Full armor of God

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. - Ephesians 6:13

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Reflecting on the pastoral writings of St. Paul in Ephesians 6:12-24, and the historical context of Ephesus, a major port city in Aia Minor known for trade, idolatry, and the Temple of Artemis.

The newly converted Christians faced tremendous pressures from the strong pagan culture to uphold their Christian faith & beliefs. St. Paul wrote this pastoral letter, encouraging them to daily put on God’s armor to protect themselves against the spiritual onslaught and stand firm in the completed work of Christ. 

Relating to the Scripture & my own conversion experiences, as the only believer in my immediate family, I’m reminded that I’m also called to bear witness of my faith to them so that one day, they might come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as LORD & Saviour, and stand firm in my faith by putting on God’s Armor daily. 

I’ll close my short sharing with this song by Chisty Nockels, “Head to Toe”. My prayer is that  all of us  will be covered from head to toe in His Armor.

Head to Toe | by Christy Nockels 

Verse 1 

Little one be strong 

In the power of the Lord 

And let the keeper of the stars keep 

Your heart forevermore 

Verse 2 

Even though you might be small 

It is in you His kingdom reigns 

And from your mouth the Lord has made 

A fountain for His praise. 

Chorus 

And with His righteousness, across your chest 

Salvation for your head 

The belt of truth, around you now 

With the shield of faith in hand 

And with His peace, upon your feet 

Everywhere you go 

His word will be the sword you keep 

You're covered head to toe

You’re covered head to toe 

Verse 3 

Oh the night is quickly fading 

And the day will soon break in 

And with the dawn the Lord will give 

The grace you need to stand 

Verse 4 

And turn your worries into songs 

Put on your covering of light

And you will long outlast the darkness 

Because He's with you in this fight 

(Repeat Chorus) 

Ending 

And with His peace, upon your feet 

Everywhere you go 

His word will be the sword you keep 

You're covered head to toe 

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Reflection on Ephesians 6:12-24 by Chris Tan

Making melody in your heart

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:19–20 

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Our Scripture verse reminds us of the importance of praising God and giving thanks to Him, every day. 

The apostle Paul encourages us to speak to one another through psalms and hymns. Singing is more than just making music; it is a way of expressing our love, faith, and trust in God. Our praise should not only come from our voice but also from our hearts. Some people are shy to sing, or feel their voice is not good enough. However, our praise is for the Lord and must come from our hearts, no matter the quality of our voice or shyness.

Even when life becomes difficult, we must still praise the Lord. No matter what you are facing today, there is always a reason to trust God and give Him praise. Just like Paul and Barnabas that was captive in their prison cell. Normal human reaction would be to be depressed and afraid and even angry. However, they rejoiced and praised God. Let’s follow their example: in whatever situation, singing a song of praise despite life’s circumstances.

The apostle Paul give us a simple but important way of life:  ‘’make melody in our hearts to the Lord’’ (Ephesians 5:19) and to give thanks always to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). Giving thanks does not mean that everything in life goes well. It means that even in difficult times, we trust that God is with us. The British missionary, Gladys Aylward, worked in China and Taiwan for most of her life. She often said ''Here I was worrying about my journey while God was helping me all the way’’ A thankful heart helps us to focus on what God has already done for us and is with us in our circumstances.

Let’s thank our Lord for His protection, His provision, His mercy, and above all, the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Reflection on Ephesians 5:15-33 by Hanne

You are light | Lux in Domino

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true – Ephesians 5: 8-9.

 

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, as we all know, once we receive baptism, we become children of God. We receive special grace to live a life worthy of God’s call. We are completely forgiven of our sinful past and granted a new life. God wants us to live in holiness according to His will - God the Father desires that we live as children of love and light, just like His Son, Jesus, whom we are called to imitate.

As children of light, God asks us to renounce our former, worldly ways and turn away from every kind of impurity. He calls us to avoid evil talk and to guard ourselves against corrupting influences. Nothing is hidden from God; He sees into the very depths of our hearts. As children of light, our calling is to produce good fruit through righteous deeds, truth, and goodness.

The world we live in can be deeply deceiving, which is why God calls us to remain vigilant and awake. We must not surrender ourselves to the devil but rather yield completely to the Holy Spirit. Dear friends, let us submit our lives into the hands of God and allow Him to work through us. May God bless each and every one of us.

 

Bible Reflection on Ephesians 5: 1-14 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)