DoneAllStand | Kristi's Morning Devotional

September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

Suit Up

There’s a reason why I was so emphatic in my comments yesterday about never, ever compromising on the Word of God.

A recent sermon reminded me of a teaching I have done many times from Ephesians, chapter 6.

We are commanded to put on the whole armor of God so that we will be able to stand in the face of our spiritual enemies and emerge victoriously. Each piece of the armor is tied to God’s word and His promises.

“To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. ¹¹Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. ¹²Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

¹⁴So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. ¹⁵On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. ¹⁶And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. ¹⁷Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. ¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.

¹⁹Also pray for me—that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret truth about the Good News without fear.” Ephesians 6:10-19 ERV

Let’s break down the armor: Belt of truth – “Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours.” John 17:17 CEV

Breastplate of righteousness – “Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:21

Footwear – The Gospel which means good news – “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15 NKJV

Shield of Faith – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV

Helmet of Salvation – “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 NKJV

Sword of Spirit – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

If we are without God’s word, we are without armor. Suit up – the victory is ours in Christ Jesus!

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024

Completely Committed

You may be familiar with this cute little story about some farm animals.

They lived on the farm of a wonderfully kind man, Farmer Brown. One morning the animals got to talking as farm animals often do and decided they would like to do something nice for Farmer Brown.

Finally, they thought they had devised a good plan. They would make a hearty breakfast for Farmer Brown. The chicken clucked, “I will bring the eggs”. The cow mooed, “I will provide the milk and the butter”. The pig was silent for quite some time and then he grunted, “A hearty breakfast is something you both can participate in without much effort but for me it’s a complete commitment”.

That’s how it is for me when I read God’s word. I have vowed to be completely committed. Situations and circumstances test that resolve. Do I compromise my integrity? Do I give in to fear or let doubt take over, removing me from my stand on God’s word? Or do I remain true to my resolve and stand completely committed?

This is the answer I found in Psalms this morning.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. ¹⁰⁶Your laws are fair, and I have given my word to respect them all. ¹⁰⁷I am in terrible pain! Save me, Lord, as you have promised. ¹⁰⁸Accept my offerings of praise and teach me your laws. ¹⁰⁹I never forget your teachings, although my life is always in danger. ¹¹⁰Some merciless people are trying to trap me, but I never turn my back on your teachings. ¹¹¹They will always be my most prized possession and my source of joy. ¹¹²I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what.’ Psalm 119:105-112 CEV

I don’t know what kind of danger the psalmist was experiencing, nor have I ever felt my life was in danger from merciless people but many around the world have. Everyday Christians in other countries are being persecuted and tortured because of their faith; many have died rather than deny Christ.

I want my resolve to be “I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what”.

“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. ⁷Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV

I don’t just want to participate in my walk with Christ; I want to be completely committed.

May 23, 2024May 23, 2024

Don’t Be Discouraged!

I realized yesterday when I talked about hardships that some of those reading this blog may be discouraged by that thought. So, let’s continue on.

As I pointed out the Apostle Paul had many opportunities to become discouraged because his hardships were many. However, he never accepted defeat. Instead of going from battle to battle, he went from victory to victory. He had his mind set, like concrete, in the truth of God’s word.

“Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLV

When we come to Christ and begin to study God’s word there is a transformation that begins to take place in our minds. Instead of seeing limitations we see God’s intervention and His power.

“It is true, we live in a body of flesh. But we do not fight like people of the world. ⁴We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. ⁵We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 NLV

The people Paul was writing to were used to seeing soldiers invading their lands; fighting men ready to conquer a weaker or diminished force. He pointed out that ours was a different kind of battle. Ours is a battle of faith – trusting and believing God to do what He has promised. Breaking down every thought that tries to diminish the power of God in our lives.

“This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. ¹¹Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. ¹²Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. ¹³Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLV

Still standing! Going from victory to victory.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. ⁵No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” I Corinthians 15:57 ERV

Hardships, yes. Victory? Absolutely, through Christ we always triumph!