Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (Ephesians 6:11)

When cleaning my grandfather’s home, my family and I came across a pair of wooden shoes that he had carved for himself as a young man in Norway.  Undoubtedly many such pairs of shoes could be found across the world, carved by different hands in different cultures.  But the connection between these shoes and my grandfather set them apart for us, and we’ve kept them to this day.

When St. Paul speaks of “the armor of God,” he speaks about something similar.  The armor of God (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the readiness of the gospel, etc.) is not simply armor that God has given us; it is armor that He wore Himself!  He wore it when He came to this earth to preach good news, die, and rise again.  He clothed Himself in truth, righteousness, peace, and the Spirit, and now we have inherited this armor and may wear it also.

Taking up that armor confirms for us our intimate union with Jesus.  Defended by His truth, wielding His word, and covered by prayer in His name, we are assured all the more that He is ours, and we are His, as sure as the shoes on our feet.

LET US PRAY:  Lord of great might: I cannot fill Your shoes or measure up to Your stature.  Yet You have kindly honored me by numbering me among Your ranks and calling me to serve Your kingdom.  Grant that I may do so faithfully and to Your glory.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Pr. Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.” (Psalm 91:13-14)

Those who trust in the Lord are trusting in the only One who can save. He will not disappoint you because He knows what is needed. Come to the Lord and be under His protection. Know that the Lord will provide for every time of need and in just the right amount. Be guided by the Lord and His goodness and see that the Lord, Who watches over you, does provide in every circumstance.

Lord, in the ups and downs of this world, I often focus upon the immediate circumstance. Guide me, O Lord, to see in You the hope for all people. Lead me to humbly walk in Your ways all the days of my life. Lead me according to Your goodness that I would now and always live with You as the center of my being. Lift me up to be with You always and in every situation.

Lord, You have come to rescue those who come to You. Lead me, O Lord, according to Your goodness that I would trust in what You have accomplished. Prepare me according to Your will to go where You send me that I would learn from You how to be faithful. Open my eyes to see the hope of glory You have given through grace that my life would be one of praise of You. Amen.