Sunday School: Armor of God; Shoes of readiness to share the Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15

Ever have the wrong shoes, especially for... hiking, bowling, running track, playing football or golf? Tap dancing? Ballet? Walking on the beach? Believe me, the shoes make the job much easier. Just ask any of the WWII soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Buldge, or in the Korean war, or the Civil War or with General Washington at Valley Forge.

Tip #1 if you live in earthquake country? Keep a pair of shoe by the bed. When we woke up to the Northridge Earthquake in January 1994, we were in total darkness once the tremors ceased. As we tried to find our way out of our destroyed apartment we could hear glass crunching under our feet. We totally expected to be bleeding profusely. What saved us from walking directly on all the broken windoes, picture frames and glasses and dishes were the layers of books that had fallen off of the shelves. But ever since that morning- shoes by our bedsides. Believe it.

If you are going to "stand firm" against the devil's schemes, God wants you to make sure that you have His shoes on.

Here are a few passeges to look up if you want to know how to strap on the shoes of peace:

Are you like me? Embarassed by your homely feet? Got yucky toenails? Major tan lines? Hairy nuckles? Well, don't be embarassed anymore, because you've got GOOD NEWS!

"How beautiful are the feet that bring good news" Isaiah 52:7

Feel nervous or anxious about sharing the Good News? That's okay, God will not only give you peace, "He'll BE your peace!" Micah 5:4-5

Just like John the Baptist's dad prayed for him before he was born, God wants to lead you in the paths of peace. Luke 1:68-79

Once, you were God's enemie, but Jesus put an end to that state of war, now there is peace between God and us. Romans 5:1

So, you can be calm, you can be at peace, and that makes you ready. What do I mean, "ready?"
You've got to be ready to explain to people why you have so much hope and peace. Be ready to tell them the Good News that brings such peace. 1 Peter 3:15

You say you wish you had more peace in your life?
Well, here's how. IF you bring EVERYTHING "by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving... to God" in prayer, then- guess what? THEN "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:6-7

Be prepared, Walk on and Peace OUT!

Me ka pule,
Ted