What is Ordination?

Last night I was ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene.  It's a milestone in ministry that's taken seven years of study, work, sweat, blood, and tears (literally) to attain.  I know along the way I've been asked, "What is ordination?" or some variation of the question.  A few years ago I couldn't have told you.  I knew it was something I had to get done, but honestly I didn't really know the reason, the point, or the significance.  Honestly, no one ever explained it to me.

This past October I was trying to encourage church people to use their gifts for God, and I remembered a video my mentor made several years ago.  It's on YouTube called "Sermon on the Mound, Finding your place to serve."  In it he talks about six things that help us know our area of giftedness, and the final one gave me the answer.  The last one is confirmation, and as he says in the video, "In official ministry this is ordination.  It's where leaders confirm you and say "You're one of us."

In my interview with the Credentials board earlier this year I was asked, "What does it mean for you to be ordained."  For a split second my mind blanked, it caught me off guard, but then I remembered that video, and from that I was able to give an answer.  And as I've thought about it for the last few months and the events of the service last night I have a decent idea about what ordination is.

The key to the strength of the Spartan army was the phalanx.  The soldiers would use their massive shields to form an impenetrable wall.  They stood side by side and went toe to toe with the enemy.  The older, more experienced warriors were at the front, sides, and rear where fighting would be the most intense.  In the middle were the younger Spartans who hadn't seen much combat yet.  They were there to learn.

Preparation for ordination is being a young Spartan in the middle of the phalanx, surrounded by seasoned warriors that are their to teach them how to do battle.  But no Spartan remains in the middle forever.  Eventually the day comes when he is called to the front lines.  He is honored with the privilege to stand side by side with his brothers.  To add his shield to the wall and protect the man next to him.  It is confirmation that he is ready to fully join the fight, they know he is a capable warrior, able to stand his ground. They trust him with their lives.

We are in a battle, and pastors are on the front lines for the Kingdom.  For seven years I've been in the middle, watching, learning, occasionally getting to help a little.  But now, I've been called to the front lines.  I've been entrusted with the responsibility of standing shoulder to shoulder with my colleges as we do battle for the Kingdom.  It is a vote of confidence that I am ready to join them, that I am able to stand with them. 

At every Nazarene Ordination service the General Superintendent lays his hands on the head of the ordinand, and shares these words from 2 Timothy 4, " I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 

As Dr. Duarte, spoke these words and ordained me the phrase that stood out to me the most was, "endure hardship." (He said "affliction").  I was reminded that this is a call to the front lines.  That the battle still rages on, and now I'm fully immersed in the middle of it where the fighting is the most intense.  But just like the Spartans, I'm not alone.

As the General Superintendent speaks, you are surrounded by all of the Ordained Nazarene ministers who are present.  They lay hands on you and pray for you.  My wife knelt at my side.  I am not alone.  I was never alone getting to this point, and I am not alone now.  The strength of the phalanx is all of the Spartans standing side by side, overlapping their shields to protect each other.  I have joined the ranks, not set out on a solo mission.  I do not stand alone.

And most importantly, God has brought me to this point.  I love what Paul says in 2 Timothy 2.1-4, "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." 

I am a soldier of Christ.  As an Ordained Elder it is my job to model Christlikeness, and to lead others in the path of righteousness, guiding them as they become like Christ.  It is my job to model being a godly husband and one day a godly father.  I am to seize the opportunity to mentor others who have been called into ministry, and guide them as they seek to join the front lines.   

I am grateful for the call of God on my life to bring me here.  I am grateful for the men and women who have guided me along the way, helping me get to this point.  I am grateful for the confidence of the Credentials Board and District Superintendents of the East Ohio District.  And I am grateful that this happened in 2012 so my wife was able to be by my side.  I am so grateful for her love and support.

God, I'm on the front lines now, use me to take ground for Your Kingdom. 

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you


Top: 2012 East Ohio District Ordination Class,, with Dr. Duarte (General Superintendent), Rev. Greg Kasler (District Secretary) and Co-District Superintendents, Drs. Chuck and Carla Sunberg

Bottom: Dr. Duarte ordaining me.

 

Courageous

That word is one that I think all men would like ascribed to them. It's an adjective that means, "possessing or characterized by courage; brave". What man wouldn't want to be called that?

I look at history and see countless examples of courage. I've noticed most people have one genre of illustrations that everything goes back to, for me it's battle, so that's where I'm coming from.

About a year ago a team of US Navy SEALS stormed a compound and killed the worlds most wanted man. We heard about that mission because of who they were after. But all around the world teams of SEALS do missions like that everyday that we never hear about. They are the most elite commandos in the world, and daily they risk their lives to help make the world a safer place. They are courageous.

D-Day was a week ago today, talk about courage. Men getting on boats to storm a heavily defensed beach in France in what was really the last chance to stop Hitler. They put their lives on the line, many of them gave their lives, so that a terrible evil could be stopped. They were courageous.

Let's jump back a couple thousand years to a narrow coastal passage in Thermopylae, Greece. It was there in 480 BC that a few thousands Greeks, (History mainly focuses on the 300 Spartans that were there) stood against a force nearly ten thousand times their size, and did battle with them for three days protecting Greece. They were courageous

I'm in the book of Joshua now, and I look at a leader who had big sandals to fill. He had to follow Moses, one of the most respected leaders in history. His career was marked with battle after battle. From the time Israel left Egypt until he died Joshua was fighting someone. And in between the battles he was leading people that gave Moses a hard time. He was courageous

From there let's jump forward a little to Jesus. Talk about courage, He was marked for death, and yet He rides into Jerusalem during Passover, the biggest week of the year for the Jews, publicly on a donkey. He knows the cross is waiting for Him. He knows the beating and suffering, the pain that comes with the cross, and He boldly rides into Jerusalem. In the Gethsemane He gave Himself to those who had come to take Him. He took the beating, carried the cross, received the nails, and hung there and died to pay for sin. He was courageous.

I look at all these stories and if I'm honest part of me is ashamed. What have I done that required half of the courage of these men? I've never served in the military, I've never stood on a battle field to fight for freedom, I've never stormed a beach or taken a city. I don't know that I've ever faced impossible odds, and I've never faced a literal cross.

But now I feel the need for courage. God has laid something on my heart for several years now. It isn't time yet, but I know it's coming, and honestly I'm a bit scared. I don't know how to do what He's asking. I see everything about me that I lack to do the job. I see all the ways I haven't been prepare for this. And at the same time I have a burden for it, I have a desire for it. This thing needs to happen, and God is asking me to play a part in it. I have to be courageous.

God told Joshua in chapter 1 verse 9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

With that I hear the same call on my life, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? I made you a man, a warrior, just as I am. You were made for this battle field. Do not tremble or be dismayed, because I will be with you wherever you go. I am leading you into this battle, and I will be by your side every step of the way. Be strong and courageous."

Pray for the courage we will need to undertake this mission. Pray for the training and the people to come along side. Pray for the provision my wife and I will need to do what God is asking us to do. And above all, pray that God will be glorified by everything that is done.

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you

Freedom's Never Free

Sixty-eight years ago today Allied troops stormed a fifty mile stretch of heavily fortified beach on the north west coast of France. Thousands of men went into battle, many were killed, but all of them helped turn the tide of World War II. D-Day paved the road to Berlin and brought about the defeat of Hitler. Those men were some of the most courageous to ever live. They knew the cost of the mission, the risks and dangers involved, but they went, and they changed the world.

Memorial day was last week, and the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend I began the service with a song to honor all those who have served this country.

Freedom's Never Free

Standing on a hillside
Where the river meets the sea
White crosses without number
Line the fields of peace

And each one a silent witness
Staring back at me
Every cross a story
Of another place in time
Where young men thought it worthy
To give their life for mine
And for the sake of honor
Left their dreams behind

And for the price they paid
I'm forever in their debt
Their memory will not die
'Cause I will not forget

I will stand and hold my head up high
I will dedicate my life
To the glory of the ones who had to die
I will live, live what I believe
If for no one else but me
I will remember
That freedom's never free

It was on another hillside
Outside the city gates
The battle lines were drawn
As soldiers took their place

The Father watched in silence
As a cross was raised
With freedom drawing closer
He took His final breath
He drank our cup of guilt
And took the sting from death

Heaven's Finest Soldier
clothed in human flesh
And for the price He paid
I'm forever in His debt
The cross will never die
'Cause I will not forget

I will stand and hold my head up high
I will dedicate my life
To the glory of the One who had to die
I will live, live what I believe
If for no one else but me
To remember that
Freedom's Never Free

I will walk free
I will stay free
I will live free
I will die free!

Freedom is never free. There is always a great price that has to be paid for it. I am grateful for the men who have paid that price. Those who were willing to but didn't have to. They have made so many sacrifices so that we can have the freedoms we do have.

As I look at the Church we have a similar calling. Jesus, Heaven's finest soldier, came to earth to pay the price that we might have life. He stormed the beaches of Normandy, to turn the tide of history. And He has left the Church with a commission to continue gaining ground.

D-Day was not VE-Day. D-Day was not the end of World War II. There were still battles to fight, there were still hardships to endure. D-Day simply assured victory. The Cross, the D-Day event of history, was not victory day. There are still battles to fight and hardships to endure before the ultimate victory and restoration happens. Jesus turned the tide of the war and assured victory, but we still have battles to fight. He said in His final commission, "I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age."

Freedom is never free. There is always a great price that has to be paid for it. Is the Church willing to pay it? I look around at Christianity today, and I seriously doubt it. Somehow we've gotten so far away from the reality of the battle we're in. We've lost the mentality that we are all soldiers in the middle of a war. In many ways we've begun to live as if the war is over, as if the threat is over. We've grown fat and complacent, unable to march into battle. Our swords have become dull and our armor rusted. We've developed a sense of security, and lost the urgency to move towards "Berlin" and defeat the enemy.

The Church must get back into the fight. We've got to get back into shape so we can join the battle again. Our swords need to be sharpened and our armor polished. We must focus again on the real issue, the real enemy, and march toward "Berlin". We've got to hit our knees and pray, communicating with the General. We've got to pour through the pages of Scripture, arming ourselves for war. We've got to serve and pick up the Commission again to make disciples, fighting the battle again.

Freedom is never free. There is always a great price that has to be paid for it. Jesus says, "All who are willing to pay it, follow Me."

Are you willing to pay the price? There is a battle surrounding us. In The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Saruman begins to unleash his army of Urukhai to destroy the world of Men beginning with Rohan. King Theoden, recently freed from the grip of Saruman, is seeing the destruction that has occurred in his absence. Aragorn is urging him to fight Saruman's forces and save his people, but Theoden is reluctant saying, "I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war." To which Aragorn tells Him, "Open war is upon you. Whether you would risk it or not."

Open war is upon us. The question is not are we in the battle, but are we going to fight? Freedom is never free, but if we are willing to fight, victory is assured. Jesus has done the hardest part. He has stormed the beach to pave the way to "Berlin", but the road there is where we have to pick up the fighting. We have to march, we have to fight. We cannot sit by because if we do the enemy advances. The Church must join the battle that is surrounding us.

At the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. there is a part of General Eisenhower's speech to the troops before D-Day on the wall. "You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle." They went into battle with those words, the affirmation and support of their General fresh on their minds. As Jesus sent us out to take up the fight He left us with these words, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28.18b-20); and "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1.8). With those words, let us march into battle.

Church, it's not the time to slack off. It's not the time to stand by and let someone else do the job. It's not the time to push prayer to the side and let a Sunday sermon be your Bible study for the week. It's not the time to just wait for Heaven, that's never been the point of following Jesus. When we come to salvation we enlist in His military, and all of us are on active duty.

Freedom is never free. There is always a great price that has be paid. If you are willing, let's go.

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you

Act Like Men

I'm currently looking at Moses and the book of Exodus. This morning I read a verse that I had forgotten about. In Exodus 5 Moses has gone to Pharaoh and told him that God has commanded the people of Israel to be freed. God hardens Pharaoh's heart and he says no. Then, probably in an effort to assert his power over them, increases their work load.

Exodus 5.9 says this, "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." Let the work be heavier on the men. Bury them with work so they won't have time to listen to what Moses is saying God said. Bury them in work so they won't have time to take a stand and lead their families. Bury them in work so they won't have energy to take a stand for God.

Pharaoh knew, even then, that if the men decided to act there would be a problem. He knew even then that if the men got involved things would happen. And so he set out to make sure that didn't happen. He said let the work be heavier on them. Take up more of their time, drain them of strength and energy, don't let them be husbands and fathers, don't let them be leaders for God. If we can keep the men busy we can slow a lot down, maybe stop it all together.

It's the truth, if men refuse to act things don't get done, or if they do, it's a lot harder. John Eldredge talks in The Way of the Wild Heart about how Satan will try to bury us with one battle after another. Satan wants to keep us busy, he wants to keep us from church, from devotional time with God, from our families. Satan doesn't want men to rise up and act. He doesn't want men to be men.

Look at what happens when Godly men lead. Joseph saved nations from famine, Moses led Israel out of Slavery, Joshua took back the promised land. David united the kingdom of Israel, Elijah stood up to corrupt kings, Ezra and Nehemiah brought the people back from captivity. Jesus saved the world, Paul evangelized countless people and started churches on two continents. Look what happens when men stand up for God.

Do you ever wonder why many churches are in the state their in? Look at the majority of people sitting in the pews and the majority of the people who do the work. Aren't they women? Men have left the difficult job of spiritual leadership and service to women in order to be the provider for the family. It's important to provide. God said that we would work the soil in Genesis 3. We are the leaders of our households, and part of that is providing for them. But we can't let ourselves be consumed by that. We can't fail to lead spiritually with the excuse of providing. We can't fail to be there for our wives and children with the excuse of I'm too tired from work. We can't fail to lead the church because I'm too swamped at the office.

If men continue to fail to lead, nothing is going to get better. I know there are demands on us, I know there are expectations of us. But what is really important? The relationship with your family that will bond you forever, or the cool gadget you can buy them (that they'll forget about in a month) because you work 80 hours a week?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16.13-14, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Be on the alert, watch for the attacks and fight against them. Stand firm in the faith, take your stand for God, lead your family spiritually, help them become like Christ. Act like men, this is the part that really stands out to me. Act like men, be men, do what men do. Stand up against injustice, live for truth. Be strong, it's not going to be easy, it will be a battle, so endure it. Men are powerful and dangerous, let's use that for good. But let us act in Love. Let love for God and our families guide us. Let love be our motivation.

Men have been under attack for thousands of years, it's nothing new. God has made us men to lead. He had given us strength to fight the battles we face. He will be with us, He will guide and refresh us. Let us lean on Him for strength. Let us draw our energy from Him. Let us be the men He has created us to be. Men who love and lead our families into Christlikeness. Men who lead and serve the church. Men who live for the glory of God. Let us act like men.

Peace be with you

The Attack

Yesterday I performed my first funeral. Honestly, it went really well thanks to the grace of God and an incredible mentor walking me through it. Funerals are an important time, my mentor said that funerals are when a pastor bonds with his people. They are one of the best opportunities for ministry as well. People are grieving, and it is an opportunity to show the love and compassion of Jesus. All that being said, I can't believe it took me so long to realize what was happening Wednesday night.

My wife and I were getting ready for bed, and suddenly we were really frustrated with each other. Honestly it was out of no where. It was getting late, neither one of us was looking at sleeping very well, we had both left the room on separate occasions not wanting to be around each other. And finally when we were both back in the same room it finally hit me, this is an attack.

I don't remember which book John Eldredge talks about this in, Wild at Heart or Walking with God, I really think it's in both. But he talks about how the enemy attacks us. As I was laying there listening to my wife, and thinking about the events of the following day, it hit me. Satan was trying to put me in a bad mood, to divide my wife and I, and put my heart and mind in a bad attitude for the funeral.

Immediately we stopped and prayed. God gave us a great night sleep, and the funeral went really well. My wife and I have become a stronger couple because of it. Our marriage has received some more welding and that has made it more unbreakable.

The Bible says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5.8). Satan doesn't want anything good to happen, and so he sneaks in at the right moment, and tries to destroy things before they happen. We were both tired, and it didn't take much to push us to fighting. Had we not realized what it was and immediately begun to fight against it as a team who knows what would have happened the next day. The family, and the church, needed their pastor, and I was able to be there.

Satan does prowl like a lion waiting to devour us. If we don't recognize the attack and simply continue to let it happen many things will suffer. My marriage could have been negatively affected because I might have said things that I didn't mean out of anger. Again, I don't know what would have happened at this funeral. I know I would have apologized to my wife the next morning, but there would have been a lot of damage done that wouldn't be able to be fixed by a simple, "I'm sorry."

We must be on the alert at all times, but especially when Kingdom work is near at hand. We must be prepared for battle at all times. This is why prayer and Bible study is crucial, our minds are focused on God and we are able to better recognize things that aren't of God. It's important to read other things as well. John Eldredge is a favorite author of mine, I've found several of his books to be very relevant at this stage of my life. Honestly, I don't know that I would have realized it was an attack and responded as I did without having read his books.

We must be on the alert, waiting for the attacks of the enemy. We must be ready for battle and end them as quickly as possible. God will be with us as we work for His Kingdom. Satan is looking for someone to devour, be on guard so it isn't you.

Peace be with you

Two Men

As I've talked about the weapons of the enemy we've seen two Biblical examples of their usage. One in the beginning with the first humans, and they failed. With that failure came sin and death. But the second man came to make all things right. He came to pick up the battle where it left off and win the war. He faced the same weapons, and the same enemy, but He was victorious.

Romans 5 says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Verses 12-21).

Jesus came and faced the same test as Adam and Eve. He faced the same weapons, but He was victorious. As in any fight there are hits that we take. Adam and Eve took them, were knocked down, and defeated. Jesus took the hits as well. His were worse because of Adam's loss. His involved a beating, a crucifixion, and a tomb. But Jesus got back up.

I think of a line for the movie Rocky Balboa, "But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you!"

I think of the line from the movie Robin Hood , "Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions."

Two men faced the same weapons wielded by the same deadly enemy. One man fell and didn't get back up, and because of that defeat the world is in the state that it is. Another man came to fight the same battle. It looked like He had been defeated, but what appeared to be a loss was really the ultimate victory. And it's a victory that He offers to us.

Jesus has showed us how to fight the battle against Satan; and it's a battle He has already won. He invites us to share that victory. The whole reason He came to earth was to win this victory, the prize is ultimate glory, and the redemption of the universe. And Jesus calls us to share in the victory, the redemption, and the glory.

We face the same enemy and the same weapons that Jesus faced. We will be knocked down, but we don't have to be defeated. There is a song by Chris Tomlin that I've written about before. It tells us that Jesus has overcome, that through His victory we have peace, and that in Him we can take the hits, rise and move forward victorious.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions." The Lamb of God was humbly slain, the Lion of Judah rose in power. He calls us to rise with Him.

Peace be with you

Weapon 4: Division

Division, "the act or process of dividing; state of being divided."

Satan uses his final weapon in Genesis 3.1, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden"?'" Did you notice how he divides them? It says he said to the woman. Verse 6 tells us that Adam was there with her, but Satan doesn't address him, just her. He doesn't invite Adam to share what God said. He divides them and Eve is forced to assume a role she was never meant to have.

When this happens, nothing good can occur. Eve takes the fruit and eats it, and then gives some to Adam who also eats. And when they do, sin enters the world. They cover themselves with fig leaves as verse 7 says, and then in verse 8 they hide from God. They are not only divided in the battle, but as a result of the loss they are cut off from God. They are divided from their source of life and as a result all of creation is cursed as well.

Jesus too is tempted with division. Satan tries to get Him to work for His own glory instead of Gods. In verse 3 he tries to get Jesus to selfishly use His power for His own benefit, and not rely upon God to sustain Him He tries to get Him to be separated from His true source of life.

Again in verse 6 Satan invites Jesus to take matters into His own hands. To test and see if the scriptures are true and put God to the test. Jesus again would be doing things His way, not God's. And in verse 9 Satan offers Jesus a way to fulfill His mission in a way that removes the cross. He simply needs to turn His back on God and worship him for a moment, and it can all go away.

Each time Jesus refuses, Jesus stays connected to His Father, His source of life. He brings the promises that scripture tells us of God. He remains faithful and trusts that God's plan is best, and that God will not abandon Him.

Division is the result of the other three. If we buy into the lies of Satan's first three weapons, division is a natural result. We are deceived that God and others don't care, or that we're the problem, and so we take off by ourselves. We are discouraged and embarrassed by results and so we avoid people who could help us. We have doubts that we can succeed, or that God will be faithful, and we run and look for the easy way. And in all of these situations we end up alone.

Division is a death sentence. Jesus said, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." (Mark 3.24) Where there is division nothing can get accomplished. Where people refuse to work together there can be no progress. Jesus beat division and stayed faithful and connected to His Father. We have the tools to do the same.

We surround ourselves with the belt of truth, and we refuse to buy into the lies of Satan. We cover ourselves we the breastplate of righteousness, and firmly stand in our relationship with God. We have sure footing because of the shoes of peace, and we stand our ground assured that God is with us. We take up the shield of faith and we stand in rank with others and fight together to win the battle. We put on the helmet of salvation and embrace the promise that we now belong to God and that nothing can separate us from Him. And we draw on the power of the sword of the spirit, and cut through the lies and barriers of the enemy.

We must stay connected to God and we must have fellowship with others. I think of the line from Gladiator as Maximus and the others prepare for their first battle in the Colosseum. He says to them, "Whatever comes out of these gates, we've got a better chance of survival if we work together. Do you understand? If we stay together we survive." If we stay together we survive.

Don't allow Satan to separate you from others and from God. Stand firm, pour into the truth of Scripture and spend time in prayer, communicating with God. Stay together, and we not only survive, but through the power of Christ, we kick tail.

Peace be with you

Weapon 3: Doubt

Doubt, "To be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. To distrust."

Satan's third weapon is doubt. We see this again in Genesis 3.1, "Did God really say,..." Right at the beginning we see God's word brought into question. If Adam and Eve cannot trust what God has said, how can they trust God. Doubt is a powerful weapon becasue it begins so subtlety.

As soon as Satan can get us to begin to question the truth of God, and what God has really said, our trust in God is shaken. At this point, Eve misquotes God, adding things into God's instructions and boundaries. And at this point Satan is free to twist what God said further, and spin lies causing them to stumble.

It is ok to ask God questions; it's ok to wonder. But there has to be trust that no matter what God is right. God has our best interest at heart, and that no matter what happens it will result in the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.

Doubt is an attack not only on belief, our faith, but on our identity as well. We see this with Jesus in Matthew 4. "The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God...'" At the very beginning of the temptation, Satan begins by challenging who Jesus is. In Matthew 3, Jesus baptism, verse 17 says, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

Right before His temptation begins, Jesus is given an identity by His Father. Satan challenges that. It's an invitation for Jesus to prove to Himself that He is who the Father says. It's an invitation to use His power for selfish gain, to satisfy a need He has.

Doubt causes us to need to prove ourselves. It causes us to take matters into our own hands and do things in a way that God hasn't prescribed for us to do. But when our trust that God is able, or that He has our best interest at heart, what other option are we left with?

Adam and Eve saw that the fruit of the tree was useful for gaining knowledge they eat. They question God, and doubt that He knows what's best. They take matters into their own hands, and fall into sin; they curse all of creation with their doubt. Jesus responds to Satan's attack by falling back into the arms of His father. Matthew 4.4, "Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"

The armor of God is given to us to overcome doubt. Truth surrounds us and reminds us that God has our best interest at heart. Righteousness is the relationship we have with God. Peace is assurance in the path we walk with God. Faith guards us from the lies Satan throws at us, twisting what God has said. Salvation reminds us that God has forgiven us, that we belong to Him, that we are His children. The Spirit is with us daily to remind us, we are to pour ourselves into the Word and find the truth of God there.

Doubt is a powerful weapon, but Jesus has overcome it. In His victory He shows us how to block and counterattack. Don't be overcome with doubt, but live off of the words of the Father.

Peace be with you

Weapon 2: Discouragement

Discourage, "To deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit. To dissuade (usually followed by from ). To obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder. To express or make clear disapproval of;"

Satan uses his second weapon in Genesis 3 also. Discouragement is the act of removing confidence or hope from someone. Satan discourages Eve's trust in God. He begins by misquoting God, and then brings out a lie making God seem like the bad guy. Genesis 3.4-5, "The serpent said to the woman, 'You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"

Satan discourages them from following God by shaking their trust in God. In verse one he says, "Did God really say...?" Eve misquotes what God said by adding limitations to what He gave. It opens the door for Satan to work. He makes his offer seem better than God's and Eve falls into sin.

Discouragement also hits us through difficult circumstances. We look at a task and begin to lose hope in the abilities we have to accomplish it. We can begin to doubt that God will come through for us. We can begin to wonder if God made a mistake in choosing us for the job. Jesus faced this weapon in the desert as well.

Matthew 4.8-9, "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.'" Jesus had come to save the world through His death on the cross. Satan here offers Christ the opportunity to save the world without the cross. If Jesus is given the world He can do what He pleases with it. He can save it without dieing for it. All He has to do is compromise just for a second.

I can imagine as Jesus is on the mountain top and Satan is making his offer, he adds a few other things, possibly along the lines of what Satan says to Jesus in the Garden in The Passion of the Christ. "Do you really believe that one man can bear the full burden of sin? ... No man can carry this burden I tell you. It is far too heavy. Saving their souls is too costly. No one. Ever. No. Never." Satan uses his weapon of discouragement well. He offers Jesus the chance to do what God sent Him to do, but in an easier way; a way that wouldn't involve pain or death, just a small bow, one single act of worship.

It's a tempting offer, an offer that seems hopeful, better and easier. But Jesus knew that He could not save the world by compromising and coming to our level. Instead He must stand firm, knees locked, and be encouraged that God's plan is the best. He defeats Satan's second weapon with the truth of Scripture and hope and trust in God. "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, "YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY."'"

Jesus overcame discouragement, where Adam and Eve gave in. Jesus knew that God's plan was the best plan, that God's plan was the only way. He wasn't discouraged by the difficulty, but encouraged by the love and presence of the Father.

We too must overcome discouragement, but we don't have to do it alone. God has given us truth, that shows us His plan is best. We have righteousness, the relationship with Him that guards our lives. Peace, which gives us sure footing on difficult ground. Faith, trust in God and what He says. Salvation, to guard our thoughts and help us hear what God is saying to us. And the Spirit, the sword, the word of God. It is a love letter to us, written from God's heart to ours to encourage us through the struggles of life.

With the weapons and armor of God, we can deflect and defeat Satan's second weapon of discouragement.

Peace be with you.

Weapon 1: Deception

Deceive, "to mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude". Delude means, "to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive". Deception is the first weapon we see Satan use. In Genesis 3 he enters the scene of a perfect creation, in the disguise of a serpent. He begins talking to a woman and the first recorded line of Satan is "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"

Right away he begins to lead the creation away from God by presenting a question that begins to convince Adam and Eve that God is keeping something from them, that He is holding them back. Eve responds to his question "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" Eve has now misquoted God. Satan has done his work.

God had given them freedom to eat from any tree in the Garden (Genesis 2.16). God had never told them not to touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, simply not to eat of it (Genesis 2.17). Eve said they would die, but God had said that they would surely die (Genesis 2.17). In these statements Eve has taken away from God's generosity, making it seem like their right to eat the fruit of the garden, not as a privilege from God. She adds restrictions to what God has instructed, making God seem restrictive. She has taken away from the severity and surety of God's word; He means what He says, and His authority is absolute. Deception leads us away from the truth of God. It leads us away from the good that God has for us, because we become convinced that it is not the best. That is deception.

Satan works through deception gradually, giving partial truths. We see this same tactic with Jesus temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4.6 Satan quotes Scripture to Jesus, trying to get Him to throw Himself off of the Temple, proving Himself to be the Messiah of Israel. It sounds great, Jesus jumps, angles catch Him, the priests realize that He is the Messiah, they make Him King and He never has to go near the cross. But Jesus knows that a ministry based on miracles and wonders is doomed to fail. People's faith only lasts as long as the miracles do, and when it gets hard they are gone. We see throughout Jesus' ministry that He refuses to give Himself to people who only want Him for His miraculous power (John 2, 6). And Jesus responds to Satan's weapon of deception in the same way we are to. Jesus counter attacks with the Truth of Scripture.

God has given us the Belt of Truth to surround ourselves with. It is truth that keeps us from being mislead, and truth that keeps us focused on the true words of God. We battle deception with truth. We have the Breastplate of Righteousness to cover our hearts. Righteousness is protection from the relationship with God. It covers our bodies, front and back, and guards the relationship with have with God so we aren't lead astray. We have the Sandals of Peace. They give us sure footing as we follow God's plan for our life. We have the Shield of Faith, to protect us from all of Satan's deceptive lies. God has given us the Helmet of Salvation to cover our head. Salvation guards our minds and gives us assurance that we belong to God. We are protected from deception by the knowledge of salvation. Finally, we have the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. This is the same weapon Jesus used, and that Eve failed to use. No lie, no deception, can stand against the truth and authority of the Word of God.

Deception is a powerful weapon, and it is only the first one in Satan's arsenal. But God has armed us for battle, and has given us the tools to block, and counter attack this weapon.

Peace be with you

Four Weapons of the Enemy

I have been blessed with an incredible mentor, and several other Godly men who have guided me during the different chapters of my life so far. They've always been there to pour into me. During times of success they've reminded me of humility. During times where I've made mistakes, or could have done or be doing things better, they've offered correction in love. During times of doubt they have offered encouragement.

The last few weeks of ministry, and life, have been busy, chaotic, unstructured, abnormal, full, and anything else you can think of along those lines. Wrestling practice started the second week of November. We had the community Thanksgiving service. My wife put in her two weeks notice at work and ended up being promoted. A layman in the church was diagnose with Lou Gehrig's disease. And now the Christmas season is here. It's been a trying and draining time.

There have been good moments thrown in there. The job promotion for my wife was us stepping out in faith and God providing showing us that He would take care of us and that we could trust Him. Our new District Superintendents have been a huge blessing in this first month of their service. And I've gotten to throw out a few ideas for ministry and building the Kingdom. And as I've seen and heard many times, when stuff like this happens be ready for an attack.

I don't remember when my mentor and I had this conversation, but over the last few days I've been thinking about it. Today I sorted through the index cards in my man bag until I found it. There are four weapons the enemy uses against us. Deception, Discouragement, Doubt and Division.

Over the last few weeks I've experienced all of them. I was planning on just writing about discouragement and talking about how it affects so many parts of our lives. But then I remembered the conversation and found the card, and now I realize why it affects so much of life. Satan always uses the first person with each attack. He gets us thinking, "There must be something wrong with me." But know what? There isn't anything wrong with me, and there is nothing wrong with you. Jesus told us that Satan is a liar, the father of lies, and when he lies he speaks his native language (John 8.44).

Over the next few days I want to talk about each one of these. I've already talked about the weapons God has given us, and it is those weapons that protect us from and fight back with, against Satan's. I'll show what weapons we use against each of Satan's. Don't believe the lies he throws at you, believe the truth that God lovingly hands to you.

Peace be with you

The Full Armor of God

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6.10-12.

My favorite book is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. I just finished it for the third time. In it he talks about the heart of a man. He looks at how God created us and the longings of our heart. Inside the heart of every man there are two questions and three desires.

The questions: "Am I dangerous?" "Do I have what it takes?"

The desires: A battle fight, a beauty to rescue, an adventure to live

The armor of God is crucial for a man to put on. It is only with His armor that our desires are able to be fulfilled, the longings satisfied. Only with the armor of God on me am I ready for battle. Only when I am dressed in my God given armor am I able to storm the castle, slay the dragon, and rescue the princess. Only when I am covered with God's armor am I ready to set out on this adventure of life.

It is only when I am covered with the equipment that God gives me that I am able to not only endure the hardships of life, but victoriously conquer them through His strength and power. I can't have just part of the armor, I need each piece or part of me is left vulnerable. All of the armor is connected, each piece works with the others for the purpose of winning the battle. It is armor that is just for us, fitted to us, so that we can move with ease. It is armor that is ours to train with, to learn how it works and how to use it. It is armor that we must always have on so that we are ready for any attack at any time.

God wants us to be ready. He doesn't want us to be caught off guard, and so He has equipped us for combat. You are dangerous, and you have what it takes. Receive the armor that He offers you. Wear it, train with it, learn how to use it. And then join the battle. Suit up, it's time to march.

Peace be with you

Dressed and Ready for Battle

We're suited up, covered and armed with the full Armor of God. We are surrounded by truth, protected by righteousness and salvation, ready to move with peace, and armed with faith and the Word. Here is a warrior who is ready to "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." as Paul said in 2 Timothy 2.3. We are ready to march out and meet the enemy, confident that our armor and weapons are ready to go to work.

But there is one final element that we must add before we charge the front lines of the enemy. Ephesians 6.18, "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Prayer, our communication with our General. It is no good marching into battle if we have no communication from the one giving the lifesaving orders.

Paul tells us that prayer must be constant, not simply in our moment of greatest need. I think of the story of Elijah on Mt. Horeb. God tells him to go stand on the mountain because He is passing by. There is a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those incredible, powerful forces. Instead there is a gentle blowing, a still small voice, a quite whisper that God is in. In the midst of chaos and noise if you haven't heard the voice of God, if you don't know the voice of God, you won't be able to pick it out. But if we are like Elijah, spending constant time alone with God, where we know Him intimately, where we know His voice distinctly from all others, then even in the thickest battle we'll be able to hear His guidance and instruction.

Secondly, our prayer must be intense and focused. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5.8 that we must be self-controlled and alert because our enemy the devil is prowling like a lion, looking to devour us. Our prayers must be intentional, our prayer time must be something we covet and guard. We must be selfish about it, and let nothing distract us from it. Our prayers must be heart felt, not simple half-hearted, repetitive prayers we've been saying since we were five. Our prayers need to be communicating the deepest hurts and needs on our hearts to God. We must be focused on who we're talking with so that we can hear what He says in return.

Lions go for the animal that is off by itself, straggling behind, not paying attention. We must be focused in our lives, intentionally focused on God ready for battle at all times. But we must also make sure we don't get alone. I've talked about Spartans a lot recently, and a single Spartan is a force to be reckoned with. A single Spartan can do more than hold his own in a fight. But a single Spartan is nothing compared to that Spartan standing beside his brothers in the phalanx.

Third, we must pray for and with others. We must pray for those who are fighting beside us. We must pray for those who are fighting on another battlefield. No matter how strong we are, we cannot fight this war, we cannot win this battle on our own. We must have each other’s backs at all times. We must pray for others as they fight this battle with us.

Prayer is part of our preparation for battle; it's how we suit up. Prayer is part of what sustains us in battle; it's our communication with the General for instruction and encouragement. Let us pray, and let us firmly stand our ground, dressed in the full Armor of God, ready for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 6: Sword

Ephesians 6.17b, "and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sword Paul is talking about is the Roman gladius. It's the sword carried by Maximus in Gladiator, and in this one case I choose the Roman weapon over the Spartan xiphos. The gladius was slightly longer, and very effective in combat. When combined with a shield, it's a great weapon.

The sword is a weapon both for offense and defense. It blocks and deflects incoming attacks, but it also enables the wielder to strike back. The sword is a crucial piece of the armor. It must be cared for, it must be sharpened and polished so it is kept ready for the fight.

The Bible refers to the Word of God as a sword. In Hebrews 4.12 it says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The gladius had an edge on each side of the blade, it was sharp, it penetrated whoever got in the way of the blade. It was an effective tool for battle.

We are in a spiritual battle with Satan. And God has not simply given us defensive protection, but He has equipped us to be able to go on the offensive. He's given us a sword to use in combat. The Bible is our weapon.

Jesus showed us how to use it in combat against Satan in Matthew 4. Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tested, and after forty days of fasting Satan brings the assault. He attacks Jesus identity, and tries to get Jesus to stumble. But look at each of Jesus' responses, "Jesus answered, 'It is written:'... Jesus answered him, 'It is also written:'... Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written:'..." (Matthew 4.4a, 7a, 10a). With each attack Jesus wields Scripture. He blocks each attack and then attacks back and puts Satan to flight.

We cannot win a battle without a sword. We cannot win a Spiritual battle that is waged against God, and those who serve Him, without God's sword. Scripture memorization is a Spiritual discipline that seems to have fallen by the wayside in past years. One pastor friend suggested that the reason for this is possibly the number of translations that are in print today. There are so many ways to word each verse that there is no standard translation of memorization. But we must discipline ourselves to memorize scripture.

Here are some suggestions that I have. Find a translation that you like and understand. Note that The Message is not a translation, but a paraphrase. It's great for reading but for memorization use a translation that breaks up the verses. There are many so find one you that you understand. I use the NASB because it's the most literal translation of the text.

Second, take a few verses at a time. Don't set out to memorize an entire book the first week, you'll get overwhelmed and probably give up. But a few verses at a time, and over time you will have the entire book memorized. My suggestion is as you read make notes of the main verses of the chapter. Read and re-read it until you see the theme and can identify the main verse in that section, and memorize that. As you do this, you'll be able to identify the different themes of the different chapters of the Bible.

Third, find a good way to review. One way I've found that helps is writing each verse on a 3x5 index card. Put the reference in the top left and bottom right corners and in the lines of the card break up the verse by punctuation. Put one phase per line, and memorize the verse phrase by phrase.

Here's an example.

In church we're working through John, and each week I pick out the main verse from the text I'm preaching on. This week it was John 4.50

John 4.50

Jesus said to him,

"Go; your son lives."

The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.

John 4.50

The nice thing with index cards is that they are easy to stack and are easy to review with. We need to memorize as many verses as possible. If you remember from Gladiator, Maximus doesn't just have one sword when he goes into battle. The first sword, the one he carries on his belt, gets stuck in a tree after he attacks an opponent. You think, "Dang, what now?" And then he pulls out a second sword that is strapped to his horse and continues the battle. The more vereses we have memorized the more swords we have available for the battle. Jesus had many swords at his disposal, not simply John 3.16 and Genesis 1.1, those wouldn't have done much in His wilderness battle. The more swords we have available, the better equipped we are for combat.

Secondly, we have to keep our swords ready for battle. They need to stay polished and sharp. A dull blade isn't much use in battle. We need to review the verses we have memorized. After a while you'll notice that you spend more time reviewing than memorizing new verses, this is a good thing. It means we've learned the Word of God, that it's "Hidden in our hearts" as the Psalmist says.

I'll admit, this is an area I'm working on, Scripture memorization is something I've slacked at recently. But the steps I've just shared with you are my plan to memorize verses. We cannot march into battle with no sword, God has given us the most powerful weapon ever, lets train with it, learn how to use it, and then take the fight to the enemy.

We are protected by Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation. Let's take up our swords, and take the battle to the enemy. Suit up, prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 5: Helmet

Ephesians 6.17a, "And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION,"

It says "take" that word can also mean "accept". A soldier would accept his helmet from the officer in charge of distributing the armor. We accept salvation from God. It is nothing we do to earn it, but God freely gives it to us. He hands us salvation as we prepare to march into battle.

Salvation is being freed from sin. It is protection from the past, and it is assurance to march forward into the future. The helmet offers protection to the head during combat. Salvation is to guard our minds.

When Christ forgives us, when He sets us free, we receive salvation. John 8.36 says, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." When Christ sets us free, we are free. We can be assured of our salvation, and our minds are to be guarded by that assurance. The assurance gives us protection so we don't give up the fight. We march forward confident of the salvation we have received from God, knowing that nothing can take it away from us. John 10.28, "and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand."

Salvation is ours in Christ. It gives us strength to overcome the temptations and sin we face in the future. The assurance of salvation gives us the confidence to fight, knowing that we are in the hands of Christ, and nothing can take us from Him. Salvation is our helmet.

Salvation is forgiveness and freedom, it is assurance that comes from faith in Christ and what He has done for us. Faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We receive the peace of God when we have enter into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to Him through truth. Put on the armor; receive your helmet, and prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 4: Shield

Ephesians 6.16, "in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Paul is writing about a Roman solider dressed for battle. In this case the shield he has in mind is a four foot by two and a half foot rectangular shield. I used to watch Deadliest Warrior, and the Roman Centurion representative said that this shield was the greatest shield ever made. I must disagree, when it comes to shields, I'm a Spartans fan all the way. Though it's not accurate to what Paul has in front of him, it's the one I have in my mind when I envision armor and battle.

The purpose of a shield is to defend from attacks. The text says to take it up so we can extinguish the flaming arrows that Satan hurls at us. Satan will through lies, temptations, and discouragements at us in order to get us to stumble. The shield is crucial because it provides another layer of protection. Arrows could pierce the breastplate of the soldier. An ax or sword could cut off an arm or leg; a mace could crush the skull even with a helmet on it. The shield absorbs these blows, it protects the body, and it's crucial for battle.

Our shield is faith. When Satan throws a fiery dart of a lie at us, our faith in who Jesus is and what He taught protects us. When Satan throws another dart of discouragement our faith in Jesus' view of us and His plan for our life covers us from it. When Satan throws the dart of temptation at us, our faith in Jesus keeps us focused on Him and guards our lives from sinning. Faith is crucial, faith protects us.

When people think of a shield they think defense, and in the case of the Roman shield that's what you get. It's big, it's heavy, and it protects the soldiers. But as I said before, I'm a Spartan at heart. The reason is that the Spartan Shield is much more versatile. It's a big shield, a circle that is three feet across. It covers the Spartan from the knee, where his greaves end, to his neck, until his helmet begins. It covers the carrier and the Spartan next to him when standing, and if need be he can crouch behind it and be fully covered from any attack.

But unlike the Roman shield, the Spartan shield is a great weapon as well. It is versatile and can be used to protect and attack an enemy. On Deadliest Warrior they tested the impact of being hit with this shield and it was at the same level as some car accidents, that's power. Faith is not simply a defensive protection; it allows us to go on the offensive. Our faith can be used as a weapon against Satan. We share our faith in Christ, we live out our faith, and lives can be transformed by it.

The shield is crucial. Faith is crucial. Our faith is strengthened through the peace God gives us through the message of His Gospel. We can receive the peace of God once we have entered into a relationship with Him, and we do that by coming to the truth. Put on the armor, take up your shield, and prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 3: Sandals

Ephesians 6.15, "and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;" This is another piece that was misrepresented in my plastic Armor of God play set. The picture I had in my mind was a pair of greaves, or metal shin guards, which would protect the legs of the soldier that weren't covered by the shield. But that isn't what Paul is talking about.

Roman soldiers wore sandals that were thickly studded with nails. They functioned like cleats do today, providing grip and traction, allowing the solider to cover distances at greater speed. The nails in the sandals also gave the soldier sure footing during combat.

We are told that the sandals we are to put on come from the preparation of the Gospel of peace. There is peace of mind in knowing that you won't slip during battle; that you won't fall during a march. Sure footing gives a soldier piece of mind, and our sure footing comes from the Gospel.

Time spent in the Bible gives us sure footing. We are constantly reminded of God's promises and His provisions. Through time spent in the Word of God we are prepared for the difficulties of life. We can go over the mountains, through the valleys of life because of the peace given through the words of God.

The shoes also allowed for faster travel, and through the study of the Gospel, we are able to take it to those who haven't heard it. We prepare ourselves by studying the Gospel, by putting on the sandals, and then we go, and take the Gospel to others. Satan will try and keep us from this task. He'll try to discourage us, to make us stumble and fall, but the Gospel shoes are firmly fastened to our feet.

The truth of God leads us to a relationship with Him. That righteousness protects us in battle. Our relationship is deepened through study of the Gospel, and the peace of the Gospel fills our lives and gives us sure footing in combat and speed as we move towards the fight. Strap on the Sandals, and prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 2: Breastplate

Ephesians 6.14b "and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS," Righteousness is a right standing relationship with God. It is an essential characteristic of a Christ follower because it is the evidence that we are living for God. Righteousness means that there is nothing separating us from God, nothing is keeping us from going to Him, and nothing is keeping us from hearing Him. Righteousness is essential.

The breastplate is a crucial piece of equipment for a solider. It was made of metal and covered a solider front and back, from neck to thigh. This piece offers protection of most of the vital organs in the body. It allows the solider to attack without fear of injury.

Righteousness gives us protection for battle. A life that is righteous can stand up against any accusation and prove it false. A life lived in a right relationship with God has nothing to hide, and can proudly display all of it's deeds before anyone without fear of something being seen. Satan cannot accuse a solider of God, because that solider is covered in His righteousness.

Even though the breastplate covers the whole torso of the solider, it's main function is to protect the heart. The heart is essential to life, without it blood cannot flow through the body. The heart is also the organ we associate with love and relationships. The breastplate, righteousness, is there to guard our source of life, and to protect our ability to build relationships.

The righteousness of God covers us and clothes us for battle. We come to the righteousness of God through the truth of God. Fasten the belt around your waist, then cover yourself with the breastplate. The truth will not be believed unless it is shared from a righteous life. Righteousness is an essential part of the armor, it allows us to march boldly into battle, unafraid of any attack the enemy may hit us with. Strap on the breastplate and prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Piece 1: Belt

Warriors don't go into battle unprotected, they wear armor. We are engaged in a war against an evil force, and our armor must be spiritual if we are going to withstand his attacks. God has provided us with armor that that we can stand firm against the devil. Each piece is significant.

The first piece of the armor of God is the Belt of Truth. Ephesians 6.14a "Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,". When we hear the word belt today you probably think of a strait piece of leather that wraps around your waist to hold up your pants. I used to have a plastic play set of the Armor of God when I was little. In it, the belt was a simple thing, very similar to a belt today. But the belt was very inaccurate to what Paul is talking about.

A Roman solider would have a belt, but it wasn't a belt like we think of today. Back then it was heavy leather, and it looked like a skirt. If you've seen the opening seen of the movie Gladiator you've seen this item. The belt was an important piece of the armor. It would wrap around the soldier's tunic and hold it in place giving him freedom to move. Likewise it also would be the place that his sword was hung from. The belt is crucial.

But the belt did more than just free up movement and hold the sword. The belt offered protection. The belt was designed to protect a soldier's reproductive organs. The belt is important.

Our belt is Truth. Truth frees us, and it allows us to move because we are no longer held in the bondage of the lies of sin. Truth is found in the Word of God. John 8.31-32, "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'"

Truth sets us free, but more importantly, truth is how we spiritually reproduce. We can only make new believers by passing on the truth of God, found in the Bible, to them. We must guard the truth, we must stand upon it and live by it.

Satan is the father of lies, John 8.43-44, "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." The only way we can hear from Jesus, the only way we can know what He is saying to us, is to be surrounded by truth. We must wrap the truth around us.

Truth is where preparing for battle against Satan starts. We must know the truth before we can stand against falsehood. Pour yourself into the truth which is found in the Word of God, devote yourself to it, and prepare for battle.

Peace be with you

Warrior's Armor

The Bible is full of war stories and images of soldiers, weapons, and battles. There is a reason for this, we are engaged in a war that has been going on since the beginning. Satan, in his attempt to over throw God, began a war that is still going on. The Earth is the battle field, and there are no civilians. All of us are on a side whether we know it or not.

It's a war where the winner and loser has already been determined, but that isn't over yet. The tide of the war turned and victory was assured by an old rugged cross and an empty tomb cut out of a rock; the D-Day event of history. The death and resurrection of Jesus sealed the victory of good, but the war is still not over.

Those who have joined the side of Jesus have done so willingly and deliberately, no one can do it by accident. But those who have enlisted in the army of God don't go into battle unprotected. No warrior marches onto the battle field unequipped. Some are better equipped than others based on years of service, commitment to the cause, and resources available, but all are equipped.

With God as our general the same equipment is available to all of His soldiers, but it's usage depends on each troop's commitment and discipline to training.

Ephesians 6.10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

God has given us armor. And it isn't like the armor Saul gives David in 1 Samuel 17, which doesn't fit and is untested. It's armor that is custom made for each of us. Armor that we are given to train with, to learn how it functions, to learn how to use it in combat. It's armor that will protect us and enable us to be victorious.

God has given us armor, let's put it on, let's train with it and keep it ready for combat.

Peace be with you