I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Dressed by the Spirit
One of the first tasks we teach children is to dress themselves. Learning how to fasten buttons and tie shoes is a life skill they'll need daily. We teach children how to put on their clothes and what items are appropriate to wear. Will it be hot or cold? Will they be going somewhere formal or jumping in rain puddles?
The Holy Spirit teaches us, as children of God, how to dress ourselves. If we are to face spiritual enemies and battles, we will need the armor of God. And just as we needed training on how to tie the laces on our physical shoes, we need to learn about spiritual shoes and belts, too.
It is the truth of Jesus that 'holds everything together,' as a belt does. He is the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except by Jesus … and everyone who comes to Jesus finds the Father (John 14:6-7). There are no shortcuts.
A breastplate protects the wearer’s vulnerable organs. Paul likens the righteousness (or right standing) that comes from having Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross to a breastplate. If Satan tries to land a fatal blow by accusing us of sin, Jesus’ righteousness protects us from condemnation every time (1 Peter 3:18).
Lastly, just as the right shoes can help us to run further and faster without getting injured, the right spiritual shoes will help us go the distance as we prepare to speak of the good news—or gospel—of peace between sinful people and a holy God. This gospel of peace bridges gaps between people who were formerly enemies: that’s good news we can always be ready to share.
Responding to God at All Times
Throughout our lives, we will all experience both suffering and joy. We'll have times of great grief and times of overflowing happiness. Sometimes, they’ll be separate seasons—but other times, these experiences come together.
In either case and in any situation, James expected Christians to come to God. If someone was suffering, prayer was the call to action. If someone was cheerful, people were to pause and praise God.
This might seem obvious, but when suffering clouds our thinking, we can sometimes forget to prioritize prayer. And when things are going well and we're feeling cheerful, it’s easy to just enjoy our season and not stop long enough to praise God for it. But every season of life is actually just an opportunity to put into practice what James wrote about…
When we are suffering, let us pray. When those around us are suffering, let us pray. When we are cheerful or happy, let us praise God. When others are happy, let us praise God with ...
