Part one: Two Truths and a Lie

Let’s play a game called two truths and a lie. I’ll post three verses below and you will spot the fraud.

1. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

2. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion unless you fail.

3. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Did you catch it? First John 1:9 actually says “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The lie was subtle. It was blended in with the truth, so perhaps you glazed over it. We’ve experienced rejection in our relationships, so that seems realistic. However, there are several times we’re told that God doesn’t leave us or forget us. We allow little lies like this to creep in pretty frequently, don't we?

P A U S E

In Ephesians 6, the belt of truth is mentioned first. Historically a belt would have been used to carry weapons, protect vulnerable places (AKA the loins), and prevent the armor from shifting. Our armor is rendered useless when it is not properly assembled. I believe the belt is listed first because we are vulnerable without it. If our words don’t match our actions, we are considered hypocrites. In the same way, if we question God’s integrity, we will find ourselves shifting every which way. 

Consider your character. Let’s get right to it. Are there areas in your life where your lifestyle doesn’t match your values? Do you struggle with dishonesty? Do you value the truth, even in small matters? 

Consider God. Did you believe the lie, that our failure would result in His rejection? Do you feel that when you feel close to God or far away? By recognizing the difference, you'll develop ways to pursue the things that are helping you grow or ditch whatever is holding you back. 

P R A Y

Honesty and integrity are rooted in humility. It takes genuine remorse to apologize, repent, and turn away from the lies in our lives. Ask God to forgive you for dishonesty and actions that do not match your words. Seek wisdom in taking steps toward a life that is authentic and sincere. As in any relationship, reconciliation is the result of confession and a true change of heart.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:13

P R O C L A I M

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it says “we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I've taught my kids and I try to remember to picture handcuffing and taking the things we believe before Jesus as judge and asking if they are true. I have to weed the truth from the lies because I don’t have the time or space to grow both of them here. 

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Who did wear it best, then?

When I think of having the courage to tell the truth, I think of Nathan. He called a KING out on an affair AND murder. A king that went to great lengths to cover the mess up. Nathan rolls up and tells a story about a rich man taking advantage of a poor man and the king is FURIOUS. He’s ready to have the rich man put to death when Nathan let’s the angry king know that he is that man. Can you even imagine? I’d be sweating in my space boots at any stage of this confrontation, but he chose to do the right thing. King David was the culprit and could have easily buried Nathan at this point. Thankfully, David had a soft heart and confessed after enduring the details of painful consequences he would face for years to come. This story is such a great example of courage, honesty, and asking forgiveness. What can we learn from it today?

Part two: A Heart Divided

Pop quiz: Heart Check

Answer the following with a true or a false:

1. I’m proud of my accomplishments and share them so others know they can trust me.

2. I enjoy heated debates over opinionated topics.

3. There are people I really dislike and would prefer not to be around them. Ever. Again.

4. I follow the rules and choose to love God and follow Jesus so I’ll be saved.

5. I love coming up with new ways to show God’s love and be a good example for Him.

6. I’m often afraid of what will happen if I make a mistake or disappoint God.

7. God wants us to seek justice because He hates all that is evil.

8. I love to pray because God is faithful.

9. I have worked really hard to be the kind of person that can glorify God.

10. I seek a life that is filled with glory for God.

(1. Luke 18:9-14  2. Romans 14:1  3.1 John 4:19-21  4. Ephesians 2:8,9  5. Romans 10:3 
6. 2 Timothy 1:7  7. Roman 12:19  8. Matthew 6:7  9. Romans 3:11,12  10. Matthew 16:24, 25)

If you answered “true” to any of the above, you might be self-righteous. I know. It hit me pretty hard too. Chances are, most of us answered yes to several of the above because they sound so much like what we’re supposed to be doing. What we’re supposed to look like. We create versions of Truth that fit our personal plans and desires.

You see, I started this post on righteousness by sharing a story about a man that was deceptive and caused division in a nearby church. The words flew off my fingers and I toyed with what would or would not rattle the wrong cages. “We need to be fired up about injustice,” I thought. “It’s inconceivable that others’ hearts are divided between protecting the church and protecting the vulnerable.” 

Well, as soon as you find yourself saying “inconceivable” (thank you, Princess Bride) to yourself…you have to stop and check your heart. I was so focused on this man’s heart divided between sin and ministry that I overlooked my own flaws. My struggles may look different because we’re talking about a grumpy mom that’s spread too thin (hypothetically, of course)…but the headline is the same. “The Wreakage of a Heart Divided.” 

P A U S E

The breastplate of righteousness is the second piece of armor listed in Ephesians. Likely made of iron, it was used to cover all of the vital organs, most importantly the heart. Any flaws in the armor gave enemies a target to attack. The modern day breastplate worn by law enforcement officials is kevlar. Fun Fact: Did you know kevlar was discovered in 1964 by a Polish American female chemist? Stephanie Kwolek was hoping to modify tire production in the event of a gasoline shortage. She discovered the solution she tested had incredible strength that exceeded other fibers. Kevlar was introduced to the world in 1971 and is ideal for various grades of industrial use and personal armor because it is so durable and withstands insane temperatures. 

Let’s be honest. We are talking about armor here. Paul didn’t say put on the fall wardrobe of Ohio. He didn’t say put on your swimsuit for water. He wasn’t suggesting we dress for the season; he was emphasizing that we need to be prepared for battle. We face challenges that could weaken our faith or cause us to lose hope. How many of us have faced obstacles without the proper coverage and have slouched out the other side as a skeptic?

We are meant to be one body, but much like a heart divided, we can’t pump the life blood of Jesus’ truth to the world around us if we’re split in two.

Go back to the pop quiz and observe the places you answered “true.” Read the verses that correspond with them and try to discover what they are telling you. 

P R A Y 

Psalm 139:23, 24 says “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Pray these verses honestly and be willing to understand the “flaws” in your armor. Be observant to the response. Often our heart issues are directly linked to our anxiety. 

We ask for our heart to be searched not by us, but by God. We do this because our hearts are weak and easily influenced. I love the way the Message breaks down Jeremiah 17:9-10: “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”

It is exhausting to hit that hustle button and try to figure out for ourselves what’s next. I love free will and making my own choices, but if there is an outcome that involves less turmoil and more peace…sign me up. Just as a budget allows for freedom to spend in the ways that are most important to us, righteousness allows us to live out the promises that bring us joy and produce goodness. Romans 10:3 says “For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with Himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.”

P R O C L A I M

Our hearts endure so much in life. That’s all there is to it. Let’s do right by them and make some changes to our top 10 responses! 

1. Faith in Jesus rescues you, not good works

2. We have peace with God because of Jesus

3. We have faith and we can approach God because of Jesus

4. We are treated graciously because of Jesus

5. We have hope because of how amazing God is

6. We can be joyful even when we suffer

7. Our suffering produces endurance (aka ability, courage, fortitude, grit)

8. Our endurance produces character (aka quality, personality, sense)

9. Our character produces hope (aka promise, confidence, anticipation, ambition)

10. We aren't stuck in shame because God loves us deeply through the Holy Spirit

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Who did wear it best, then?

🧔🏻Did you hear about Saul?

👩🏻You mean Paul?

🧔🏻No, Saul. Of Tarsus?

👩🏻Yeah, Paul. We’re talking about the same guy. 

🧔🏻Ssssssaul. I feel like you don’t hear me. 
This is how I imagine name change conversations going, back in the day. Saul had a reputation for talking down the “less thans” and putting people in their place. After an epic encounter with Jesus, he had a change of ❤️. He went on to use his “gift” of “outspokenness” to tell others about the Gospel. He was brave, bold, and a great example of righteousness. I love how someone so unlikely (and perhaps unlikable 😳) was used to make such a huge impact in our walk today! Stay encouraged! Even our trickiest habits, when used properly, could be our hidden strengths! 😉

Part three: Grounded in Peace

When I picture a “foothold,” I picture a mostly closed door with a foot holding it open. I’m clearly not a rock climbing, adventure seeking sort of lady. This is probably old news for all of you cool kids, but a foothold is used to describe being firm, steady, and supported in your stance. In rock climbing, this means you’ve found a trusted nook and cranny to lodge your foot in order to remain safe as you shift your weight. For those of us land lover’s, we could use the term to describe a confident position in our work, community, ministry, etc. 

P A U S E 

Ephesians tells us to have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. Ummm…what? I’m still wrapping my brain around that, but I love the idea of our feet being firmly grounded in peace. I found some interesting parallels while reading about Roman footwear (Roman Foot Locker? Roman’s Sporting Goods? Still working out the name of my franchise…). Many of the Romans wore Caligae, which were ox or cowhide sandals that had hobnails hammered into the bottom. They kept soldiers’ feet cool and sounded intimidating as they marched into battle. I’m guessing weaknesses included having parts of the foot exposed and traveling on all surfaces in what essentially looked like cleats. I love the image of peace being strong, courageous, and powerful. This is paired with the softer elements such as grace and patience. 

Let’s take the picture of those sandals and the idea of our feet being grounded in peace. I immediately felt convicted by my thoughts and words. They can be so divisive when I feel defensive, concerned, or disappointed. I would not describe my attitude or behavior as peaceful in those moments. Knowing that the Bible does not have wasted words (we have lineages listed, but not shoe sizes), I searched for verses about feet. I wouldn’t have thought to do this if a friend hadn’t shared her word searches in the past! I found two key themes: 

1. God leads and protects us when we follow Jesus.

2. We show humility and repentance when we come to the feet of Jesus.

P R A Y

Peace requires humility. Consider Ephesians 4:26, 27 where it says “In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” You may substitute anger for sadness. Disappointment. Defensiveness. Judgment. When our emotions boil over and we are no longer grounded in peace, it’s important that we take a moment and not lash out from that shaky position. 

My picture of the enemy's foot in the door, barely holding it open and likely to have it smashed in my rage-filled slamming needed to be adjusted. A foothold means steady placement with slow and deliberate movement. The door slamming image sort of implied that I was running away from or actively defending against something. The actual meaning is slightly more powerful. 

P R O C L A I M

Following Christ means that you believe in God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus. You believe Jesus is the son of God, that he died and rose again while on this earth. If you believe that, then the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:10, 11) moves in and through you. We can be confident and not fearful when James 4:7 says to “humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” FLEE. BE GONE. When we stand our ground, he backs down.

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Who did wear it best, then?

“My foolish, rebellious husband will get us all killed!” Her servant knew this was true. Abigail gathered supplies quickly and loaded the donkeys. “He must not know we are doing this.” Nabal was a mean-spirited man. They traveled into a mountain ravine where men’s voices could be heard bouncing off the walls. David and his men rounded the corner as Abigail approached and bowed at his feet. She asked for his forgiveness for what Nabal had done and offered many gifts to him and his men. She acknowledged God’s provision over David. Rather than attack, David was so moved by her bravery that he withdrew his men and commended her for coming to him. Abigail took steps toward peace to protect her people. I wish we knew more about Abigail from the Bible, but sometimes a person’s story is wrapped up in one courageous act. Take a look at the course you are on. Are your feet headed for trouble or planted firmly in the good things set before you?

Part four: Waiting Room Faith

I strongly dislike waiting. I don’t like to move slowly, I don’t like to take my time, and no I didn’t read the directions. The thought of boredom makes me shudder. Waiting alone is hard, but when you move the location to a hospital, funeral, or friend after some loss…my heart can barely hold it together. I’ve said goodbye to grandparents, said hello to babies, hugged a friend for the last time before leukemia made her too frail to touch, and waited awkwardly to find out what’s next. I’ve sat on the thin paper that tears as easily as your resolve and waited for answers. I’ve sat with others, some that are loud to block out their anxiety, and some that are distant and quiet as we all wait. I’ve let my mind wander to what if and what’s next. I strongly dislike waiting. 

P A U S E

The shield of faith is no joke. In biblical times, Roman shields were typically four feet high and two and a half feet wide with hooks that allowed them to attach to one another. The iron shields were covered in two layers of wood, linen, and leather. They would leave enough space between the layers so that flaming arrows could be extinguished. There were times the romans would crouch to the ground and cover themselves and use shields on the outer lines to close them in. Sort of like a turtle or an armadillo. 

Does our faith have that sort of strength? When challenges come our way, do we stand firmly in what we believe or do we crumble under the pressure? Look back on your own waiting room experiences and consider how your response has changed over the years. Are you growing or are your troubles tearing you down? 

P R A Y 

Our faith can build anywhere, but often it grows in the waiting. Sometimes we speed things up and do it our own way, only to miss what God might have done. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of people that have waited on Him and have had their needs met in extraordinary ways. I do mean needs here…not just wants or hopes for prosperity. I love that David embraces the shield imagery in Psalm 33:20-22 where he says “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him because we trust in His holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Ask God to show you what faith like this looks like. I have a friend that asks for glimpses along the way. Remind yourself of his love. In your waiting, don’t give up. 

P R O C L A I M

Faith does not ensure a care-free life. Nothing does. But just as a shield protects the armor and the person within it, faith protects our hearts and minds from doubt that will tear us apart. It also builds our righteousness and desire for peace. Believing in what we cannot see gives us hope to live freely.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”   2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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Who did wear it best, then?

If I told you that by raising your arms for an entire game, your favorite team would win, would you believe me? Chances are you’d throw your lucky rabbit foot (I see you) and tell me it won’t work. Ye of little faith. Moses was in this position, but more of a your-enemies-will-kill-everyone sort of vibe. Slightly different. When fatigue set in, he had a man on either side to lift his drooping limbs. Lives were at stake! God allowed them to defeat some of their worst enemies in this faithful act. Sort of puts the Browns winning in perspective, am I right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

It amazes me that God uses us as conduits for his strength. We are weak, restless, forgetful, and selfish. And that’s just me on a Tuesday. 😬 We would rather step over the hard places and not draw attention to them. BUT, our shortcomings are the best part of the story. Conflict is what ensures change in us. It pushes us forward. Faith tells us it will work.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

When your arms are tired from carrying the shield of faith, ask God to remind you of all the work He has done and is doing today. Lift up whatever is causing you to feel weak or restless. Pray for guidance and direction. Trust the one that made you and longs for you to have the very best life possible this side of perfection. ⠀⠀

Part five: Redeemed

“You aren’t redeemed.” I remember thinking this over and over after an argument I had with Wade. I cannot for the life of me recall what we were disagreeing about, but I’d made some mistake. I was disappointed in myself and upset by Wade’s response. I went to the basement to organize some chaos (my life is a metaphor) and it felt as though these words were shouting in my brain. A history lesson of my past failures filled my mind and convinced me that I’d never actually changed or grown as a person. In that moment, I denied the salvation that had separated me from my failures. 

P A U S E

The helmet of salvation is mentioned next in Ephesians. Just as a helmet protects our head, our minds can be safe and secure in the salvation that restores and protects our lives. Over the years, helmets were modified to protect not only the head, but also the eyes. Isn’t that fitting, because so many of our struggles begin with our eyes! We compare, we desire, we long for things that we see. Others have it. We want it. Our lives fall short in the balance.

Can you think of a time where you felt like you weren’t good enough? Unworthy, unholy, unnoticed, unseen? I often imagine I’m the only one that thinks so little of myself at times, but then I realize most of us go through a time of feeling “less than.” Our thoughts are flooded and we become anxious or depressed in the wake. 

P R A Y 

Ask God to show you the areas in your life that you are holding onto. They are not under His care and protection. This isn’t because He can’t handle them, but because you can’t release them. Does that make sense? Our past mistakes are no match for a perfect God. He has proven time and time again that He can redeem us. Shame and guilt are not from Him. 

Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Pray for the courage to have faith in God and trust Him for salvation.

P R O C L A I M

Romans 8:38, 39 says “for I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I’ve been adding a footnote that states the Love of God is void when you are  unkind, ungracious, unloving, and altogether less than awesome. My footnote is false. Those thoughts and behaviors are indicators of sin in my life, not the loss of my salvation. 

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Who did wear it best, then?

If you want to hear Job's story in a different way, check out "Where Were You" by Ghost Ship. In it, God responds to questions about sin and suffering by asking Job where he was when God created the earth. The words are taken from Job 38, which by the way is the THIRTY EIGHTH CHAPTER of the book. SO for 37 chapters, Job and is friends go back and forth, back and forth…yada yada yada…empty words when it comes down to it. He remained faithful to God, but he lost sight of all that God had done. There are no mysteries for God. Job's story shows us that no matter what we go through, our salvation can never be taken away from us!

Part six: Sword Fight

We often see swords breaking in movies, which is usually symbolic of the incredible strength of the character being portrayed. In reality it takes unusual movement, consistent pressure and force to actually break a sword. If a sword were to break, it was just as much the fault of the smith as it was the wielder. Consider this. If the Bible were no longer applicable, wouldn’t we blame God? If He sent us out with shoddy equipment, we would believe He was responsible for our failure. On the flip side, if we step into battle without the sword we’ve been given, we are only hurting ourselves. 

We wouldn’t dream of going into battle without a weapon. We can use the Bible when we are feeling tempted, when struggling with anxiety/depression/fear, sharing truth when someone challenges it. Pray it, proclaim it, speak it aloud, memorize it, post it in your home. 

P A U S E

The Sword of the Spirit is our most effective defense against lies. The Bible was handcrafted by about forty men over the course of more than 3,000 years. In 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, Paul says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Regardless of how realistic it may sound to you, the truths presented then still apply today. 

What are some ways you can make Scripture a more regular part of your day? Memorize verses, write them cards, use them as wallpaper on your phone? What are some ways this might help you in your daily living?

P R A Y 

Ask God to speak to you through the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” This verse tells me that God wants the words in His book to move in our lives. 

P R O C L A I M 

Matthew 7:7,8 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” This verse tells me God wants to respond to our needs.

The focal point of our fear will determine the course of our path. Fear is inevitable and we are free to decide what we do with it. Do we look for safety and miss out on participating in our lives? Or do we turn toward God and His Truth to live more authentically? As someone that is easily frightened by most things, I can tell you that there is freedom in the latter. 

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Our final example of wearing the armor of God is Jesus. You didn't think we'd get out of this without Him, did you? He responded to every challenge the enemy threw His way by quoting Scripture and God's Truth. Isn't that amazing? Our greatest enemy can be knocked down by the Truth. BOOM. I love it. Not only can we look to Him for an example of life on earth, but we have the added bonus of His Spirit dwelling in us along the way. Stand strong in what you know to be true today!