Life Plan Devotion #72 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part IV]

Yesterday, we looked at how to put on the third important piece of the Armor of God--the Gospel of Peace Shoes, which give you, the believer, protection on the rocky battlefield of life, preparation for the path God has planned for you, and purpose/mission to live out your salvation and lead others to Jesus.
Today, let's look at what you can do if the laces of your gospel shoes get loose. That may sound a bit silly, but can you imagine a Roman soldier putting up his hand and saying, "Hang on a minute while I lace up my sandals"? No, for by that time, he'd be toast!
The laces of our gospel of peace shoes get loose when we "play church." That's when we merely put in our time at church, once a week (if that), but the rest of the week we don't think much about the Lord, or spend time in the Word or in prayer. We are still saved, but we're inactive in Kingdom work, leaving the soul winning to the missionaries and preachers. II Timothy 3:5 says about us, "They will act religious, but they reject the power that could make them godly."
Another reason our gospel of peace shoes can get loose is that Jesus could say to us, "'You don't love Me or each other as you did at first'" (Revelation 2:4). We go from relationship to ritual. The Christian walk gets lifeless, when that happens.
Revelation 2:4 goes on to give Jesus' answer to the problem of loose laces in one's gospel of peace shoes. "'Turn back to Me and do what you did at first.'" If you feel you've lost your way, go back to the place where your spiritual walk was deep and fulfilling. What were you doing then that you're not doing now? Put those things or activities back into your life. Start with repentance, so you know you've been forgiven and given a clean slate.
Satan wants nothing more than to loosen the laces of your gospel shoes. He knows that if he can keep you from being a testimony in word and deed, he will have snatched away a great weapon. No matter your calling or gifting, your purpose is that of every other believer...to know Christ and to make Him known.
If you begin to walk in sin, your "feet" will swell, and your gospel shoes won't seem like such a good fit anymore. There will come a time of great decision, which will result in the difference between "no peace" or "peace." You will choose either to remove your shoes or to repent. It is the latter which restores your feet, to fit the Gospel of Peace Shoes, to tighten the laces, to get you back into the Game of Living for the Lord, and to walk out your salvation, bringing the Good News to others, once more.

John 16:33 [NIV]
"'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.'"

What this has to do with weight loss: If Satan can't get at you any other way, he will use food to try to defeat you. Through Jesus, though, you have the power to overcome all sin, even the sinful habit of overeating and every temptation that will come to you. You are not alone, but you must decide to yield to the Lord.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to keep the laces of my gospel shoes, and my relationship with You, tight. Nothing else matters, and nothing else will be good if our relationship is suffering. May I always put You first. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."

Go forth today, with your Gospel of Peace Shoes on, laced tightly, and living out your marching orders, making an eternal difference in the lives of precious souls.

Life Plan Devotion #71 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part III]

We've looked at the third important piece of the Armor of God--the gospel of peace shoes, which give the believer protection, preparation, and purpose. We've also looked at the aspect of "peace," the peace that comes from knowing Jesus as Savior. Today, let's look at how to put on this very important piece of armor.
The only way to have "our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15) is to "be saved by grace, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Of course, that's the only way to obtain every piece of God's Armor.
Once you have access to the Armor of God, through salvation, prepare yourself to follow the Lord, no matter what, and put on your gospel shoes. The gospel shoes are meant to equip your feet to move in ministry. It doesn't matter if you're a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, as a believer you are commissioned to "Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people with good teaching" (II Timothy 4:2).
You have been given a great gift, salvation, and it's a gift that is meant to be given away, over and over again. In Mark 16:15, the Lord commanded His disciples (that's you) to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Wherever your "world" is, make sure you're a living testimony of God's Grace. "If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it" (I Peter 3:15), knowing that no matter what happens, you "don't worry in advance what you will say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). Their only chance for salvation may be with you, today.

Romans 10:15b [NLT]
"How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

What this has to do with weight loss: As part of a community of people who are at various places on the weight-loss journey, you, as a believer, will have countless opportunities to be "salt and light" to others, many of whom do not know much (if anything) about Jesus, the one who can give them eternal life and help them be successful on their weight-loss journey. Today, I challenge you to take your beautiful feet and march into the life of a precious soul, bringing the best news of all: Christ died for all, to give those who believe in Him eternal life.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I cherish my gospel shoes. They are a perfect fit! May I use them to carry me into the lives of others who have not heard and do not know about You, My Savior--Jesus. When I received the gift of salvation, I held on to it so tightly, yet now I know that it is a most amazing gift, in that I can have it always, yet still give it away to others. May I be counted faithful in doing just that, with all that I say and all that I do. I pray in the Name of the One who died for all--Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, putting on the gospel of peace shoes and living out your marching orders.