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

Hi, Everyone.
Today, we look at the final part of the Gospel of Peace Shoes--what to do if our laces become loose. As always, I love to hear from you.

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 (as long as our salvation experience was heartfelt), but we're inactive in Kingdom work, leaving the soul winning to 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" and "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
"'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.

Blessings,
Mary