Superhero: Armor of GOD: Shoes of Readiness

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If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…

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This is Part 17 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness.

In this message (Part 17), we will see that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose.

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Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to put on the shoes of readiness (Ephesians 6:15).

Marvel’s superhero, Daredevil, is a great example of having feet of readiness. In his true civilian identity, Matthew Michael Murdock is a skilled and respected New York attorney, detective, tracker, and interrogation expert, as well as being an expert marksman. But the amazing thing about this superhero is that he is blind! However, Daredevil – though he is blind – is always alert and ready to respond appropriately to any situation and is prepared to dodge danger and evade evil. But not only is Daredevil ready to avoid the attacks of his adversaries, he is also ready to effectively combat evil and accomplish good.

Many people might believe Daredevil to be far-fetched fairytale nonsense, but there are numerous accounts of people being amazing despite being blind – click on the examples to see their inspirational stories:

• 7 Amazing Blind People
• Three Tales of Inspiring Blind People
• Inspiring America: Two Blind Brothers Curing Blindness With Clothing
• Helen Keller

So, what are the shoes of readiness? What purpose did shoes serve for a Roman soldier? What purpose do these spiritual shoes serve for us? The shoes were primarily composed of two parts: the greave and the shoe itself. The greave was a fitted piece of bronze or brass that began at the top of the knee and extended down past the lower leg, finally resting on the upper portion of the foot. The shoes were equipped with spikes on the bottom. How does this apply to our lives as superheroes for the Savior? Well, imagine a solider being completely covered with protective armor yet having bare and exposed feet. Just one rock, glass shard, or nail could bring a soldier down to his knees, trip him up and cause him to be overcome in battle. Because the feet carry the soldier and direct him to the battle and through the battle, protection for the feet are necessary.

For example, in Greek mythology, the most enduring story of the death of Achilles describes how one single arrow shot from a man named Paris landed in the one spot Achilles happened to be vulnerable – his heel. The one area of exposed weakness was enough to bring the great warrior down in defeat. Another example can be found in the comedic 1990 movie, Home Alone. In a hilarious scene of boobytraps and mishaps, the criminal, Marv, steps on a nail with his bare foot and then falls down stairs:

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
(Ephesians 5:15-16) -NASB

May you also understand that it’s not necessary to have physical feet in order to put on the shoes of readiness. This is a spiritual war and the spiritual armor still applies to those who don’t have physical legs. There have been many people who have either lost their legs or were born without legs yet they accomplished good deeds in life. Consider the following examples:

• Sir Douglas Bade
• Zuly Sanguino
• Shwanda Corbett

Stand Your Ground:

The spikes on the bottom of the Roman soldier’s shoes helped him to have firm footing and prevent him from being pushed back or slip and fall down. Scripture tells us that we are to stand in the confidence of knowing that we have on the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace. The word “peace” is taken from the Greek word eirene, an old word that conveys the idea of a peace that prevails or a conquering peace. When you have strapped on that peace and you have peace on the bottom of your feet, you are immovable. This peace helps us stand our ground and hold you in place when the enemy tries to drive you back. The person who has the footing in peace is like a tree with deep roots that won’t get knocked down during a storm. In Ephesians 6:14, 1Corinthians 16:13, and 2Corinthians 1:24, for example, we are instructed to “stand.” It’s interesting to note that the majority of verses in the New Testament that have to do with standing also have to do with faith. It’s time to take a stand. Stand your ground! Don’t allow the enemy to push you back!

Dodging Danger; Evading Evil:

Due to fallen humanity’s inclination toward evil and war, it is estimated that there are about 110 million land mines throughout the world that are still in the ground right now. That’s what we created! Think: What are we creating? An estimated equal amount of mines are in stockpiles waiting to be used or destroyed. If de-mining efforts remain at about the same rate as they are now, and no new mines are planted, it is estimated to take over 1,000 years to get rid of all the world’s active land mines. Research declares that about every 20 seconds, someone in the world gets injured or dies due to mines. And that’s merely the danger of human physical warfare. Now imagine how many ‘mines’ have been strategically placed in the spiritual war that is waging all around us.

[Recommend Reading: Is Religion the Cause of Most Wars?]

Even after war is over, the remnants of war remains; wounds still must heal – both physically and mentally. The full extent of war’s destruction is evident in the aftermath through the process of rebuilding. The spiritual war was won when Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross and then rose again on the third day; however, there are still traps for those who refuse GOD’s gift of grace and mercy. There are traps for those of us who have accepted GOD’s gift of grace! Even though the enemy has been defeated, the spiritual mines still remain active. Until Christ returns and takes us to the New Earth under the New Heavens (Isaiah 65:17-25; 2Peter 3:13; Revelation 21-22), this current life is still Operation Relentless Rescue.

Observe. Think! Analyze. Be aware. Do you truly believe that the temptations which come your way are merely coincidental? Is it possible that Satan knows your selfish desires? Do they seem too subtle to be certain? The physical enemy plants physical mines where there is a likelihood for people to travel; likewise, spiritual mines are also planted in places where people frequently travel through life.

Like the birds in the 2003 movie, Finding Nemo, many people scream, “Mine! Mine! Mine!” Many people are so accustomed to saying, “mine” for selfish reasons that when the word is heard, they believe the word to be a proclamation of possession. Like many people, I am also screaming, “Mine!”; however, I am screaming for your sake, not mine. Consider this message of mine to be yet another warning. This is just one of many warnings I will preach.

Our culture that is contaminated by corruption of the Counterfeiter has planted millions of mines within our advertisement and entertainment industries (see my article, “Reflection and Direction“). Be careful: these mines look like your desires. All mines are strategically placed around sex, money, title/position, stimulants, and material possessions. Why do you think this would be so? Well, Jesus told us the answer:

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41) -ESV

Those who work in the entertainment and advertisement industries know that the flesh is weak – that’s why they promote their products in the appealing ways that they do! We must put on the shoes of readiness and watch our steps or we will find that we won’t even have a leg to stand on. We better watch our steps or we will lose our way. If we’re not careful, we’ll not only lose a limb or life, but we can also lose our purpose and then our eternal joy in Heaven will instead be eternal sorrow and anguish in Hell. Consider the wisdom of what is written:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
(Matthew 16:26) -ESV

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
(Proverbs 14:12) -NASB

• It may be tempting to allow the anger within to explode outward, but do not sin in your anger (Genesis 4:5-7; Ephesians 4:26-27). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to puff up with pride, but don’t walk into anger, step into that argument, and allow poisonous words to spill out from your mouth (Ephesians 4:29-31). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to see if the grass is greener on the other side, but don’t walk over boundaries and step into another person’s romantic relationship (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to get credit and receive praise for something you didn’t do, but don’t walk into dishonesty and dishonor by stepping into another person’s place of honor (Proverbs 3:27; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to immerse yourself in the entrancement of technology, but don’t walk into a dead end by stepping into isolation (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 18:1; 1Corinthians 12:14). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to exchange personal information for the sake of friendship, but don’t walk down Disrespectful Drive or Slander Street by stepping into the realm of gossip (Exodus 23:1; Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 11:12-13; 20:19; James 4:11). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to compromise an area of Truth to experience ‘fun’ or receive pleasure, but do not walk into disobedience to seek temporary desires that never fulfill. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion. Don’t trade away GOD’s lifelong gift to satisfy a short-term appetite (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:16-17; 2Samuel 11-13). #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to escape suffering and sorrow, but do not walk down Evil Lane and step into the entrapment of drugs. Don’t walk into that store and step your way into becoming a drunken fool. #Mine 💣💥
• It may be temping to risk everything you currently have in order to attain everything you desire, but don’t step away from responsibility by stepping into unrealistic odds that are not in your favor. #Mine 💣💥
• It may be tempting to escape the pain in life by ending your life, but do not walk into the possibility of Hell by stepping your way into suicide. #Mine 💣💥

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
(1Corinthians 10:12-13) -ESV

Advance Forward:

The spikes on the bottom of the shoes isn’t only for standing your ground and refusing to be pushed back, it’s also for traction in order to gain ground and advance forward. Are you taking ground or losing ground? In Joshua 1:3, GOD told Joshua that he would possess all the land he walked on. GOD freely gave the children of Israel the Promised Land; however, in order for them to possess that land and enjoy it, they had to advance forward while overcoming opposition. It is written in Romans 16:20 that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” The word “crush” is taken from the Greek word suntribo, and it was historically used to denote the act of smashing and utterly crushing grapes into wine. But it was also used to denote the act of snapping, breaking, and crushing bones. Because of Jesus, Satan is under our feet. Alone, we are no match for Satan. But because we have partnership with the Lord, we can overcome. Jesus completely destroyed Satan’s power over you through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Standing in faith is a defensive move and a refusal to go back; walking with the Lord is an offensive move and a decision to advance forward. And because we walk in the confidence and peace of knowing this, it’s time to advance forward and walk with purpose.

Walking With Purpose:

It is good to be able to dodge danger and evade evil, but that does not mean that we should avoid the adversary or stay away from sinners. Superheroes do not run away from problems; rather, they embrace their callings and seek solutions.

“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
(1John 2:3-6) -ESV

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ ”
(Matthew 28:16-20) -ESV

Wherever Jesus had directed the disciples to go, they went there. The shoes of readiness help us to dodge danger and evade evil; however, the shoes of readiness also guide us to walk with purpose. Our purpose for walking by faith is to share the Gospel (good news). If your feet don’t take you out of your comfort zone and into the battlefield, then you’re not wearing the shoes of readiness. The Couch Potato Christians might as well wear ankle monitors and consider themselves prisoners of their own probations.

When Saul of Tarsus became Paul, Jesus helped him to realize that he had been blind to the Truth all along (Acts 9:3-19). From this, we can learn that without Jesus, we are all dead in our own sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). The Lord is the Light (John 8:12) and the only reason we have sight (Isaiah 42:16; Ephesians 2:4-9). Without Jesus to give us vision, we would all be blind darkness dwellers. Without GOD as the Light that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105), we would all be the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39). But because Jesus called us out of the darkness and into the Light (Colossians 1:13), we became the light-bearers (John 9:5; Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8; 1Thessalonians 5:5; 1Peter 2:9) who act as travel guides. Just as tourists typically follow tour guides until they reach their destinations, the “lost” only follow Christians until they come to Jesus. People ultimately follow Christ, not Christians. But as light-bearing guides, we must put on the shoes of readiness if we are to lead those in the dark to the Light. Don’t walk in the darkness without your shoes on; don’t go into the battlefield with bare feet. Are your shoes on? Are you ready?

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ ”
(Romans 10:14-15; see also Isaiah 52:7) -ESV

Prayer:

GOD, thank You for the shoes of readiness You gave to us. Please open our eyes and help us to see what You truly want us to see. Expose the lies and reveal the Truth! Please open our ears and help us to hear what You truly want us to hear. Help us to recognize the ‘mines’ for what they truly are. Help us to walk the straight and narrow path of righteousness (Proverbs 4:25-27; Isaiah 30:21; Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Matthew 7:13-14) and keep us from deviating from the path of Truth. And when we encounter the ‘mines,’ please help us recognize the path of escape that you promised to provide (1Corinthians 10:13). Please lead righteous people our way and surround us with good and righteous influences who will keep us accountable and inspire us to rise to new and higher levels in our lives of faith. Please use us to guide others away from the destructive ‘mines’ of the adversary’s mind. Please help us to guide the lost to the One who can save. I humbly recognize that if You had not given me vision, I would still be blind. Help me lead others to You so that You may heal them of their blindness, open their eyes and help them to see — truly see! Help me to be a bright light in the darkness of this world. Help me to provide my light to those without sight so they may find their way Home. Help me to give light to those without light so they can also go shine their lights and help others acquire light. A candle was designed to provide light. A candle can either refuse to be lit and remain a mere candle all its inactive days or it can accept the fire of the Holy Spirit and provide light as it was designed to do! I understand that as I provide light, my life will dwindle down to nothing, but in doing so I will truly live (John 11:25-26). And truly, I’d rather live than merely exist. It is better to sink while sailing for the Savior than to forever float in Hinder Harbor, tied to the devil’s dock.

GOD, I am only another mere candle creation, but please help me light as many other candles as possible before my time ends. Please guide our steps to be in step with Your perfect will. Amen.

From Caveman To Conqueror

 

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FROM CAVEMAN TO CONQUEROR

What’s up everybody! My name’s Trenton. I’m going to share a little bit about myself, but before I do that, I want to show you a clip from a television show. Does anybody like the television show Grey’s Anatomy? Real quick, watch this clip and then I’ll continue…

[Clip from Grey’s Anatomy]

Ew! That guy was bloody! Bloody good, right?! I’m not sure if you noticed or not, but that scrawny pale dead guy was me! Yes! I died, I came back, I’m here, it’s strange — I know! I used to be an actor in Hollywood. I’ve been in over 20 television shows, a couple movies and a few commercials. (see my acting resume here!)

That scene where I got zipped up in the body bag was not fun to film. The cast and crew actually played a practical joke on me and left me in the body bag even after they had finished filming. 

That scene of me being inside the body bag is actually a very fitting description of what my life was like back then. By the world’s standards, I had made it. I had made money from acting jobs and I had accomplished what many people can never say they’ve done. But there was one problem: I was an atheist and I didn’t believe in GOD. I also suffered from severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and felt dead inside even though I was very much alive.

I was alive while I had been filming that scene, but I was trapped in darkness. I knew that life was going on all around me, but I wasn’t able to comprehend the truth of what was going on. All I knew was darkness.

Now imagine this: when the joke was over and they unzipped the body bag, I was not only able to see, but I was able to comprehend the truth of what I saw. 

I want to share a message with you about what it’s like to come out of the darkness and into the Light of Truth. 

“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”
(John 12:46) -ESV

[Prayer]

(If you have a Bible, turn to 1Samuel 22 and leave it open there.)

The people of Israel demanded that they receive a king like other nations had. GOD warned them against it, but they demanded it anyway. GOD gave them what they wanted. And the type of king they wanted was a guy named Saul. But Saul wasn’t a good king. Eventually, GOD had Samuel the prophet go anoint David as the new future king to replace Saul. Instead of having a king who reflected the people’s desires, GOD chose a man after His own heart. (Tag! You’re it!) 

When David got anointed, the Holy Spirit filled David and left Saul. Saul had darkness within him, was bitter, envious, paranoid, etc. A lot of things happened after that, but David ended up working in the palace under Saul. So, David wasn’t king yet, but he was going to be. To make a long story shorter, Saul kept trying to kill David until David went on the run. And that’s where we are at in this story. 

In 1Samuel 22, it is written that David escaped and hid in the cave of Adullam. Everything seemed to be working against David. Saul wanted to kill him and he wasn’t even safe in his own home — Saul sent thugs to David’s house to try to kill him. So, David ran somewhere else. But that didn’t work either — he had more enemies there than where he came from. Let me ask you this: Do you run from your problems, going from this to that, here to there?

David eventually escaped and hid in a cave. How many times in life do we all ‘escape’ and hide in a ‘cave’? You may not escape to a literal cave, but perhaps you escape to your bedroom or a bathroom. Maybe you don’t have a physical location where you can go to feel safe, but you shut your mind down and you hide within yourself. Where is your cave? Why do you go there? When you get discouraged? Distressed? Depressed? Deflated? Defeated? When you don’t see the results you wanted? When people are talking bad about you? When you see your parents fighting? When you feel like a failure? Some people even go to the extremes and hide in the caves of alcohol, drugs, or sexual relations outside of marriage because they think they’re safe there. I hope and pray that’s not you, but if it is, I have Good News to share with you. 

Yeah — David found himself in the cave, but while David was in the cave, he did something that would forever change his seemingly hopeless situation — he wrote Psalm 34! (I want you to find in your Bible where 1Samuel 21 ends and 1Samuel 22 begins and write, “Psalm 34” between them.) David was being hunted like wild game. Meanwhile, he was hiding in a cave, praising GOD in the darkness of the den and declaring deliverance from all his fears! The faith of David! And why not? Look at the faithfulness of GOD! Listen — GOD has a plan! When we call out to GOD in loving trust and praise like David did, we will find that GOD will find us in whatever bad situation we’re in and use it to take us to where He wants us to go. 

Psalm 34 — like many other psalms — is an excellent example of trusting in the Lord. In Psalm 34:8, David said: Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the person who takes refuge in GOD! He was basically saying, “Try it for yourself — you’re going to like it! You’re going to love it!”

David was down, but he was not out! It was there in the darkness of that den that the light of the Lord shined on David! Why? David had placed his focus on the Lord! 

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
(Psalm 18:28)-NIV

His physical body may have been in the darkness of that cave, but his thoughts were on the Lord and His ways! David invited the light of the Lord to come into the cave so that he would not cave into temptation to collapse in his current situation. Where the Light is, darkness simply cannot be! 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
(John 1:5)-NLT

Are you complaining about your current cave while dying in your darkness? Or are you inviting the Lord into your situation so He can bring light to your life? With the Lord leading the way as the Lamp who guides our path, we will walk out of the darkness and into the Light. And that’s exactly what David does! 

In 1Samuel 22:1-2, it is written that first, his family found out he was there and came to him. But then all the outcasts of society joined him. They were broke, busted, and disgusted. They owed people money, they were filled with stress, anxiety, and worry, felt like they didn’t fit in or belong anywhere, and people always talked about them behind their backs. These were people who experienced loss and weren’t happy about the way life was going. And If we’re all honest with ourselves, we will be able to admit that maybe we’re kinda like David and all the outcasts who joined him in the cave. Because it’s human nature that when life doesn’t go our way, we often run to the cave. We run to whatever feels good. We hide because we don’t want to face our problems. 

Hide and seek is the worst when someone hides with you in your spot. David was trying to hide, and hundreds of people hide with them. And of course you’ll have that one dodo brain who will have half his body sticking out, yet he thinks he’s hidden because he covered his head. Meanwhile, his body that’s sticking out is basically shouting, “Hey Saul! We’re over here! You can come kill us! Me and every single person hiding in this same spot!” (You’re blowing my cover! Get your own spot!) But that’s not what David thought. David welcomed them.

In 1Samuel 22:5, Gad the prophet delivered a word from GOD to David and told him to leave that cave and go into the land of Judah. David was obedient to GOD, acting on what he heard, which showed him to be faithful. Though David was surrounded by evildoers who served Saul and Satan, he had complete confidence in the Lord’s love and faithfulness. Though David mentions his problems, his focus is on his relationship with GOD. David basically says, “I’m too blessed to be stressed! Ain’t nobody got time for stress and worry! Ain’t nobody want to live in this dank dark depressing cave anyway! So why not leave?! It’s time to get up on out of here! I will leave this cave!”

That’s obedience! When you say, “Yes, Lord! Yes!” and you actually act on what you hear. David was obedient and left the cave. Had David stayed in the cave of Adullam, GOD would not have been with him and he would have died in his darkness because Saul was on the way.

“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”
(John 12:46) -ESV

We may find ourselves in darkness — it happens sometimes. But we must walk with the Lord if we are to live in the light! GOD is on the move! We need to go on the move with Him! 

That’s why it says in Psalm 23, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”  — No, this ain’t gangsta’s paradise. We don’t take a look at life and realize there’s none left. 

“Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.
(Psalm 23:4)-Voice

We are to look at life and realize that GOD has so much more in store! But the key is that you have to be traveling with the Lord. The sheep travel with the Shepherd! And David left the cave to walk with GOD. And guess what happened — everyone else followed David. Why? They saw something in David they wanted. David wrote psalms while in the cave, praised GOD while in the cave, and kept his focus on his relationship with the Lord. David had been speaking life into those outcasts the entire time they were in the cave. Those who were lost found everything they needed through David and in the Lord. And guess what — David’s ragtag motley crew bunch of nobodies eventually forms the core of his military leadership after he becomes king of Israel (2Samuel 23:8~)!

Linda, listen!

Pay attention! Just for clarification: the cave is not the final destination; it’s not where we find ultimate salvation. The cave is a rest stop location during migration. How many people experience frustration because they give into the temptation to lay foundation in the depths of darkness where death destroys creation? Dwell in the darkness? That’s abomination! Don’t accept that invitation! Satan will lie and say it’s acceptable to stay; it’s your home, your life, you don’t need authorization. But after the presentation, if you sign on the dotted line, Satan the salesman becomes your boss and affiliation because you never took into consideration the contradiction of the special stipulations that states your soul is now available for confiscation and condemnation. The decision for sinful cohabitation is a deadly combination. Without hesitation, the boss becomes abuser and you live under constant accusation, intimidation, manipulation, and dehumanization. But it was your negotiation created the situation for suffocation and termination. But GOD’s Word is full of truthful information; some can be difficult to understand and requires further explanation. I’ll save you some aggravation; I’ll provide the translation: (And yeah — go ahead and write down the quotation, unless you’re good at memorization.) Are you ready for the translation? The cave ain’t yo crib, casa, cabin, or cottage! The cave is not the central campground! We should never make the hideout our home!

David’s army grew from a few wimps and knuckleheads to 400 in number, and then to 600, and then David was eventually crowned king of Judah and then all of Israel. But in 2Samuel 23, we find out that David had 37 best of the best warriors, but considered three of them the greatest. (You can be the greatest, you can be the best — these guys were king kongs banging on their chests!) 

And the three had been with David since the cave of Adullam! These are the same guys who had once been on the run and now they’re running people out! They went from wimps to warriors! These guys are what legends are made of! These were the guys who were once broke, busted, and disgusted! Everywhere they went, people told them, “You dusty, you musty, you crusty! Ew!) And now they’re taking territory, getting paid! (Standing in the hall of fame! And the world’s gonna know your name!) “Go ahead and talk about me in the Bible because I’m living right. It’s every day bro!” Bu why? the change? Imagine Dragons:
(First things first, I’ma say all the words inside my head, I’m fired up and tired of the way that things have been – oh – the way that things have been – oh)

Josheb-basshebeth took out 800 men in a single battle setting using only a spear. This guy had once been on the run, and now he’s immovable. He said, “C’mon, I will cut you foo!” He went from running and hiding to hunting and gathering! He went from hiding behind David in the cave (“Yo, where they at?”) to standing in front of David on the battlefield (“Yo, where they at?!”)

Eleazar got stranded when other soldiers ran away during battle. But he stood his ground and struck the enemies down one after another until his hand was weary and locked onto his sword handle. He gripped that mug so tight that his hand just locked in place and refused to let go. He said, “I ain’t scurred! I’ve been running away from my problems for too long! I’m done running! I’m done caving in to evil! I’m never going back to the cave of darkness! I’d rather die living in the light than merely existing in the darkness! David showed me that our GOD is greater! And I’m experiencing that for myself! That’s the truth!”

Shaman — Like Eleazar, he also stood his ground when other soldiers ran away during battle and he defended an area by himself. 

So why the change? Why not?! Some people have been hiding in the cave of darkness for too long! GOD is on the move! It’s time to come out of the darkness and into the light. 

Austin Riesen, professor of psychology, did research into how early visual experience, or the lack of it, affects vision. He raised infant chimpanzees in complete darkness. After about two years, the animals were tested in light conditions and were found to be visually blind though not organically blind. In other words, they could see but could not comprehend. They had lived in the darkness for too long and didn’t know what to do in real life where the light exists. It was only after living in the light-filled condition for a while that they were finally able to distinguish between harmful or not harmful, friend or foe. Likewise, David’s men didn’t automatically become warriors and righteous men after coming out of the darkness and into the light. They had to adjust to the light, change the way they lived, let go of old harmful habits, pick up and learn new good and healthy habits.

In this study, the younger the animal, the greater the loss of vision altogether. The visual cortex in the brain fails to develop properly in the absence of a visual input or stimulation. What does that mean? The longer you live in the darkness, the more you become accustomed to living a life of darkness. And then you won’t be able to function in the real world where the lights exists. 

When you come out of a movie theater in the middle of the day, the light is uncomfortable and you can’t see at first. It takes time to adjust. And that’s not even two hours watching a movie — that’s not even in complete darkness. 

All studies have confirmed that the early experience of the environment contributes to perceptual competence in adulthood. What that means is that your adult life is being determined by the decisions you’re making right now. Everything you do or do not do is extremely important. Your childhood and teenage years is your development stage. If you grow up in the darkness, it is likely that you will be blind as an adult. And please understand I’m talking about your spiritual health. It is possible to see but not comprehend. As an adult, you’ll be a darkness dweller, creeping and crawling around in the dark like cave creatures do, simply living out the ways of the world because that’s what society will tell you to do. 

I’m not here to condemn you if you happen to be in a cave right now. But I am here to tell you — like the prophet told David — do not remain in the cave. The only reason why David went into the cave was to seek the Lord. Do you know what that’s called when you go into a cave to seek the Lord? A prayer closest! A prayer room! You need to turn that cave of darkness into a prayer room full of Light. David went into the cave seeking the Lord and then came out of the cave walking with the Lord.

Bruce Wayne ran into a cave, but it was so that he could become Batman, leave the cave, and go out and help people, rescue them, and save them. Likewise, Jesus calls us out of the darkness and into the light so we can go out and help, love, and serve people, and lead them to the One who can actually save them! Jesus is the Light that casts out the darkness of the cave so that it may be our prayer room full of light!

There was about 400 outcasts and David became commander over them. He was a leader of losers! The rejects! Sound familiar? That’s what Jesus did in His ministry (blind, lame, poor, sinners, etc.). And BTW, Jesus went into a cave too; some call it a tomb. But guess what — He came out of the cave! There’s only darkness and death in the cave, but death couldn’t hold Jesus down because He had the crown! He conquered the cave; He conquered the grave!

Romans 8:35-39 says that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We are more than conquerors in Christ!

• What is your cave? Where do you run to when problems come your way?
• Are you currently in the darkness of the cave and want to come out? 
• Do you want to know how to make your cave of darkness into a prayer room full of light, love and laughter?
• Do you know someone who is in the darkness you need to help out?

May the church be the cave you run into to seek the Lord. And every time you leave church you walk with the Lord. Now, some of you may feel like you don’t need church. By all means, if you’re perfect I suppose you don’t need church. Because the church is not a holier-than-thou social club for super spiritual saints; rather, it’s a hospital for sinners and place where imperfect people can seek a better life and improvement. We’re all growing together here! This is the cave we come to so that we can be challenged and so we can grow. 

Look around you. How many wimps do you see? Some of you might see some wimps; some of you might even feel like wimps. But when I look at you, all I see are future warriors in Christ. I’m going to speak life into you and show you that GOD is greater. And when you go out into the spiritual battlefield we call life, your hand is going to lock onto the handle of that double-edged Sword, which is the Word of GOD, and you won’t let go! 

First, I want to speak to those of you who are already believers. Maybe you’re already a believer and you’ve been hiding out in the darkness of the cave. But there’s only two types of believers who hide in the darkness of the cave. Either you’re the believer seeking the Lord and you’re at a rest stop location or you’re the believer trying to hide certain sinful actions from GOD because it’s what you want to do. And you’ve somehow convinced yourself that if you do it in the secrecy of the dark that it’s somehow acceptable.  

“ ‘Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?’ says the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 23:24) -NLT

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
(Ecclesiastes 12:14) -NIV

(1) If you’re the believer who is in the darkness because you’ve been trying to hide certain sinful actions, I’m not trying to beat you up — I want to encourage you to come back to Christ. May this be your moment to repent and come out of that cave and join the rest of your committed comrades in the light and come together in the fight.  

(2) If you’re the seeker, I just want to encourage you and let you know that you came to the right place — because this is a prayer room full of Light! Keep doing what you’re doing! Keep seeking the Lord so that we may continue to walk with the Lord!

(3) Maybe you’re not a follower of Christ — you’re not a believer — but you happen to be here right now. Do you think it’s a coincidence that I traveled through different states to come here and give you the message that you should not remain in the cave anymore? Maybe the Holy Spirit spoke into your heart and you feel like you finally see some light in the darkness of your cave. If that’s you, I want to invite you into a personal relationship with Jesus. This is not some self-help seminar or inspirational feel-good-about-yourself pep talk. Jesus is is real; He is there; He is aware; He does care. He sacrificed Himself for us on our behalf to save us from ourselves. That’s how much He loves you! And I promise you that in seeking the Lord, you will walk out of the darkness and into the light and you will be more than a conquerer in Christ!

(All eyes on me…)

Your eyes were closed for a little while and then you opened them and you saw. Let that be symbolic for your spiritual walk with Christ.

Whether this is your first time making a commitment to Christ, or you’re repenting and coming back to Christ, or you’re simply making a declaration to advance forward with Christ, I want to invite every single one of you to participate in something if you raised a hand. Even if you didn’t raise your hand but you know in your heart you should have. I want you all to stand to your feet. (Not yet!) And I’m asking you to do this for two reasons: [1] It takes effort to leave your old ways behind and to walk with Christ. The physical action of standing up takes effort. This is more so that you can show yourself that you’re not only willing to do this, but that you’re able. You can rise up! You can take a stand! [2] I want you to see just how many people around you are on your team. (Okay, now!) On the count of three, if you had raised your hand or knew you should have, stand up. 1,2,3!

Now look around at each other. You’re looking at warriors in Christ. You might want to get to know every single one of them because they are the ones who are going to have your back in the spiritual battle. But also look around and be sure to take notice of anyone not standing up.

Extra: If you see someone sitting down, I want you to love them, encourage them, motivate them, and inspire them! They are not outcasts because they’re not standing up with you! You better invite them in just like David did. And how many people not in this room are out there in the world who feel isolated, alone, and rejected? How many can you love and invite in? How many people feel dead inside yet are very much alive? YOU could be the one to unzip the body bag so someone can come out of the darkness and into the light!

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

(1) What are the problems in life you tend to run away from most often? Why?

(2) Where is your cave? Where do you usually go when problems come your way?

(3) Are you teaming up with others to conquer problems or are you trying to win a war by yourself?

(4) Do you have a righteous mentor (like David) speaking life into your life? If not, what is your next step to finding one?

(5) What are things we can do to ensure that we turn the cave of darkness into a prayer room full of light?

(6) How many people do you think are lost in the darkness and trapped in a cave? What can we do to help others out of the darkness?

(7) Who do you know that’s an outcast, reject, loner, or loser? What are you doing to love that person and invite them into your life?

(8) Are you willing to be the one to help someone out of the bodybag of death by unzipping it? Are you willing to be the one to help someone comprehend the Truth of what they see?

(9) Do you need someone to talk to? If so, I’ll make myself available. Reach out to me!

But why am I a Christian? To find out, read my other article: “Why I Am A Christian“