This month's memory verse

Ephesians 4:11-12

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

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Monday, Aug 31 Mon
Aug 31
Acts 19:21-27
 Tuesday, Sep 1 Tue
Sep 1
Acts 19:28-41
 Wednesday, Sep 2 Wed
Sep 2
Ephesians 6:10-20
 Thursday, Sep 3 Thu
Sep 3
Ephesians 6:10-20
 Friday, Sep 4 Fri
Sep 4
Ephesians 6:10-20

Craft: Shield of Faith

Key Verse | Ephesians 6:16

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God

10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12For we* are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.*16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.*17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.*

19And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.* 20I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Footnotes

6:12 Some manuscripts read you.
6:15 Or For shoes, put on the readiness to preach the Good News of peace with God.
6:16 Greek the evil one.
6:18 Greek all of God’s holy people.
6:19 Greek explain the mystery of the Good News; some manuscripts read simply explain the mystery.

Craft: Shield of Faith

Materials: Printed Shield of Faith template, markers/crayons/paint, scissors, hole punch + string or a paint stir stick/dowel (to hold or wear the shield), optional foil or silver paper for a “metal” look

Steps:

  1. Read Ephesians 6:14–18 together, one verse at a time.
  2. As you read each piece — belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword — pause and act it out: mime buckling a belt, strapping on a breastplate, tying a sandal, lifting a shield, setting a helmet, drawing a sword. Say out loud what each one is for.
  3. When you reach verse 16 (the shield), stop and build it for real: color or decorate the printed shield template, cut along the dashed line, and attach a handle (string loop or dowel taped to the back).
  4. Once built, hold the shield up together and say Ephesians 6:16 as a family: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Paul lists six pieces of armor, but we only built one today. Why do you think the shield specifically is something you “take up” and hold, instead of just wearing it like the others?
  2. The shield in verse 16 puts out “flaming darts.” What’s one lie or fear you’ve had to put out recently, and how could faith work like that?
  3. If you had to explain to a friend what the other five pieces of armor are for using just one sentence each, what would you say?

Prayer Prompt:

Ask God to help your family take up the shield of faith this week instead of waiting until you feel afraid. Thank God for the rest of his armor, too—even the pieces you didn’t build today.

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