Scripture to Memorize
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Passage to Read
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10–12
Guided Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I want to be strong in you and in your mighty power. Today I put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the Enemy’s schemes, for my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Lord, help me to arm myself for battle and to never forget that my family, friends, and foes are not the enemy. The enemy is spiritual. Holy Spirit, equip me for the spiritual battles I will face today and every day. Teach me that I might teach my children how to wage war and win decisively for the kingdom’s sake. Amen.
Personal
Just as you wouldn’t send your family out into the world undressed physically, you shouldn’t send them out undressed spiritually. The armor of God (see Eph. 6:14–18) includes:
Truth—knowing what’s right
Righteousness—doing what’s right
Peace—being in right relationship with God, yourself, and the world around you
Faith—believing God will turn everything out right
Salvation—trusting that you are right with God because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross
The Word of God—giving us the wisdom we need to understand truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation
Prayer—inviting the power of God into our lives, enabling us to live right
As you gather at the family breakfast table, take a few moments to ensure that everyone is dressed and ready to face the day. Talk about any scheduled events and apply God’s truth to the situation. Invite your children to be open about areas of temptation, whether it’s the temptation to hold a grudge against the class bully or the temptation to follow the crowd. Discuss the rewards of right living and the consequences when we refuse to do what’s right. Remind them how important it is to do right even when no one else is watching.
Breakfast is also a great time to pray together, asking the Holy Spirit to bring to light any issues that need to be resolved so that the family can face the day at peace with God and one another. Bolster your children’s faith with stories of God’s past faithfulness—both from the Word of God and from your own life experience. Encourage them to believe that God’s Word is true and that all things—even the hard things—work together for good for those who love God and have been called according to his purpose. Thank God for the amazing gift of salvation and ask him to bring people across your path who need to experience it for themselves.
As suggested yesterday, you might even share some truths God gave you during TAG or give one or more family members a Scripture verse to carry with them into their day.
You’re never fully dressed until you are clothed in the full armor of God. Be sure to dress for spiritual success and help your family do the same.
Affirmation: I dress for spiritual success.
Practical
Use your family breakfast to ensure that everyone is dressed for spiritual success.