Boots of Peace
>> Thursday, March 8, 2012
Based on current times and recent history, when I
envision someone putting on armor to go into battle I picture boots on their
feet.
...and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace...(Ephesians 6:15)
Peace is established and thrives through a personal
relationship with Christ—our source and our provider. Faith creates peace—fear
destroys peace. If fear is allowed to run rampant and out of control, it
becomes our master, dictating our thoughts, words, and actions.
It has been said that the words “fear not” are in
the bible 365 times, one for each day of the year. It is no surprise to God
when fear grabs hold of us and doesn’t want to let go. It takes prayer and His
Word to break free and shed the bondage of paralyzing fear.
Most of us have heard the expression, “walk in
peace”. It is possible it originated from this piece of a Christian’s armor.
Why is this so important? The opposite of walking in peace, is walking in fear,
opposition, and strife. Fighting every step of the way because we are not in
tune with God.
Always chose the path of peace.
The apostle Peter urges us to not only seek peace,
but also pursue peace. Not revenge or hatred, but peace. God wants His children
to stand apart from the world lighting the way to Christ.
Put on your boots of peace and lace them up snug.Chase after peace. Track it down by finding areas of your life where fear and/or sin have entered, and through prayer. One definition of peace is nothing broken, nothing lacking, and nothing missing, which makes peace a wonderful way to pray. In the middle of difficult situations, pray peace over it and everyone involved, and watch God take control.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. We are called to be lights for Christ in a dark world. His
peace, a peace beyond understanding, turns our lights on bright. The whole
world seems to be seeking peace, and we can light the way to Christ and His
peace.
Recipe for Peace
The apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians
contains one of my favorite teachings on peace. I printed those Scriptures, and
keep a copy visible on my desk and one on my refrigerator.
“Rejoice in
the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all
men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but
in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
What does the Bible say?
“For He
Himself is our peace ...” (Ephesians 2:14)
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ...” (Romans 5:1)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not
as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness,
without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall
short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause
trouble, and by this many become defiled ...” (Hebrews 12:14-15)
Monday's post: Shield of Faith
6 comments:
This is just beautiful - and such a fabulous reminder. Slipping those boots on right now! Thanks, Rita.
I love visuals and there are none better than when putting on the Armor of God. Love the shoes to demonstrate the point!
I have something for you on my site. Thank you for being a genuine voice in the blogging world. http://juliearduini.com/2012/03/08/speaking-from-the-heart-the-genuine-blogger-award/
Thanks for reminding me to be actively seeking,walking, "booting up" and making the choice to walk in the PEACE HE provides. Too many times I walk in anxiety and in my own strength....
Excellent post, Rita!
I like Cindy's "booting up" comment. Booting up to start the day, and rebooting when things start to go awry!
BTW, those Roman "shoes" Paul was probably referring to were equipped with spikes on the bottom, from 1" to 3" long, for traction and to be used as a defensive weapon if necessary! Peace is powerful!
I'm loving this series, Dr. Rita! I went through a dark valley once, and I would find a quiet place, curl into a fetal position and rock, and all I could pray was "Peace that passes understanding, please Jesus, peace that passes understanding," over and over and over. And it always came, enough so that I could go back to my day -- until I had to sneak away again.
Strong boots that tread lightly--that's just part of what I received from this wonderful post.
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