Bible Passages

Read Ephesians 6:10-17.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 (NASB1995)

Where the word of a king is, there is power …

Ecclesiastes 8:4 (NASB1995)

Devotion

We’ve all heard that knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you grow. Gather to yourself all the knowledge you can find. However, if you don’t share what you know, all that information is just useless junk taking up room in your head, collecting dust and making it difficult to put important, useful stuff in there. Choose wisely which tidbits of knowledge you keep. This wisdom will lead you to true power.

In school, you do battle in an exam. If you do your homework, you have a better chance of passing a test. It seems easy enough, but there are many distractions that take you away from your studies. Playing with friends is a big one. Doing chores or working to pay for your schooling is another. Make time for absorbing the knowledge you must have to pass a test. Showing your knowledge on a test proves to the test administrator that you have learned the assigned information. Even if it’s a small test or pop quiz, showing mastery of a topic allows you to continue learning at the next level.

In a debate, knowing all sides of a topic prepares you to fight a battle of wits with your opponents. When you know the topic, your argument can be rich in data points. By looking at all sides of the issue, you are armed against any attack. No matter how many opponents you face, you are ready to defend your point-of-view. By doing sufficient research and preparation, you will win the day.

At work, the best way to get ahead in the battle to the top is to know your job and do it well. If your company brings in something new (like a new process or piece of equipment), especially if it seems hard, volunteer to learn it. By choosing to do hard things, you will become essential to those who run the company. When they know who you are, you get their attention. By taking the hard tasks, you are bringing God’s blessings on your work. When it comes time for promotions, pay raises, or bonuses, you will be on their minds. You will be amazed at the rewards you will reap when you sow seeds into your workplace.

In life, you have to know a lot of things in order to do battle properly. You have to know how to keep up with your bills. You have to know if you have enough money for a taxi or rideshare or bus fare or gasoline to get where you are going, and know how to get there (or how to work your GPS app). There are a million things to keep track of at once. When a spouse and kids are added in the mix, those million things quickly become a billion things. Knowing how and when to juggle everything leads to a successful, stress-free life.

In your spiritual life, you ready yourself by studying the Bible. Everyone is different, and learning styles are unique to each person. Study in the manner best-suited to you. Be aware that some books are a little dry and difficult for beginners. There are pages of so-and-so begat doo-ma-flotchy or King Such-and-such did this, that, and the other thing. Don’t get bogged down in the details at first. Remember, Shakespeare and Hemingway are for the more experienced readers. It’s okay to bypass some things until you’re ready to tackle them.

God only cares that you are making the effort. He has put people, videos, books, social media, and so many other avenues, in your path for you. All you have to do is look. When your next battle comes, you will be much better prepared. Share the knowledge you gained from Bible study, and your victory for God will be much sweeter!

Prayer Focus

People who need greater Bible knowledge.

Prayer

Great and mighty God, I thank You for Your guidance in arming me with the exact Scriptures I will need for my next battle. I will study Your words and use them like a sword against my enemies. Mold me into a spiritual weapon, burnished in Your love. Arm me through Your grace and glory to win every battle, that I may glorify Your name and Your kingdom. Amen.

Final Thought

Arm yourself for the coming battle.