Galatians 5:20 The definition of leadership as “influence” has misled and destroyed the faith of many leaders in the past but is even now, destroying many more especially among the younger emerging folks. This is because there are few things that can boost one’s influence without it necessarily being from God. This, makes influence a suspect word and not befitting for describing Godly leadership.
In the bible, there is no gift called leadership—but as the various gifts in the body function, leadership flows through Christ by the Holy Spirit to the whole body. It’s clear from scriptures that Eldership is not a spiritual gift but an appointed function which is done by Elders in the exercising of their gifts Acts 6:3, 14:23. Their gifts can be within the five-fold ministry seen in Eph 4:11 or spiritual gifts shown in 1 Cor 12:4-11. So, it is by exercising their gifts that they lead, which makes their authority to be subject to the scriptures.
The scriptures lay out the practice and the source of the power flowing out from those who lead at any given time and it is amply different from the practice of sorcery and its occult powers 2 Cor 4:7. Many undiscerning Christians may be vexed to read an article that associates sorcery with many a leadership in the Church but, is because they are unaware that sorcery has long left its crude form. In our time, it has become most sophisticated having been re-branded as management packages and simplified practices which can be waded on an individual or congregations without the victim(s) being aware. This has made it appealing to religious leaders and elders given it can be used discreetly and unfortunately, it works (gets the job done) though, it remains an abomination to God as it was in its earlier forms.
How do we answer to the following questions:
(a) Are you in any secret society or fraternity that you are not proud to declare membership to other fellow believers in Christ Jesus?
(b) Do you read any book(s) including on-line, you would rather no one in the Church know about?
(c) Do you attend any secret meetings including on-line (excluding governmental/national security official meetings) or receive any magazine(s) you would rather no one in the Church know about except of course those in it with you?
(d) Do you have practices or habits you’ve painstakingly learned and rehearsed by which you “harmlessly” INFLUENCE people to do things (even good things) without them even knowing they’re not acting on their own God given volition?
If your answer to any of the above is yes, God is waiting for you to bear fruit worthy of repentance Acts 19:19. God does not call anyone or group of persons to equip His people by using any blessing or power outside of Him (God). So, every attempt to enrich the lives of God’s people by employing devilish techniques is totally condemned by God’s word. If we worship other gods with our minds or serve as their embodiment while claiming to be His temple and modeling Godly leadership, we are practicing self deceit, evil and abomination.
There is need for us to constantly remind ourselves that, there is nothing anyone or any group of people who have flesh and blood does in natural darkness with their body or out of their body in spiritual darkness that escapes the light of God. His light is everywhere to save those who will call out to His love and mercy. No one needs to come out of darkness before God can save him or her—He reaches out to you where you are, to redeem you Heb 4:13, Jer 23:24, Acts 2:21. Just call out to Jesus Christ!
To be in the gospel and to model gospel leadership is to abide in Christ Jesus, Who, as the bread of life is expressed to us as biblical teachings or doctrines Heb 6:1b which helps renew our minds Gal 1:8. Those in leadership functioning at any given time, preoccupy themselves more with renewing their minds (laying down their minds for that of Christ) MORE THAN those who are not 1 Tim 3:1, 3:2, 12. However, close examination of the criteria for leaders/elders, shows that the same lifestyle is required of all Christians.
The babes, adolescent and the matured in Christ depend on the Bread to live John 6:33, 48, Heb 5:12 & 14, Psalm 119:9. This Bread is unleavened! Everyone who eats it consistently, while prayerfully relying and focusing on Christ, progressively gains grace and inspiration. The out-flowing of the grace and unction is what leads the person through whom it is flowing and others who are in contact with him or her. The mixture of grace and unction is the leadership Spirit and it cannot be referred to as influence.
Every human has influence or (aura as some call it) to varying degrees which can be accentuated by manipulation of the mind or by pledging allegiance to evil spirits who then sell their bread to the person(s) Eph 5:11-12. The bread they offer is leavened and we MUST reject it steadfastly because, it is poisonous and subtle while forcefully taking the mind to anything but Christ. It pushes one to Idolatry and spiritual death. It is false bread though it looks the same as the unleavened Bread (Eph 5:6).
We need to be Alert
While eyes are on overtly secret societies, international governmental bodies and prominent world personalities to produce the anti-Christ, havoc is raging within the coven in the temple. The temple that is supposed to be a plain city of light set on a hill has become a place of darkness where lies are being prophesied and lying wonders are being originated to deceive as many as would be led astray Ezekiel 8:1-18.
What is a Temple
It is important to note that a temple typifies the mind of an individual and the gathering together of people for worship— not the physical building. In 1 Cor 6:19, the temple is referred to as an individual person, in 1 Peter 2:5, it uses the plural form (Ecclesia) and Rev 2:9, references false worshippers as the synagogue of Satan. It’s what comes out from the temple that shapes us and our environment. This is not just about speaking but also, actions— it either blesses God or defiles us Mark 7:20, Rom 12:2. This has nothing to do with positive thinking and confession! Rather, I am talking about us yielding our minds to Christ not manipulative development of our filthy minds. The mind gives birth to the actions of the flesh (body) which is why when the mind is sick, it affects the body— so much so it is used interchangeably Col 2:18 NKJV, Matt 6:22, Luke 11:34 Rom 12:1-2.
Protection for your mind
In Eph 4:30, we are admonished not to grieve the Holy Spirit Who is suppose to reside inside each believer 24 hours and 365 days of the believers’ mortal life in other to teach, guide, help and comfort the believer. This is to prevent believers from eating the leavened bread (false teaching-mind development).
When leavened bread is presented even to a new born baby in Christ, the unction inside him or her notifies them that something is not right with the bread 1 John 2:27. But unfortunately, because of the false hierarchical structure of the institutional Church and the lack of reading and meditating on the scripture, many believers ignore this protection God gives by the Holy Spirit due to their undue respect to positional leaders of their denominations or theological camp. This is not the case with the matured in Christ, by reason of use, they are more capable to respond more swiftly to error and save their souls and if they are not selfish, they warn the babies and even the matured who have become blinded— encouraging them to escape with their souls from the net (false teaching/practice) of the devil Phil 3:15 Heb 5:14, 1 Tim 4:16.
It is unfortunate that so many fine brothers who have enjoyed the ministry, spiritual gifts and God’s awesome grace are rethinking Christianity. They need to be confronted, but be sure you have first had a think of Christianity because, if you are not grounded in the faith (Jesus Christ), His word and have a close consistent walk with the Holy Spirit, you would be INFLUENCED before you realize it—that is, if you are blessed to realize you’ve been taken in by them. The times are indeed perilous and glorious at the time!
Over several decades, some foremost brothers in Christendom have been targeted to be derailed by strategically and powerfully wooing them through corrupting knowledge acquisition and threats to expose their secret sins. The purpose is to persuade them to consider compromising the teachings of the bible. If you’re in this type of situation, confess your sin openly, receive God’s forgiveness and reject the group(s) holding you hostage. You need to do this! Free yourself and return to teaching the pure word of God to which you have been called!
John the Apostle, tells us by God’s word that a Christian can sin and there is room for repentance and cleansing by the Blood of Christ. So, never let your public reputation become a snare such that anyone or group will threaten to use your sin(s) in the past or present to hold you up in bondage in order to force you to preach and teach error. Repent, be ridiculed publicly than deliberately pervert Christ’ teaching 1 John 2:1-6. It is a lesser evil that you are humiliated in man’s sight than face God with evil conscious because you knowingly twisted His word and deceived those who looked up to you because of God’s grace in your life.
If you still love Jesus in your heart, be faithful to call a spade what it is— spade, not an agricultural implement. Call pragmatism and materialism, which easily lends itself to sorcery its proper name—humanism. And, its implication will become immediately clear and those who love Jesus will have nothing to do with it. Influencing the mind of man is easy and Satan loves it because he has always flawed man there. But, praise God our relationship with Him starts not in the mind but our spirit Eph 2:8. Christ calls His people to lay down their minds for His.
Take this article as a word from God and act now and free yourself from their oath—nothing will happen to you because of Christ’s Blood. Amen.
All through the history of the Ecclesia not Church organisations, it is men and women who have yielded their minds to God that have caused Satan and his cohorts’ nightmares. After all is said and done, reformation is not to the credit of the smartest, holiest, most studious and prayerful men and women though not without these qualities but, to the men and women who were overwhelmed by the love and Spirit of God and therefore were broken as they increasingly yielded their minds to that of Christ Jesus— to Whom be all the glory and honor for all eternity. Amen
The natural eyes of all can see the televised tsunami, earthquake, volcano and twister devastating our world and so, we are concerned and many are sending their services and material help to countries suffering from these destructions. If you can help no matter how little but haven’t, do consider sending your help!
But, in this article, let us meditate on the true tsunami, earthquake, twister and volcano destroying our world that has not yet been addressed sufficiently perhaps this is because its effect is not being seen deeply with the eyes of our inner man. I am referring to fathers that have no Father (God).
God is the Father of all fathers– have you accepted your father, do you have help from Him? Why don’t you have help from Him? Why is the help minimal? Does He lack ability to supply and power to help? Is His love little? Is He wicked and hard of hearing? Does He only deal with those whose hearts are down cast? As earthly fathers, are any of us ever sufficient in ourselves that we don’t need Him because our circumstance is so good or so bad?
Fathers! Let us consider these questions closely whether you celebrate “father’s day” or not.
To help us reflect usefully, let us turn to Psalms 42:1-11 and study it as part of our wanting to learn from our Father God and receive His help and so extend His help to those being devastated by the volcano, earthquake twister and tsunami of not having God the Saviour Who is a present help at all times and especially in times of trouble.
Lord Jesus, help us to take hold of your staff and be clothed with you for the wind has come upon us fathers! We cry for help, help us Holy Spirit our comforter. Empower us that we may not come back home without doing exploits for God as fathers because of the confrontations of the WIND. Be our foundation–our Rock!
Without going into too much detail about the causes of natural disasters, it will suffice to say, they are caused when natural sequences function abnormally. This is also the case with us fathers— we are made to learn and follow a spiritual pattern (Christ) and when we don’t, devastation and destruction follows. Our souls starve, become restless and sick but praise God He is today present where you are to change the situation— give you rest and bring YOU into His chamber closer than you have ever known to behold amazing things! Things that make our destinies clear or clearer, with power and prudence to walk on the earth tall in-spite of all odds fulfilling our God given duties. These things enable us encourage, help and receive help from others since we’re brought into His Household along with others who drink from His streams of living water.
Fathers, let us not celebrate thoughtlessly, lest we think we are doing so well while many of our fellow fathers languish in emptiness! Yes, we praise and rejoice for what God has done and He is doing for us but, we need of a necessity to reciprocate— God needs you and I to be fathers indeed, real fathers look out for others! Let us praise and pray publicly but we must not fail to enter our private places and lament deeply seeking His salvation and that of our fellow fathers.
Let’s do some lamentation to Him who has the power to help fathers to be fathers!
Lord God, let the purpose for which you have honoured men to bear the same name with you as fathers on the earth be fulfilled in us, stop the tsunami of men running away from you in Jesus name. Amen
The sacrifice of Jesus, as a Lamb, is far more superior to the Old Testament sacrifices of the blood of animals. And, we praise and glory in its penal and substitutionary benefits. Yet, there is more that He accomplished for us—particularly, that God now lives in man!
Everyone who repents and accepts Christ’s sacrifice is brought into the HOLY of HOLIES not into the outer court of the tabernacle. Hence, anyone who receives Christ is admitted into Heaven and if he or she were to die immediately after, Heaven will be their eternal home.
The outer court of the tabernacle had a fence made of thick fabric which separated the people and the priests who received their living sacrifices, to kill and present before God on their behalf since, they were not qualified to perform such a task. But, in the New Testament, all who believe in Christ, are commanded to kill their own sacrifice (mortify their flesh – minds) as members of the royal priesthood via Christ’s atonement and to present it as a living sacrifice Rom 12:1-2. What a great privilege! Glory to Immanuel! Matt 1:23. So, teaching that faith in Jesus Christ brings believers first into the outer court, then the holy place and eventually into the holiest place is erroneous and insulting to His sacrifice.
It is inevitably important that we recognize that being a babe in Christ does not indicate inferiority and being mature superiority. Both terms, are an indication of the level of understanding of what God has freely done and is doing in His new found dwelling place in the earth (Man). The word new, points to a new creation as Adam was new when God breathed into him 2 Cor 5:17. The better we understand it, the better we’re empowered and encouraged to expend our lives in worship to God and service to His creation.
In Hebrews 12:18-20, Paul, first clarified the truth that, believers in Christ are not brought into anything similar or close to the inferior experience of the people of old. Then, in Heb 12:22-24, he stated that, believers are brought right into the very presence of God because of the superior sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ. This, he said, is a good enough reason to heed God’s voice through the Holy Spirit to live in and for the gospel even with our blood (lives) if need be Heb 12:4.
Believers are in the holy of holies beholding God’s face in the face of Christ our High Priest who serves not at the outer court but in the most holy place 2 Cor 4:6. Therefore, the scriptures tells us, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him” (John 4:23, 24). To worship in Spirit and in truth means to worship in the holy of holies!
In the Old Testament, though the levitical priesthood was ordained by God, only the high priest had a foretaste of worshipping in the Spirit (HOLIEST PLACE). The rest of the priests knew nothing about worshipping in the Spirit because a curtain demarcated them from enjoying this glorious privilege! Only the high priest worshipped in spirit though through the law. But, when Christ died, he tore the curtain, replaced the law with the dimension of truth to the worship in the Spirit; hence all believers are to worship only in spirit and in truth (Grace-Christ) not law.
So, firstly, Christ’s sacrifice knocked down the fence holding back the people from even daring to enter the outer court. Secondly, He tore open the curtain that kept those inside the outer court and holy place from entering the most holy place Titus 2:11 NKJV. Thirdly, He replaced the law, brought in the reality (Truth) signified by the show-bread which was only a shadow. The combination of knocking down the fence, opening the curtain and making the showbread (Truth) a mirror in which all within the tabernacle can and must look into and eat, necessitated the statement in 2 Peter 1:3, 1 James 1:23.
The Spirit and Truth resides only in the most holy place but overflows freely to the holy place and the outer court. In the New Testament, God has given saints the privilege to serve Him in the three compartments which, in a sense is one. John 10:9 says, “…….will go in and out and find pasture”. In and out signifies free movement in God (most holy place, holy place and outer court) and in our self (spirit, soul and body). While God dwells in our spirit, He flows to overshadow our minds and work through our bodies. Nevertheless, God’s dwelling place in man is the spirit!
The reason for the movement is to gain pasture (life). For example, we move in the most holy place, holy place and outer court for the following reasons:
Outer Court (Our Body)
In the outer court, we do what can be called bodily exercise e.g., marrying and giving in marriage, buying and selling and we invite unbelievers to embrace the gospel (Jesus Christ) 1 Tim 4:8, Rom 12:1. This is part of the reason spirits (Angles) are not ordained to preach the gospel of Christ but we are! Nevertheless, without our outer court (body) we cannot preach the gospel. This is why preaching the gospel is what we MUST do now while we’re clothed with our mortal bodies and alive in the earth. Preach the gospel now beloved!
Holy Place (Our Mind)
In the holy place we fellowship with believers and that is where, we teach, reproof, correct and participate in training (practical exercise of our gifts) as part of His body which, makes any one a man or woman of God 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Cor 5:3-4, 12:4. The purpose is to be equipped (renewed in our minds) to do every good work which is to say, engage in the will and purposes of God on the earth Rom 12:2.
Holiest Place (Our Spirit)
In the most holy place, we fellowship with the Spirit of God alone in our private Acts 10:9, Matt 6:6. This type of worship will never end even after we are unclothed (sleep) temporarily to be clothed again at the right time with immortality. Truly, all who participate in this type of fellowship with Christ, will eventually be gathered together as one beautiful bride of the raised glorious King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen.
So, in Christ, we are free to engage life in all ramifications — marry and give in marriage, build houses, gain all the academic qualifications we need, go on holidays, eat, drink and enjoy as men with flesh and blood. Also, to make friends and share Christ with unbelievers at home and abroad. We have freedom in Christ to gather for fellowship as often as we choose, use our gifts and minds (the mind of Christ) to serve one another. We have free access and privilege to enter into personal divine communion with the Holy Spirit and Christ our Lord. All of this brings fulfilment to Luke 10:27, Eph 4:13.
Important Reminder
When in the holy of holies, we often need to be reminded that there are people outside of the outer court who need to be brought in and that earthly matters need to be attended to. For example, John the Apostle was caught up in the holy of holies (in the Spirit) but, if he did not return to participate in the outer court and holy place, we wouldn’t have had his letters and the encouragement it gives us today. Also, if God didn’t interrupt Peter with the strange dream, Cornelius would have carried on with philanthropic work and zeal without truth (Christ) which, does not make anyone part of Christ’ bride Acts 10:1-48, Eph 2:8, Acts 4:12.
When we’re in the holy place (gathering of believers), we need to remember that the brethren need to be encouraged by the gifts of the spirit in us and not leave it dormant. This is what the ministry gifts—Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, Shepherds and the spiritual gifts was given to believers for in the church 2 Cor 8:4, Eph 4:11-12, 1 Cor 12:7-11.
When in the holiest place, one’s attention is wholly on the Lord. This is the reason the scriptures tell us, “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). John the apostle was certainly referring to something beyond their being with Jesus physically. See verse 1, 2, 5 and particularly 6.
True fellowship starts with hearing and seeing — and the place we hear and see is in our spirit which, has been brought into the holiest place by Christ. This is how we arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Christ. Anyone who is not in Christ can agree with every doctrine but cannot come to the unity of faith (not union of faiths) and knowledge of Christ which is, participation in the light 1John 1:6. Every believer in their private communion participates in the holiest place, making it possible to see and hear from the Spirit through the Truth. Without the Truth, all the teaching and encouragement from the five-fold ministries and the spiritual gifts in the body will not culminate to maturity (true understanding and devotion to God).
The ministries and spiritual gifts in the body serve to enlighten and confirm what the Spirit says to individual believers through the word. This is why the Holy Spirit is the Teacher who speaks to all Christians at all times, everywhere and in every situation. If the ministries and spiritual gifts fail to function or exercise for whatever reasons, the Teacher never, never fails to. For example, when the disciples deserted Jesus, the Holy Spirit was still with Him and when all but the Philippian Church abandoned Paul, for a season or in the many times he was arrested and alone, the Comforter was always with him Deut 31:6, Heb 13:5.
Finally, Before Christ came, God’s people never worshiped together in Spirit and in Truth in the same place (God’s presence). The practice was that one man (the high priest) entered His presence on behalf of the others or the man of God, went up to the mountain (God’s presence) to receive His word for the people.
In all the multitudes of sacrifices made in the Old Testament none sprinkled clean the heart of man. But, the Divine conception, birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ did and more than that, it PATICULARLY BROUGHT the unique benefit of the presence of God in Man as never before except when He first created him. The failure to studiously examine the purpose of this aspect of Christ’s achievement for us has led to many wrong doctrines which undermine the riches we have in Christ that help us abide in Him. Sadly, it has shamefully led to a loss of power to live a dimension of live ordained freely for God’s people in this dispensation of grace 2 Cor 4:7.
The weight of the statement in verse 7 of 2 Corinthians chapter 4 can hardly be fully comprehended by any mortal man. Nevertheless, the graciousness of God in giving us His holy word and the Holy Spirit Who lives in us and guides us into an knowledge of His word helps us to understand the revealed mind of God in things pertaining to our salvation. So, each person who is in Christ carries an immeasurable blessing within him or herself and the gathering together of all who are in Christ constitute God’s house on the earth, a bride being adorned for her Husband.
Therefore, there is a ration for you and I to eat in Christ which affects our spirit, mind and body to experience God’s awesome grace that helps us live in and for God beyond our own human capacity and abilities Mark 10:27, Matt 19:10-11, Eph 5:32. May God help us to eat it and enjoy the abundant life Christ has already made available for us John 10:10b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”. Amen
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10.
For several weeks, these words kept ringing in my heart, so one day I decided to see what enlightenment the Lord had in store. It seems clear on reading from verse one to the end of the chapter that these are walking truths or instructions for our daily lives – a paragon by which our attitudes can be shaped or measured.
First, children are exhorted to obey parents, then wives to submit to husbands, then parents not to provoke their children, but treat them with love. James 1:20 says “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of GOD,” therefore; whatsoever is done in anger cannot produce fruit of righteousness. Masters, treat your slaves kindly; for us it would be employers treat your employees kindly. Slaves, be subject to your masters, or employees be subject to your employer, as unto Christ.
The marital status in our society has deteriorated tremendously from “love and cherish, honor and obey” to hate and ill-treat, disrespect and disregard. Children are rebellious, instead of being obedient to parents who gave them life; parents abuse instead of loving and nurturing their children. Masters or employers cheat and exploit servants and employees, while employees do not give full measure or faithful service – we could go on and on.
These manifestations, however, are signs of the times: the Word enjoins us to “…redeem the time for the days are evil.” See Ephesians 5:16.
People of God! It is time for the world to see that having Jesus Christ in our hearts makes a difference in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit is willing and ready to guide every facet of our lives if we are willing to let go of our soulishness – using our own mind, emotions, will and desires instead of seeking the will of the Lord. We should desire to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all matters pertaining to our home, work and all other involvements. THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD and we are always under His watchful eye.
Verse 10, “Finally, my brethren, be STRONG…” When believers walk carelessly, they are robbed of the strength and authority that is within the Holy Spirit. “I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy.” This is conditional to obedience to the Spirit of Christ. If a battery has a leak, then it loses power. When Christians do things contrary to righteousness, they are submitting to another spirit which drains their power and divests them of their authority through the Holy Ghost, with little or no overcoming.
It is not enough to say “JESUS IS LORD.” We have to MAKE Him Lord and King over every detail of our daily lives. There are battles being waged in the heavenlies over us, and the people of God must have the victory. We are exercised first in small things. “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5.
Ephesians 6:1-9 seems to point out a few possible weaknesses in our everyday living and how to overcome them, so that we might “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” It is a ***walk of the Spirit. The verses after 10 tell us how we can be STRONG and overcome, having the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith which quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, our loins girded with truth and our feet shod with the PREPARATION of the Gospel of peace.
The armour described above is not for lying down; it is for STANDING. It is not for sitting idly by; it is for fighting. It covers the head, the forehead, and the back of the neck – the helmet of salvation. The mind is protected by our salvation – He gives us the Spirit of a sound Mind.
The shield of faith is a defensive weapon to turn back the lightning bolts which the enemies sometime throw at us. Righteousness is a breastplate of the Spirit. That which misses the shield, and is not parried by the sword, is turned away by the breastplate. The sword is the only offensive weapon in our armory. The power of the spoken Word is far beyond what we can, at this time, imagine. The Word says that “He spoke” and it was done. The words of our mouth have the power of life and death. Let us keep the Word of God in our hearts and on our lips. Loins girded with truth will help us to stand upright, and feet shod with that special mixture or preparation of the Gospel of peace will help us not only to walk but to run the race with patience.
Be not afraid of the roaring of the lion, for the power of His might is greater than that of the roaring lion. Like Daniel, let us say “…my God whom I serve continually shall deliver me.”
NO WEAPON THAT IS FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER.
The definition of leadership as “influence” has misled and destroyed the faith of many leaders in the past but is even now, destroying many more especially among the younger emerging folks. This is because there are few things that can boost one’s influence without it necessarily being from God. This, makes influence a suspect word and not befitting for describing Godly leadership.
The shield of faith is a defensive weapon to turn back the lightning bolts which the enemies sometime throw at us. Righteousness is a breastplate of the Spirit. That which misses the shield, and is not parried by the sword, is turned away by the breastplate. The sword is the only offensive weapon in our armory. The power of the spoken Word is far beyond what we can, at this time, imagine. The Word says that “He spoke” and it was done. The words of our mouth have the power of life and death. Let us keep the Word of God in our hearts and on our lips. Loins girded with truth will help us to stand upright, and feet shod with that special mixture or preparation of the Gospel of peace will help us not only to walk but to run the race with patience.