EPHESIANS 6:11

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

TO PONDER

Our son Aaron as been playing ice hockey in Newcastle now for a number of years. He loves it, and to be honest, it is a fast paced action packed sport that is also a lot of fun to watch, especially in summer when other parents are sweltering at the side of a cricket oval and I'm watching my kids in sub zero air conditioning!

But ice hockey, while a lot of fun, also comes with its fair share of risk of injury. Despite the fact that these kids are still fairly young, they have been training on the ice for a while now and they get some speed behind them on their skates. Padded shorts and a helmet are a must for protection against speed skating injuries. Unlike soccer and tennis, Ice hockey doesn't use a soft bouncy ball, instead it's a solid, hard, plastic disc. Plastic chest guards, arm and shin guards, gloves and again the helmet, are the go-to equipment to combat a speeding hockey puck. You might think that's enough but the hockey skates have quite sharp edges and so neck guards are also required safety equipment just in case someone does fall on the ice and gets tangled in another players skates.

All this is necessary to combat the risk of injury while engaging in something fun.

Similarly, our life of following Jesus is supposed to be fun. Not always free of obstacles, after all, a game of ice hockey isn't much fun without an opposing team to get in the way and make it harder. The same is true of life with Jesus. By becoming part of Jesus team, we put ourselves against whatever plans the devil may have to distract and divert us from the goal of a life lived in the mighty power of God (see yesterday's devotion).

If you are going to enter this arena without the full armour of God to protect and guard you, it's like stepping out on the ice in the middle of a hockey game with no protective gear; you are going to get hurt. But the great thing is, God knows what we need to endure the fight and he has given us everything we need. Righteousness, salvation, truth, peace, His Word and His Spirit - it's all there so that we can get busy having fun living in the fulness of life that has been won for us by Jesus. So put on the Armour of God and get in the game!

PRAYER: Lord God, thank you that I have been called to be a part of your team, your holy people.Please help me to remember that each day I am going into a spiritual battle and should go only fully aware of and equipped with all the gifts and promises you have given me through Jesus. Lead me not into temptation and deliver me from evil, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, the glory and the victory, for ever and ever. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle