My response to the word:
  In order to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, I must daily put on the whole armour of God. It is the armour He provides to me that will protect me against the devil's schemes. Therefore, I will consciously gird my loins with truth and I put on the breastplate of righteousness. On my feet, I am wearing the preparation of the gospel of peace. The shield of faith enables me to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. My head is protected by the helmet of salvation, and my offensive weapon is the Word of God - "the sword of the Spirit".

My prayer:
  Father, thank you for the spiritual strength you impart to me. I will wear your protective armour throughout this day, and I will wield the sword of your Spirit in the warfare I encounter.

Today's scriptures:
  "My child, find the source of strength in the kindness of Christ Jesus". (2 Tim. 2:1 GW) "I've written to you, children, because you know the Father. I've written to you, fathers, because you know Christ, who has existed from the beginning. I've written to you, young people, because you are strong and God's Word lives in you. You have won the victory over the evil one". (1 John 2:14 GW)  

Quote for today:
God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. (E M Bounds)  

On this day:
On 4th July 1845, Thomas Barnado was born. He trained as a medical student in London in order to go to China as a missionary. He also found time to work among deprived children. This led to the setting up of Dr Barnado's Homes in London and then elsewhere.