Riot boots

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Riot boots

Peace is in short supply. I turn on the television and I see that the world is ablaze, as people strive against one another and against the system that rules the world. I watched as once peaceful nations, like Sweden and Denmark, are exploding as the sudden influx of immigrants has pushed the native born to the breaking point, and progressive policies are giving way to zenophobic anger. Then there is the constant drum beat of “say their names”, screamed in the streets of America. It seems as if the protestors are using black magic incantations to summon the spirits of the dead. Maybe they are. Everywhere I look, there is no peace.

In my own life, I embrace the peace that God has brought through the Gospel. Before Jesus drew me, I was at war with God. I sought to do what I desired and be one like God. I tried to set my own standards and thought I knew what I needed. We are seeing a multitude of people seeking to establish their own heaven on earth, through violence and hatred. they desire to burn down the system, and start anew. I see those crying out in the streets as ones crying out in pain. There is not peace for them, and having a new system will not change things at all.

In my own struggle, I learned that I was a faulty god, and that I was my own worst enemy. I strove to do new things, seeking new ways of thinking, yet I too cried out in pain. Nothing really changed in my life. I tried on a wide variety of spiritual hats, a little new age, some, humanism, and nothing gave me peace.

Then God intervened.

The Gospel brought change, as my self made god died, and Jesus saved me. I now walk as one shod with the Gospel of peace, as I am no longer at war with God, and I seek to share the power of the Good News with as many as I can. Like the protective gear worn by soldiers, and riot police, my boots cover my feet, so that I can walk the path of righteousness. When one walks in the Spirit, there are many who desire to step on your feet, many obstacles, to stub ones on. The evil one is all about tripping us up, and dulling our witness. I am protected, and I advance against the gates of hell.

Believers, be shod and prepared by the Gospel of peace. It is easy to look at all that is happening in our world and be overwhelmed. In those moments when I forget whose I am, I can become discouraged. That is just what the evil one wants. When I am discouraged, I am less likely to share the message of Jesus death, burial and resurrection. That mission must be completed.

You are shod securely when you remember that your sins are forgiven, that your future is in heaven, and you have nothing to fear. Remember, brothers and sisters in Christ, you are at peace with God. Go therefore and and share the Gospel, tell the people of our great God who sent His Son Jesus to bring peace, to bring justice, who is coming back soon. He will burn down the system, that is for sure. He will make all things new.

The Gospel brings peace, it transforms hearts, it brings down oppression as it unites the oppressed with the oppressors. We are locked in a supernatural battle between good and evil, and we know that good wins in the end.

Go out and advance the Gospel in these turbulent times. Do not be discouraged, do not be distracted. Go forth!

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