May 13 — To Be Intentionally Diligent. Ephesians 6:11-18 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
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To be intentionally diligent requires effort every day of our lives. The visual Paul painted in Ephesians reminds Christians how they can be protected in the spiritual battlefield of life. Don’t forget the last item on Paul’s list shan’t be overlooked beloved! Bathing everything we do in prayer not only keeps the line of communication open, but it strengthens our relationship with Him as well.
The LDS reference we’re looking at today is straight from the scary files. Jean Bingham, LDS Relief Society President, reminded women to have the courage and wisdom of their ‘Mother Eve’.
We’re wondering…
How was it courageous to disobey God?
Why would Eve be considered full of wisdom when she’s half the reason everyone was separated from God?
Puritan John Owen said, ‘You’re either actively killing sin, or it’s killing you’. We need the protection God has given us, and actively put on our armor to engage in the daily spiritual warfare we come across in the battlefield of life. Ms. Bingham’s teaching is definitely one of the landmines we need to avoid by rejecting what she had to offer!
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United in Accomplishing God’s Work “Today, “we need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve” to unite with their brethren in bringing souls unto Christ. Men need to become true partners rather than assume they are solely responsible or act as “pretend” partners while women carry out much of the work.” — Jean B. Bingham
“And he stretched his hand toward his disciples and said, behold my mother and my brothers. For whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same shall be my brother, sister and my mother” (Matthew 12:49.50)