Good afternoon!  So today I didn’t get started very early and the last few days I didn’t really start at all.  I read the emails from Pastor Greg Laurie, but I didn’t really have any thoughts about them!  I guess not every day you are inspired by thoughts and feelings.  Today I am little more caffeinated… so… here we go! 🙂

“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” — Ephesians 6:14

My immediate thoughts were, “this must be the verse that makes “so called Christians” feel justified for being hateful and judgmental!”  I mean, why shouldn’t we say, “the Bible says… ” and ‘judge’ people for what they were doing wrong?!  We’re just standing our ground!!

After reading Pastor Laurie’s take on the verse, I think it is more an internal verse, aimed at the individual reading it.  It’s telling you to shield yourself from the enemy and to fight the enemy (the Devil).  You know who isn’t our enemy?  God’s children! 🙂  We are supposed to lead them to Jesus by being a good example or reflection of Christ.  We can’t be a very good example if we aren’t reflecting Jesus AND are attacking His children!

Lead people to Jesus by showing His love.  Let God’s word be their guide on how to live and act.  You’re standing your ground against the enemy… not against the people you’re supposed to reach!