The Armor of God

 “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty 

power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that

you can take your stand against Satan’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

“The Armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:10-18, is a spiritual defense strategy against evil, comprising a belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (Word of God).  It is designed to help believers stand firm in spiritual warfare by relying on God’s strength.”

~ anonymous 

The Spirit God Gave Us

 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make

us a spirit of fear, but of power, of

love and sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“We all have so many opportunities to live worried, afraid, wondering what’s going to happen. Seeing so much violence, suffering, and division today, many people live with a troubled mind, a worried mind, a doubting mind, a negative mind. They’re on edge, thinking, “What if the economy goes down? What if the violence gets worse? How can I protect my family?” The enemy knows to target our mind with fear, defeat, and uncertainty. He knows if he can control your thoughts, he can control your life.

But the apostle Paul says God has given us a sound mind, a positive mind, a hopeful mind. It’s a mind that’s at peace, that knows God is in control, that He’s ordering your steps. A sound mind is focused on God’s promises, not on problems. It’s looking at how big our God is, not how big the challenge is. A sound mind isn’t discouraged about the bad break; it’s expecting God to open a new door. That’s the way God created us to live—positive, peaceful, trusting. Negativity and fear can’t stay in a mind full of hope and power.”

~ Joel Olsteen Devotional

Blessings

 “The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you;

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you 

and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

“When someone blesses you, it means they are wishing you well, offering divine favor, showing approval, or expressing kindness, ranging from a polite “God bless you” after a sneeze to a spiritual acknowledgment of your worth, signifying they see goodness and want to support your happiness and prosperity.  

The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring for others.”

~anonymous 

New Thing

 “Forget the former thing; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not

perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness 

and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

These verses sends a message of hope for anyone feeling stuck or fearful, encouraging them to trust God's power to bring new things and work through present difficulties, focusing on His redemptive promises rather than past failures. 

Rest and Refresh

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he

leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:12

“God’s provision of rest, nourishment, and peace, using the imagery of a shepherd guiding his flock.  “Green pastures” represent spiritual nourishment and renewal, and “still waters” symbolize a place of tranquility, not a stagnant pond but a calm, safe stream.  This verse illustrates that God actively guides and cares for believers, causing them to lie down when they might not know how to rest themselves. “

~ anonymous 

Great Joy

 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will bring great joy to the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on

whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

God’s Love and Joy

 “The Lord your God is with you, a mighty one

who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love, he will exult

over you with loud singing,”

Zephaniah 3:17

 “God’s presence, power, and love for his people, promising that the Lord, a mighty warrior in their midst, will save them, rejoice over them with gladness, quiet them with his love, and sing over them with joy, offering immense comfort and assurance against fear.  

The Lord your God is with you.  The scripture speaks of God’s personal delight in His people, promising restoration and a powerful, loving presence even during times of trouble.”

~ anonymous