Belt of Truth

The belt of truth is the first piece of armor Paul talks about in Ephesians 6.  What is the relevance of the belt of truth?  If you go back to it's context it comes back to the belt of the Roman soldier as he prepared for battle. 
The belt played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier's armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to put a sword. Imagine an overzealous soldier, fired up and charging out into battle—but without his belt, and consequently without a weapon!
In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor." Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.
So the belt is important.  When my boys were growing up one pet peeve that annoyed me to no end was the sagging of pants.  I was adamant they wear a belt to hold their pants up - apparently, there is more to it than simply the use of covering ones butt...or is there?
One of the pieces that challenges me is truth.  To be clear,  I value truth above most anything else.  For me truth is not relative.  Perception may impact one's interpretation of truth but even then if the perception of truth is seen through any glass or window other than the truth of God's Word it is scewed.  It is not reliable and often leaves it's viewers lost and confused.  For me this is an important piece of the armor.  Casting Crowns has a song that I listen to often - it helps me get centered in who is the voice of truth in my life.
Some of the lyrics are:


But the Voice of truth tells me a different story the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!" and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth


Am I the only one who struggles to define truth?  So many things are spoken into our livcs - so much junk wrapped in pretty words or just enough truth to draw us in but not completely the heart of God - His truth - the truth that sustains, restores and builds us up for His kingdom.

The truth strengthens us - the lies disable us and render us completely helpless in the battle.  We are exposed and vulnerable to complete brokenness.  Who has not witnessed the lives of potential soldiers in the army for the kingdom laid out on the road of life - broken and wounded by the lies of Satan?  Is this really God's intent - of course not - still we see it often.  The lies begin in the womb, the lies continue in childhood, and continue their disabling work every day of our existence without the super natural intervention of God Himself with His truth - the only truth that matters, the only truth that makes us ready to fill God's purposes in our lives.  The only salvation to freedom from the lies is found in knowing Gods truth.  Be filled - drink of His truth daily - do not walk exposed and posed for attack.  How do we know it's God when His words comes to us through our spirit?  Here is a tester:  Is what you are hearing breathing life to your soul?  Is it edifying - healing  and empowering?  If it doesn't meet that testers it is likely not God speaking to you.

 John 17:17 tells us we are sanctified (set apart for sacred use; to make holy; purify) by truth - the truth of God's Word. Jesus, praying to the Father, gives a clear and straightforward definition of truth: God's Word (Scripture—the word of truth) was given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek expression translated "inspiration of God" literally means "God-breathed"! He actively and fully inspired the Bible to reveal His truth to us.  His promises, His commands, His word—they are all truth, plain and simple.

A belt encompasses the waist. Does our conviction to the truth encompass us?  Th belt is important - it is allows us to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively.  Any additional thoughts or comments?

And When You've Done All ... Stand

Ever have a moment when you realized no matter the effort, passion or desire; you will not make things around you right?  I read this today: 

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet."   (Mess.)

The armor of God seems pivotal in the verse so I did some study of the armor of God because frankly I'm pretty sure I'm getting the crud knocked out of me in this fight.  So I read the verses in front of that line we so often hear (after you have done everything to stand (NIV) -   "and after you have done everything, to stand" (Mess).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.Ephesians 6:10 - 18

First I think some of my frustration is misdirected.  I become angry with the circumstances and the people who I believe force/cause the struggle.  In fact the circumstance and people are the least of my concerns.  It seems I need to be more acquainted with an understanding of my true enemy, (rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms).

So what is the armor all about - I memorized the verses and can quote them without hesitation in a heartbeat but feel inadequate to give real explanation of their meaning.  So here is what I see:

• Belt of truth 
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Shoes of peace
• Shield of faith
•  Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit

 So now begins a study on each piece of this armor.  First:  The belt of truth ... will continue writing as I learn more ... any thoughts or experience to add?
 

Baptism and Resurrection Sunday

I attended services at VC yesterday.  At the end of the service I did as I always do on Baptism Sundays, I moved to the front row.  I wanted to be as close as possible to the water, to the people being baptized, to the the ones doing the baptizing.  I felt a bit like people may have felt as Jesus walked through the streets - I pressed in to get as close as I could to the place where God Himself was moving in our midst.  I sat and watched as the stream of people walked into the water and out and I did as I always do, I sat in my seat and wept.  I stretched my hand toward the waters and I prayed.  On this particular day I needed answers too.  Why God does this event touch me so deeply?  I thought first, well of course, I am filled with joy for the people (this is nice but cliche and well... kind of lame really).  I thought more and realized it was more than joy I felt.  It was a deep sense of knowing what those in the water maybe did not know.  This life they had chosen would be filled with many joys and celebrations but it would also be a difficult life with daily choices.  The need to pray for those taking this first pivotal step in their walk with God overwhelmed me.  I thought of the days ahead and of the very real hardships that lay ahead...  This first step was not the completion of God's movement but really the beginning.  As those in the water would soon learn, they had made a choice that would come with a price.  It's true, serving and loving God is not all hot fudge cake and parties, it's hard work with daily choices.   I wonder some days if I had known then about the cost, would I still have chosen this.   The answer is a resounding YES...