The protective gear that Paul describes here in Ephesians is specific to the dangers you and I face. The apostle not only tells to don the right protective gear, but he describes precisely what kind of hazard this gear is designed to deflect. And the phrase he uses is “the devil’s _schemes.” _Recognizing this will help us see why the equipment God has given us is more than up to the task – and how to use it.

One popular way parents can help their children overcome the sizzling heat of summer is a game called, "Fill The Bucket." The dynamics of marriage, that Paul describes here in Ephesians, has a lot in common with this game.

Back in the early 2000s, a wedding trend emerged called “Trash the Dress.”  Newlyweds dirty up and destroy their gown while making sure that it’s all caught on camera. But what Paul describes for us here in Ephesians, is a little like watching one of those “Trash the Dress” home videos in reverse. In face, in Holy Baptism, we've been given a whole new dress._ _

Have you ever thought of what you might do if you were God?  It's tempting to look at the world around us, see its imperfections, and conclude that “Things could be done better – if I were God.” Would it?

Our lips may say one thing while our hearts say another. Let’s face it, talk is easy. It was that way in Isaiah’s day, at the the of the disciples, and it's still that way today. But, thankfully, you and I have a Savior who shows us His love and keeps His Word.

It surprises us to hear that not everyone wanted to hear what Jesus had to say, and surprisingly, John tells us that even included some of His disciples. But by God's grace, and in faith, we rejoice with Peter to hear from our Savior the words of eternal life.