JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith Building Verses are Psalm 20, verses 7 and 8.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

Chariots and horses would have represented military power at the time these words were written.  Some people find their security in the weapons of this world. But God’s people find strength in the armor of God. These are not military weapons, but weapons of righteousness. They are reliable for helping us to stand firm in the faith.

Ephesians 6 identifies them as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, ready feet to go and share the Gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Verse 13 says, “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand.”

These faith-building verses inspire us to trust in the name of Jesus on the spiritual battlefield of life in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Ephesians 6:10.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to this church: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and sometimes the battle gets intense. The devil has declared war over our souls, and he wants to deceive us into believing his lies. He tempts us, and then accuses us. But the good news here is that God is stronger, and He makes His mighty power available for us to fight the good fight of faith.

He provides us with weapons of righteousness. These are not weapons used by the world.  These weapons include the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

These are a few of the helpful tools for building our faith and taking our stand against evil influences in the world.

Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to a place of having a strong faith that resists the devil in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com