Ephesians 6:12-20 The Whole Armor of God

My wife and I have had the opportunity to teach the 1st-4th graders during second service for the next 3 months. In that time we are doing a several-week study on the the whole armor of God and this past week the focus was on Ephesians 6:15.

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. NLT says it like this 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
It is interesting timing because I have a note card I use as a bookmark with the names of people that I am praying will commit their lives to follow Jesus. On this card I have a few verse references, one of which is Ephesians 6:18-20

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making csupplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Often, when memorizing scripture, it is easy to get so focused on one verse; it is eye-opening to note that the context of this verse is God, through Paul, instructing us to put on this whole armor of God to be strong so that we can stand against the schemes of the devil. God is good and so far this year, one person I have been praying for has committed his life to follow Jesus. We have been using silly songs at church as well as visual aids that represent the full armor of God to help remind the kids to put on the whole armor of God each day. I have been encouraged that as I lace up my shoes to go the gym I am really putting on the Gospel of Peace, not my Nike Frees. Okay, that sounded like a cheesy bumper sticker I suppose, but that is exactly how this person on my card was saved: As part of a commitment to go to the gym and lift weights, I prayed for opportunity that I would boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel--and God saved him.

So I encourage everyone who reads this to first read Ephesians 6: 12-20 in your own bible. Then next time you leave your house and put on your Nikes to go to the gym (or your Cole Haan Penny Loafers to head to the office, or your Wal-Mart flips to head down to the pool--you get the idea)-- remember the opportunity we have to be a part of the mission.

So in the context of Ephesians 6:15, I end this blog entry in the most appropriate way I know how: peace out.

Matthew Hayward