Hey, welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

The reading for today titled God's Provided Protection was written by Dave Brannon.

My wife and I put hundreds of miles on our bikes each year, peddling the trails around West Michigan.

To enhance the experience, we have some accessories that we've attached to our bikes.

Sue has a front light, a backlight, an odometer, and a bike lock.

My bike has a water bottle holder. In reality, we could ride our

route successfully every day and rack up those miles without the extras. They're helpful,

but optional. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes about another set of accessories, but these aren't optional.

He said we must put on these things to be successful in living out our faith in Jesus.

Our lives aren't easy rides. We're in a battle in which we must stand against the devil schemes, so we must be well equipped.

Without the wisdom of Scripture, we can be swayed to accept error.

Without Jesus helping us live out His truth, we'll give in to lies.

Without the gospel, we'll have no peace.

Without faith shielding us, we'll succumb to doubt. Our salvation and the Holy Spirit anchor us to live well for God. This is our armor. How vital that we travel the pathways of life protected from its real dangers. We do that when Christ equips us for the challenges along the way, when we put on the armor God provides.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from the New Testament book of Ephesians,

chapter 6, verses 10 through 18.

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. Therefore, put on the full

armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

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