Our Daily Bread Today 29 April 2024 Devotional: Pray and Watch
Welcome!!! Read Our Daily Bread Today’s Devotional for Monday. The word of God is food to the spirit man. Read and digest the word of the Lord for today and see how powerfully it will impact you.
Our Daily Bread Ministries is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. Read More Daily Devotional Message on DAILYDEVOTIONAL
Today’s Topic: Pray And Watch
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
Key Verse: Pray in the Spirit on all occasions . . . be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20
OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL 29TH APRIL 2024 INSIGHT:
Paul often uses military images to illustrate the life of the believer in Jesus (Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4). Paul reminds us that the believer is engaged in a spiritual battle against Satan and his evil forces (Ephesians 6:11-12). Just as physical armor protects the soldier in the battlefield, the armor of God protects us in our spiritual battle. Most of this armor is defensive, except for the “sword of the Spirit” (v. 17). Christ used the Scripture to overcome the devil (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:4-12). We too must use God’s truth to respond to the enemy’s attacks (John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12).
OUR DAILY BREAD GUIDE FOR 29 APRIL 2024 MESSAGE
When fighting spiritual battles, believers in Jesus should take prayer seriously. A Florida woman found out how dangerous it can be, however, to practice it unwisely. When she prayed, she closed her eyes. But while driving one day and praying (with eyes shut!), she failed to stop at a stop sign, flew through an intersection, and went offroad into a homeowner’s yard. She then tried unsuccessfully to back off the lawn. Though not injured, she was given a police citation for reckless driving and property damage. This prayer warrior missed a key part of Ephesians 6:18: be alert.
As part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul includes two final pieces. First, we should fight spiritual battles with prayer. This means praying in the Spirit—relying on His power. Also, resting in His guidance and responding to His promptings—praying all kinds of prayers on all occasions (v. 18). Second, Paul encouraged us to “be alert.” Spiritual alertness can aid us in being prepared for Jesus’ return (Mark 13:33), gaining victory over temptation (14:38), and interceding for other believers (Ephesians 6:18).
As we fight spiritual battles daily, let’s permeate our lives with a “pray and watch” approach—combating evil powers and piercing the darkness with the light of Christ. By: Marvin Williams
Today’s Reflect & Prayer
How can having a “pray and watch” mindset help you fight spiritual battles? What does it mean for you to stay spiritually alert?
Dear God, please help me to watch and pray for myself and others.
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