Ash Wednesday 2013 Getting Dressed 3

Good Evening, my dear brothers and sisters.  I pray all went well for those going to Ash Wednesday services.  Remember, ladies, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, please remember to get your husband that new car!  Men, remember those ladies, a Hershey bar would be nice.  (Just kidding, folks.)  Just remember, a kind word and most spouses would be really happy.  Please keep praying for those on our prayer list, and please remember to pray for our leaders.  Please pray for Dolores for health issues.

I am sorry I am running late today.  I started out early enough, but as you know, we have over the years adopted senior dogs with handicaps.  Today our beloved Princess Madeline went home to be with the Lord (yes, there are pets in heaven).  We rescued Madeline seven years ago.  She had hip problems and walked cross-legged in the rear.  She had a long life with us, but today was her day.  Because of our age, I don't think we will take in any more.  We now have just nine.  Let me get to the message.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His  mighty power.  11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  12 For our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  13 Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand.  14 Stand then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.  With your breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.  (NIV)

Today let me take a good look at that breastplate of Righteousness.

Isaiah 59:17 - He put on the righteouosness as His breastplate.  (NIV)

"The Lord's armor is compared to the believer's armor in the battle against Satan."  (Footnote NIV)

Each day we should get up and after we pray then put on this armor of the Lord.  No, you are not going to wear the breastplate, but you should be putting it on so as to protect you from the evil of the world.  Yesterday I talked about the belt of truth and that people need to not just have that around the waist but maybe around their mouth.  This to help us to not say things we should not be saying.  This breastplate should protect you from the evil coming at you, and as we know today a lot of evil is coming our way.  WE Christians are under attack and if you have not noticed, you better take a look around you.  Sadly, some of the attacks are coming from others who call themselves Christians.

One reason we need this breastplate of righteousness is so that we do not fall or fail when others throw things at us.  I want you to think about this.  When you come to Christ and you confess your sins, all that in your past is gone and should not be brought up, however, there will be people out there that will say, I remember when he or she did this and they did that.  Brothers and sisters, once you confess your sins to Christ, they are gone, but for sure you will need to pick up that breastplate to protect you, for surely along the way some people will bring up that past.  Wear the Breastplate and look them in the eye and tell them that was the old you and you are now a BRAND NEW PERSON.

Now let's look at -

Ephesians 6:15 - and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.  (NIV)

Years ago, a lot of people would run barefooted.  Today most of us wear shoes (except in Perry County).  Just kidding, folks.  What this scripture means to me is that we need to be ready to go into battle telling folks this good news.  However, there are times when we might need to have our readiness to leave.  There is a time to "dust off our shoes."  This does not mean we need to be able to run fast, in fact, a lot of times it just means we need to have our feet ready to move and it could be moving slowly.  The fact is our feet must be fitted to be ready always to work for Jesus and be telling the folks the good news, which is of course love and peace and more.

Now we have covered the Belt of Truth, which I suggested that some, or most, need it around the mouth.  The Breastplate of Righteousness, which is placed right where it belongs and is for your protection from evil. And now our footwear, which of course goes on our feet, and it is to have our feet ready to go into action for Jesus, and of course as told to us there is a time to move on.

Dear Father in Heaven, please keep helping me with this message as I move forward with Your word, some days, Lord, You know I struggle to read, today has been one of those, thanks, dear Lord, for Your constant help.  Be with those on our prayers lists, Lord.  Thanks for getting us through this day.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now  go forth sharing your blessings.

Love ya, Pastor Dan.