Welcome to my randomized study & miscellaneous thoughts about the Awesome God of the universe, who He is and what He wants us to be.

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Verse of the Day

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Today's Quote

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Arming For Spiritual Battles
The Full Armor of God
Part 3 - The Shoes of Peace

Initially, in Part 1, we looked at our need to be prepared at all times with the Belt of Truth. To watch for Christ's return as well as to stand firmly on and seek the truth in our daily lives. As we discussed, truth is the foundation upon which we place our Christian faith and build our defenses to defeat the enemy's lies and accusations. Then in Part 2, we looked at Paul's admonition to "put on the breastplate of righteousness," we saw that this is the righteousness of Jesus Christ and not anything good within ourselves. Now we are instructed in verse 15 to "shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

Much like the punji sticks used in Vietnam, the Roman soldier's enemies placed sharp sticks in small, covered holes. If stepped upon, the sticks would immobilize the soldier and knock them out of the battle. I live currently in Phoenix, Arizona. Many of the residents of Phoenix have at one time or another tried to cross a street or driveway here without wearing our shoes. When we try to go without shoes, we cannot stand in one place very long without burning our feet. We are unable to walk where we want to go, but are forced to seek cool ground on which to stand as a refuge from the hot pavement. And even after we get off the hot surface, our feet remind us of the pain we just endured for some time. That is what we are attempting to overcome by putting on the gospel of peace. It offers protection from the enemy and allows us to continue walking forward on the path that God has chosen. It allows us to stand in places where we alone would not be able. Standing in God's peace - that peace which eclipses human comprehension or understanding - allows us to stand in these painful situations and to endure that pain.

I would wager that all of us have also tried to climb a rocky hill or wade into a river without stumbling. Millions of dollars each year are made selling shoes and boots that are specifically designed for stability in these harsh environments. We buy these shoes to protect our feet and to enable us to get the traction needed. The Romans had studs or nails in the bottom of their sandals to prevent them from slipping or sliding. This provided a firm foundation even on muddy, rocky or uneven ground. The gospel of peace allows us to stand firm. It gives us the foundation we need to continue moving forward even when facing a troublesome path.

Notice that in Ephesians 6 verse 14, Paul says, "Stand firm therefore,..." First, we must learn how to stand. There will always be temptations to go in the wrong directions. Old actions and friends will come calling on us to return to our wicked ways. Watch out though. When we give in, even just a little, we may be starting on a downhill trip. Christians typically refer to this condition as "backsliding." Instead, we could just as well call it "disobedience to God" or plain old "willful, deliberate or intentional sinning," but "backsliding" sounds better and is easier to stomach! However, most backsliders don't just jump off a cliff headfirst into sin. Instead, we start slipping down a steep slope, the more we slip the faster our fall gets and the next thing we know we cannot stop ourselves. Know this truth: the Christian life is an uphill battle. Either we are climbing or we are slipping. If we try to just stand still, we will soon begin sliding backwards, that's just our human nature. Thakfully, God gives us the ability to continue growing and maturing in Him no matter how long or short our walk with Him is.

The spiritual sandals that we are called to put on not only provide stability, they also provide mobility - the ability to move forward in a moment's notice. We need that mobility to share the gospel with others and to minister to their needs. As warrior's in God's army, we are called not just to hold our ground , but to move forward and gain ground. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always {being} ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" (NAS) We must always be ready, always on guard. We are always on duty for God.

Romans 10:14-15 says, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (KJV)

The "preparation of the gospel of peace" signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart choosing to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant to prepare ourselves to receive the gospel by way of repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby writes: "That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long?suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,"

So what does this mean for us today? How do we shod ourselves to not only stand firm but also to move ahead? We must decide that we are going to be men and women after God's own heart. We must prepare by committing to become ones who study and learn God's Word, hide it in our hearts and apply it in our daily lives. We need to approach God with an attitude of genuine repentance, admitting our sins and asking His forgiveness. This alone will allow us to be in a state that God can use us. The Holy Spirit will work through us showing love and gentleness and peace if we allow Him to, if we put His will ahead of our own. We are called upon to walk forward, to spread the Good news to every corner of the world. Standing firm and being prepared with the gospel of peace is a matter of priorities. Are we putting God's priorities first or our own? Which pathway will our feet tred upon today, our own path or God's?

Deut 28:14 and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Deut 5:32-33 "So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess."

Proverbs 4:27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.

Keep walking straight with Him,
Dr. Larry
Visit our church's website at: Pure Heart Christian Fellowship

scribbled with crayon by dr. larry at 10:37 PM