Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Armor Of God (III)


“Have your feet shod with readiness
to preach the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15

A Roman soldier who was shod with sandals was ready to move. Their footwear laced around their legs up to their knees. Looking back, it makes sense this was done to keep their shoes from coming off in battle.

We, as modern disciples, should be ready to share the gospel with others at all times. Our readiness needs to be a result of our studying and reading the Bible and our having a very active prayer life.

Our readiness stems from our preparedness. Before that we have to be in daily communication with our Lord.
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Scripture taken from Daily Study Bible by William Barclay

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Armor Of God (II)



“Put on righteousness as a breastplate.”
Ephesians 6:14

The breastplate protected the soldiers across their chests. Their hearts and lungs were shielded from harm as they engaged in battle.

Righteousness means being without guilt before God. He insures our safety as we walk through our days. Our righteousness is imputed to us through Jesus’ shed blood.

We all know what we deserve. God gave His Son over to the cross . Jesus shed His blood for our sake so we could be free from our sin and then live with Him in Heaven. By taking our sin on Himself, Jesus made us guiltless before God.

We can live righteousness lives before God and others by following His guidance and direction, by applying His teachings to our lives and practicing what we learn.
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Scripture taken from Daily Study Bible by William Barclay

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Armor of God (I)



“Stand with truth like a belt . . . .”
Ephesians 6:14
In Biblical times, soldiers wore tunics held down with a belt. The soldier’s sword hung on the belt, allowing him freedom of movement. A belt encircles a person's waist. Paul advises us to “wear truth like a belt.” We are to practice, speak, and live the truth.

Jesus tells us, “If you hold to my teachings, you are my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

We need to practice the truth to all we meet, and all with whom we work. In order to be able to have this way of living, we must first of all ask Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and reside over our lives. Also we must live the examined life. We have to take the time to consider our words we use and actions people see us take.
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Scripture taken from Daily Study Bible by William Barclay

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...