Daily Devotional
Moving from Milk Bottles to Mighty Battles
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:10-13
October 14, 2023
Ponder This
The Apostle John said in 1 John 2:12, “I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” That’s the blessing of getting saved. Thank God my sins are forgiven, and I’m on my way to Heaven. That’s the main thing a little child is concerned about, getting to Heaven. When a little child gives his testimony, he’ll go all the way back to the only testimony he has, about how he got saved and how his sins are forgiven and that is wonderful.
But there are more stages than just childhood in the faith. There is also the triumphant warfare of manhood. That means you are no longer on milk bottles but in mighty battles. So many people can say they’re saved, but they’re not workers, not warriors, not in the battle. They have simply gotten saved and said, “Hallelujah, thank God, my sins are forgiven,” and there they’ve stopped.
It is time to move on to the next stage in your faith. Dive in deep, serve God, and get into the battle. John says the Word of God has made you strong and you’ve overcome the wicked one. Well, you say, “I’m not afraid of the devil.” That’s not even the question. The question is, “Is the devil afraid of you?” Are you any threat to Satan’s kingdom? Are you living for the Lord with your life?
- How would you assess your level of spiritual maturity? Are you a baby Christian? Are you mighty in battle? Are you mature in your faith?
- In what specific ways have you experienced growth in Christ?
Practice This
Talk to a pastor or another mature Christian you know and ask that person to share how he or she has grown in the faith.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
