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Well, you made it to Fantastic Friday. The weekend is almost here. Just a few more hours and you can start enjoying it. Several years ago Charles Swindoll wrote a book titled, Three Steps Forward And One Step Back. It is a great book to read because it connects to us practically on how our lives spiritually really are. I have to be honest. There are days it seems I take one step forward and two steps back or no steps forward and 3 steps back. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Do you remember the old hymn we used to sing in church titled, “Onward Christian Soldiers? Lyrics are below:

  • Verse 1 - Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see His banner go!
  • Refrain — Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!
  • Verse 2— At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise! [Refrain].
  • Verse 3 — Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; We are not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. [Refrain].
  • Verse 4 — Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King; This thro' countless ages men and angels sing. [Refrain] — Source: https://hymnary.org/text/onward_christian_soldiers_marching_as. 

We are in a spiritual war. The Bible says this in Ephesians 6:10-18:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (14) Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 1(5 )and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (16) In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; (17) and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance . . .” (ESV).

I am so thankful to God for providing us resources and weapons to engage in this spiritual war we are in right now. This is to ensure we keep making steps forward rather than any steps in retreat. The Apostle Paul lists them: In verses 14-17, Paul says we have access to the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of God’s Spirit, which is His Word. 

We can also stand our ground because our foundation is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Two other things about this passage stand out to me. First, Paul doesn’t say “if” the day of evil comes, but “when.” Evil is a fact of life and should not surprise us. Second, we are not given armor for our backs. God expects us to always be moving forward and never in retreat. It is easy to look around and be overwhelmed by the evil we see. But we are God’s army, and He has given us everything we need to stand our ground so that we are not blind-sided by the devil and his demons who wage war against us. Here is an interesting story in Michael Lewi’s book, The Blind Side:

“In today's NFL, the players grabbing the most headlines are quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. But according to Michael Lewis' book, The Blind Side, the ones who grab the second highest paychecks are left tackles.

In the book, Lewis tries to explain the importance of these anonymous, but essential, offensive linemen. He traces their emerging importance back to the career-ending injury of star quarterback Joe Theismann on Monday Night Football in 1985. More than 17 million people watched as an incredibly athletic linebacker named Lawrence Taylor blindsided Theismann, breaking his leg.

Since most quarterbacks are right-handed, the left tackle's main role is to prevent his quarterback from being hit from behind, unseen. And with the next generation of athletic linebackers and defensive ends, it takes a special person to do it. Left tackles must weigh more than 300 pounds and have long arms to block, but they must also be quick on their feet. Today, teams are willing to pay for such a player. 

By 2004, the average salary of a left tackle in the NFL was $5.5 million a year. Only starting quarterbacks earned more. The role of the left tackle is literally to be his "brother's keeper." This is the role that God plays on our behalf, and this should be the role of every player in God's church” (Source: NPR, All Things Considered (10-10-06).

I checked for 2023, what did left offensive tackles make in the NFL. Well, here are a few:

  • Laremy Tunsil (LT), Houston Texans: $25 million (3 years, $75 million).
  • Andrew Thomas (LT), New York Giants: $23.5 million (5 years, $117.5 million).
  • Trent Williams (LT), San Francisco 49ers: $23.01 million (6 years, $138.06 million).
  • David Bakhtiari (LT), Green Bay Packers: $23 million (4 years, $92 million).
  • Lane Johnson (RT), Philadelphia Eagles: $20.18 million (4 years, $80.75 million).
  • Jawaan Taylor (RT), Kansas City Chiefs: $20 million (4 years, $80 million).
  • Ronnie Stanley (LT), Baltimore Ravens: $19.75 million (5 years, $98.75 million).
  • Ryan Ramczyk (RT), New Orleans Saints: $19.2 million (5 years, $96 million).
  • (tie). Brian O'Neill (RT), Minnesota Vikings: $18.5 million (5 years, $92.5 million).
  • (tie). Jake Matthews (LT), Atlanta Falcons: $18.5 million (3 years, $55.5 million) — Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/08/11/nfl-offensive-tackles-2023-salary-rankings/70524894007/).

It is clear the NFL pays unbelievable amounts of money to pay tackles to protect their quarterbacks on their teams. Guess what? Jesus Christ has paid lot so that you and I can have our own version of a tackle — spiritual armor. He paid with His life on the cross for us.

The Spiritual Army God provides us serves just like an NFL Offensive Tackle. I encourage you to put yours own everyday because your enemy, the devil and his demons, are prepared to fight against you. If you would like to know how to put on your spiritual armor each and every day, here are a few of links that may help you:

Questions To Consider

  1. Do you ever feel you take two steps forward and one step back in your spiritual life? Or maybe 1 step forward and two steps back? 
  2. Have you ever put on the armor of God each day to face the spiritual battles you will face? Why or why not?
  3. What advantages are there in putting on your spiritual armor?
  4. Do you even see the need to put on your spiritual armor? Why or why not?
  5. Is this an effort in futility or in faithfulness? Why?

Scripture To Meditate On: James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (NIV). 

Prayers To Pray: Dear Jesus, forgive me for not putting on my spiritual armor each and every day. It is arrogant and prideful of me to think I do not need it. My enemy, the devil and his demons, know me better than I do. They are prepared for battle. Help me to be prepared better than my enemy is. You are my refuge and strong tower. I rejoice in the safety of Your strength. Today, I choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, say no to ungodliness, and say yes to Your invitations. Create in me a pure heart, and grant me a willing spirit to stand and proclaim Your wonderful works. Thank You for the weapons of defense. I love you Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

I love you Southside! — Pastor Kelly

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