack? Ephesians 6 is clear that believers have an unbeatable arsenal at our fingertips, however the best weapon is no use if it sits idle. Our battle is NOW and we must be proactive. Prepare the defenses, sharpen the weapons, stay alert, and fight with every tool the Lord has given us!
FAMILY MOMENT
Making paper armor is an excellent activity for the whole family. Butcher paper, paper bags, scissors, glue and decorative embellishments come together for a true memory maker. As each person assembles and wears each piece of armor, read Ephesians 6:13-17 and discuss how every piece works together to protect the wearer and defeat the enemy.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
It takes courage to look deep within and ask the Lord to reveal areas where we may fall short: Am I playing with paper armor while the enemy attacks? Have I forgotten to prepare the very real armor that He has provided? Am I ready for battle today?
Lord God, I pray You open my eyes to where I’ve fallen short. Help me prepare for the attacks of the enemy by effectively exercising each piece of the armor You provide. Help me stay alert and ready! In Jesus’ name, amen.