Friday, January 7, 2011

Frazzled Fridays!

Dressing in the Armor of God
If the Shoe Fits... (and it does)

Happy New Year to all my old and new bloggy friends ("sistas" in Jesus)!  I haven't said this before, but I am honored that you would take the time to read and follow my blog.  Thank you!

I am continuing my series on wearing the armor of God based on Ephesians 6:10-20.  Verse 15 says, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."(NLT) The New International Version says it like this, "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of  peace." (emphasis mine) I love that the gospel (Jesus came to earth in the form of man and lived the perfect life (never sinned), died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead and broke the power of death and eternal separation from God) gives peace to distressed minds.  I don't know about you, but my mind all but stays in a state of distress!!
 
The EasyEnglish.info commentary explains that "The Roman
soldier’s shoes were short leather boots. These would grip the
ground and they would keep his feet firm on the ground. They
would prevent him from falling. The idea is that we should
stand firm in the war (daily trials).  But this is not all. We
should also tell the good news to other people. Our gospel
boots should be a proper fit. We fight the war. But we send 
out the good news about peace at the same time." (emphasis
mine)   Now I love the term "gospel boots"!  Now that's a
great excuse to go out and find a well fitted pair of boots!
haha, just kidding! 
 
 
 In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says much the same... "always be 
prepared to give an answer to everyone. Be ready when
they ask you. Be ready to give the reason for the hope that
you have".If we continue to pursue the LORD through prayer
and Bible study our footsteps are more likely not to slip. 
 
 
When the peace of God rules in our hearts (Col 3:15) we can
walk through the rough times, holding tight to the end. 
 
Oh how I love me some shoes!  Shoes wonderful shoes!  However, I have found that as I get a little older and I am only 42, that sometimes those wonderful shoes are a bit uncomfortable.  Ugh.  One really does not have to choose because not all comfortable shoes are frumpy which you probably already know.  There are occasions, however, there are times when certain shoes are most appropriate (i.e., a wedding).   We all need some staple shoes in our closet such as flats, heels, tennis shoes, and some good looking boots (you know, gospel boots!).


A general rule of thumb if you don't know what color of shoe to wear, match the shoe color as close to your hair color.  This makes a nice finished look.  (By the way, this also goes for purses, but we'll talk about accessories another time.)  The only exception to this rule are for those with blonde or white hair should wear light camel, taupe or charcoal colored shoes.  

Now this does not mean that if you are wearing brown pants or a black skirt that you must wear light camel, etc.  You can certainly match the brown or black, but could wear charcoal flats with black pants or light camel/taupe with a brown skirt.  

Next week...the shield of faith!

Blessings!

Dawn