The Courage to Stand

Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, July 21, 2022

Today’s Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:13 (ESV): “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 firm.”

In the House of Prayer, we have been on a study series on the first epistle of Peter. We have had a robust conversation on chapter 4 verse 16 which admonishes that Christians should not be ashamed or afraid to suffer for Christ. Rather, they should glorify God in it. Unfortunately, the advent of convenient gospel has jolted today’s believers into a watered-down, pampered, spineless and anemic faith that is not willing to stand up and be counted in, or with, Christ’s suffering.

We only embrace God’s promises; we loathe any ray or face of problem related to faith. Literarily, we have shun the First Century Christian pattern that seeks to live or die for Christ, if need be. We do all diligence to remove the landmarks of persecution and perseverance from our preaching, teaching, and expectations. But today, we are charged — as soldiers for Jesus — to put on God’s whole armor, and brace up for the uneasy paths, and be ready to face any danger or death.

We can learn from the early apostles. And we can learn from Northern Nigerian Christians who have been pushed to the breaking point; yet continue to maintain outstanding courage to stand, and keep on living for Christ despite horrors, persecution and death. Amid poverty and pain, their extraordinary faith continues to challenge the rest of us across the globe to love God deeper, and put on the courage to stand regardless of what we face.

Quote for the Day: “Jesus is seated at the right hand of God; a position affirming His mystic preeminent-equality within the Godhead. He only stands in divine majestic ovation for His martyrs. He did it for Stephen; and because He is faithful still, He will do it for all." (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ, a deep-rooted believer that is honest, bold, devoted and courageous to follow You and stand up for You to the very end. Give me, O Lord, the courage to follow You more devotedly, in Jesus' name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

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