Day Sixty-three

'with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:14-15).'

The breastplate of righteousness: A Roman breastplate was usually made of bronze and covered the midsection, from just below the neck to the thighs. It was called a 'heart protector' because it guarded the vital organ that keeps us alive. The type of righteousness in this verse is not talking about perfection. It is talking about submitting to the lordship of Christ; basically, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.

The 'belt of truth' came first because it is foundational; you have to see God, yourself and others through the 'truth' lense. The breastplate of righteousness is the application of His truth. It's taking His truth and living it out. It's getting to the 'heart of the matter'. Does it mean you are perfect? No. It means you deal with problem areas in your life. If God has shown you that you spend too much time on the telephone, scale back. If He shows you that you have a bad habit with food, then break it. As Nike is fond of saying, 'just do it.' Regardless of your fear, take that first step of obedience. Once you do, God will step in with His grace. If He is showing you to change something, He is going to give you power and grace to do it. 'His grace will be sufficient for you.'

Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace: Roman sandals were strapped up to the knee and tightly fastened to the soldier's legs. The soles had knobs and sometimes nails protruding from them, somewhat like athletic cleats. It gave soldiers firm footing so they could stand unmoved against their enemies.

Paul wants our feet to tbe planted with such certainty, too. The way we have our feet fitted with the 'readiness' that comes from the gospel of peace is by knowing the Gospel message inside and out, forwards and backwards. Knowing it so well you could share it at a moment's notice. It also means being well grounded in the mercy of God in Christ and being prepared to extend His mercy to others. The enemy is going to try to cast doubt on what you believe. Actively sharing your faith is a great faith builder and the best defense against doubt. Doing so will keep you from waffling and will plant your shoes firmly in the ground.

Dear Jehovah-Tsidkenu (the Lord our Righteousness),

As I continue to ask You to search my heart and show me my sin, I ask You to give me the ability to turn from that sin that you convict me of. I want to be sanctified through and through, Lord. I want to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. I want to wear my 'breastplate of righteousness' and wear it well! Your grace is sufficient for me! May I live this out! Lord, I also ask that I cast away all fear of sharing the Gospel message. Fear is from the enemy. You do not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). Your Word tells us to actively share our faith, Lord. Oh, give me the passion and burden to share, and share often. I specifically pray that I would share the Gospel with _______________________. If there is someone that I need to invite to Deeper Still, lay her on my heart. I pray I will follow through with asking her to go and that this conference will have a life-changing affect on her. I also pray that the Christian women coming to Deeper Still will be challenged to not 'just talk the talk', but live out their faith! May this weekend be one of change in all that attend.

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.