Shod Your Feet With the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul points out to the Christians at Ephesus, they are fighting a spiritual war. Therefore, it’s essential to equip themselves with a spiritual arsenal to “stand firm.” Paul highlights six components of the spiritual armor of God, each designed to prepare, protect, or play offense against the “schemes of the devil.” Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace is one part of the full armor that includes two dimensions for Christians to understand. The most understood dimension of this verse is about taking the gospel to others. In Romans 10:15, Paul writes, “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of good things.” The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel brings others a message of peace, grace, and salvation. Satan doesn’t want any of those life-giving words to get to people. As followers of Jesus, we must devote ourselves to learning and studying the Scriptures to walk in the peace that only the gospel can bring. Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel makes us ready to live out the great commission. However, if we aren’t firm enough in the gospel in our own lives, I would suggest taking the gospel to others will be a challenge.  A second dimension of shodding our feet relates to being personally anchored in the gospel message. Just like a soldier puts on his armor and equips his feet with sturdy boots, we, too, must have our feet firmly...

Attitude of Gratitude

by | Jun 6, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner

I believe one of the most important characteristics that a Christian must live out in their life is gratitude.  It is a key component to a healthy Christian life and must be present in our lives if we are going to live out the fruits of the Spirit.  Gratitude in Websters’ Dictionary is defined as “the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Jesus seems to up the ante when He tells His followers to “love your enemies”.  I suggest to you that we are also to return kindness even when someone may inflict us with evil. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we pray with thanksgiving our hearts and minds are guarded.  Having gratitude protects our minds and hearts from faulty, false thinking.  We will have a biblical perspective when difficult circumstances enter our lives. Romans Chapter 1 shows us what happens when we are not grateful.  Romans 1:21 says, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”  Note that this verse is the opposite of Philippians 4:6-7.  Paul tells us that those who are not thankful become futile in their speculations (mind) and their heart becomes darkened.  Ingratitude exposes our hearts and minds to darkness and deceit. Ingratitude is a relationship killer. ...