Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Today we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 a quick reminder that we, as believers, are of the day. So, let’s take a look at Ephesians 5:8-9 in the New Living Translation. Even though it is not a literal translation but a paraphrase of God’s Word, it reads clearly on what we are to do as believers, since we are of the day. “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.” Here, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, God reminds us that the darkness is not where we need to be living. God also mentions that we have the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation. The breastplate of a Roman soldier protected his heart. As believers, our faith in Christ and our love of Christ protects our hearts from being swayed by the temptations of this world. We choose to trust Christ in all areas of our lives. We also choose to love Christ and His Word with all our heart. The helmet of the Roman soldier guarded his head and his brain from injury. For us, as believers, our hope of salvation in Christ guards our minds against doubt, deception, lies, falsehood, etc…. We must choose to be renewed in our minds daily, so our hope is secure in Christ and our minds are renewed by His Word (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 4:23).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your faith and love in Him and also about your hope of salvation in Him?
2. How will you choose to put into practice what God has taught you today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!