14 Day Fast: Day 10

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–12 (NASB1995)
 
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
 
Devotional Thought:
Have you ever seen a team argue with each other while their opponent runs up the score? That’s what happens when we forget who the real enemy is. We waste time and energy fighting each other, all while the enemy advances unchecked. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that our enemy is not each other—but the spiritual forces working to destroy our unity, our witness, and our purpose.
 
Paul says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” Why would he say that? Because starting in chapter 6, Paul walks us through relational dynamics children and parents, bondservants and masters (work relationship). It’s all about how we treat one another. Then in verse 7, he says something crucial:
 
“With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”
 
Here’s the pivot point our fellowship with one another is not based on how people treat us, but how we honor God in how we treat them. Every act of obedience, every moment of patience, every encouraging word is to be view as service rendered to God. When we choose to forgive, when we choose to edify, when we choose not to gossip, we are choosing to fight—not with each other, but for each other.
 
This week, especially as we gather for worship, let’s shift our focus:
•Not on who did what to us
•But on how we can serve the Lord by serving each other.
 
Before you step into church this Sunday, pause and ask: “Am I focused on the Lord or on people?” Let that shape your attitude in the parking lot, in the sanctuary, during fellowship. Are your words, posture, and spirit rendering service to God or reacting to man?
 
Takeaway for Today:
Spiritual warfare begins with a spiritual focus. Don’t fight people fight for them. Serve the Lord by loving His people.
 
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for the times we’ve allowed offense, misunderstanding, or pride to become our focus. We repent for fighting the wrong battles and forgetting who the true enemy is. Help us walk into this week with spiritual eyes seeing beyond the surface, responding in love, and choosing to render every act as unto You. Strengthen us in Your might, and clothe us in Your armor as we stand firm together not divided, but united in Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Supporting Scriptures for Study:
Colossians 3:23–24 – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…”
1 Peter 5:8–9 – “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around…”
Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
Let’s stop making enemies out of family. Let’s correct and cover one another. Let’s stand strong in God’s might — not our own moods or opinions.