Topic: Guard Your Heart [Joyce Meyer Devotional 1 December 2020]
Click HERE for Previous Devotionals
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God.— Ephesians 6:14 (AMPC)
Breastplate – Armor for the heart
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing fact: Jesus did not die so we could have a religion. He died so we could receive forgiveness for our sins, be made right with God, and enjoy a deep, genuine friendship with Him.
Religion is people’s attempt to get to a place where God will accept them; it is humanity’s idea of God’s expectations. But Christianity is different—it isn’t about us striving to get to God, but about God coming down to humanity in the person of Jesus Christ to rebuilding the bridge between us so we could have relationship with Him.
Righteousness is described in the Bible as a breastplate that covers, or protects, the heart or spirit of a person (see Ephesians 6:14). Our spirits need to be covered with righteousness if we’re to have rich fellowship with God and walk in freedom. That’s why Jesus took on our sin—so we could become His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). God gives us righteousness by His grace, but we are the ones who choose to receive it by faith and walk in it.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for providing me with the breastplate of righteousness through Jesus. Please help me remember to put it on every day so my heart is fully protected from the enemy’s attacks. In Jesus’ name, amen