James 1:21

Scripture: James 1:21
21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
 
Observations:
Evil is so prevalent! We'd like to think that we are getting worse and worse as the generations go by, but evil has always been SO prevalent. We are called as Christians to recognize moral filth and have nothing to do with it. I wish we could literally put our moral filth in a box and throw it away. I wish it was that simple. It's a continuous process for me to go through and pray about various aspects of my life, and ask God what He needs me to get rid of.  It does take humility and our submission of our lives to God to accept the word. It's so easy to let our pride say "well that's not really any harm! it's just a little bit, and I can manage it" and ignore God's calling to get rid of it.
 
Application:
Looking into my heart and into my daily habits, searching for what it is that God is calling me to get rid of. Are my eyes open to the evil around me and actively rejecting it, or am I accepting of it? Is evil normal to me? Am I humbly accepting the word, or am I dragging my feet and dreading the word?
 
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for planting the word in us and giving us salvation. Speak to us and let us know how to better rid ourselves of moral filth and be protected from evil. Help us to recognize those areas so we can better serve you. In Christ's name I pray, amen.

Ephesians 6:16-20

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16-20 

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Observations:
Whenever I open my mouth, I want to be fearless and efficient. Not just saying what is hard to say, but saying it in a way that reveals the truth and grace of Christ! Yes, please!

Application:
What flaming arrows is the evil one attacking me with? How can my faith shield me from them? Is it my past? Guilt? Worry? Is he telling me that I'm unhappy or lacking? Is he saying that I'm unloved? All those are untrue and void because of Jesus. Our faith shield needs to be held up. When we set it down we get hit.  All the armor we've put on is defensive except for the sword. The word of God is our weapon, our way of fighting back. When we know it, share it, speak it, sing it, read it, pursue it, and live it, we are taking a swing and a stab at Satan.

Prayer:
Jesus, help us to be fearless warriors for You. Women of prayer and strength. Women who don't fall for Satan's lies. Women who use our words not to hurt others, but to make Your grace evident. Help us to hold up our shields of faith. Encourage our hearts to pursue You with renewed vigor. Unfold the hearts of our loved ones and friends, and help us to be bold and talk about You. All these things we ask in Your holy name, amen.