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...