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Spiritual Fitness: Equipping Yourself with the Armor of God for Life’s Battles

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In this journey we call life, we face numerous challenges that test our strength, resilience, and character. Just as physical exercise keeps our bodies fit and healthy, spiritual fitness is essential to navigate the complexities of life. This article explores the concept of spiritual fitness, particularly the symbolism of donning the Armor of God, and highlights how a strong relationship with Jesus can provide focus, strength, and guidance in our daily battles.

Spiritual fitness goes beyond organized religion and delves into nurturing the inner self and our relationship with Christ Jesus. It involves developing a deep connection with something greater than ourselves. Spiritual fitness empowers individuals to find meaning, purpose, and inner peace amidst life’s challenges. We must make this a daily, active pursuit in order to train ourselves to be in the best spiritual shape of our lives.

The Armor of God, as mentioned in the Bible (Ephesians 6:10-18), symbolizes the spiritual protection and readiness required for life’s battles. Each piece of the armor represents a crucial aspect of spiritual fitness:

a. Belt of Truth: Embrace truth, honesty, and integrity as guiding principles in your life. Tighten your belt as a reminder that even when no one is watching, your integrity must remain steadfast.


b. Breastplate of Righteousness: Cultivate a moral and virtuous character to guard your heart against negativity and temptations. This is one of the most vital areas as if left unprotected, you can suffer a mortal wound,


c. Shoes of Peace: Walk in peace and harmony, spreading love and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus wherever you go.


d. Shield of Faith: Develop unwavering faith in God’s presence, providence, and guidance. Protect yourself from the slings and arrows of the enemy.


e. Helmet of Salvation: Protect your mind with the assurance of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Another incredibly vital area to protect from the world and keep yourself focused on Jesus.


f. Sword of the Spirit: Equip yourself with the Word of God, studying and internalizing its teachings for guidance and strength. This piece is for offense as the Spirit and the Word of God will drive back your foes.


g. Prayer: Maintain a constant and fervent connection with God through prayer, seeking His guidance and surrendering your worries. Through prayer you are maintaining your armor as well as asking God to place your armor on you DAILY. What good is armor if you don’t wear it? Prayer, in this case, is vitally important to your fitness as it equips you for battle.

A strong relationship with Jesus Christ plays a pivotal role in spiritual fitness and staying focused on your life’s path. Here’s how it can help:

a. Jesus provides a guiding light, illuminating your path and helping you make wise decisions. By following His example and teachings, you will be able to keep yourself on the narrow path,


b. When facing life’s battles, Jesus offers unwavering support, comfort, and strength to overcome challenges. If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Let His Spirit indwell you and rejuvenate you. The Lord will fight your battles and give you strength to endure.


c. Jesus embodies virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. By emulating His character, you can navigate life with grace and righteousness. Living a life like Christ will inspire others to walk in His path alongside you, thus advancing the Kingdom of the Lord.


d. Through a relationship with Jesus, you can experience profound peace, knowing that you are unconditionally loved and accepted. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27).


e. Jesus reveals your unique purpose in life, enabling you to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6). Let Jesus gude you to your purpose and helo you to fulfill that purpose.

Spiritual fitness is a transformative journey that equips individuals for life’s battles. By donning the Armor of God and cultivating a strong relationship with Jesus, you can find the strength, focus, and guidance needed to overcome challenges and stay on your path. Nurturing your spiritual well-being not only benefits you but also positively influences those around you, creating a ripple effect of love, compassion, and purpose in the world. May you embrace spiritual fitness and experience the profound blessings it brings to your life.

Be sure to check out “Spiritual Fitness” – Episode 3 of the 3 Pillars Podcast here: https://youtu.be/7okyBROjpl4

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Nurturing a Sharp Mind: What Christians Should Read for Edification and What to Avoid

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In our fast-paced and information-driven world, it is crucial for Christians to exercise their minds and keep them sharp. Reading is an excellent way to accomplish this, as it not only expands our knowledge but also shapes our thinking and worldview. However, not all reading materials contribute to our spiritual growth and well-being. Today, we will explore the kinds of things Christians can read to bring them edification and offer guidance on what to avoid to prevent pollution of the mind.

The most essential reading for Christians is the Bible. It is the inspired Word of God, containing divine wisdom, teachings, and narratives that reveal God’s character and His plan for humanity. Regular engagement with the Scriptures deepens our understanding of God, helps us grow in faith, and guides us in righteous living. Utilizing the Bible as our foundational understanding of the human condition and diving deeper into its truths is the best way to root yourself amidst the chaos of the world.

Devotional books, such as “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers or “Morning and Evening” by Charles H. Spurgeon, offer daily reflections and insights that encourage spiritual growth. These resources provide focused meditation on Scripture, offer practical applications, and inspire a deeper relationship with God. Beginning your day with resources such as these instead of mindlessly scrolling the internet will prime your brain for productivity.

Studying theological and doctrinal works written by reputable Christian authors can deepen our understanding of foundational Christian beliefs. Books like “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis or “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem can strengthen our faith, clarify theological concepts, and provide a solid foundation for our beliefs. These learned men are experts in their field. Learn from them and use your own methods of research to bring yourself up to their level of understanding.

Reading biographies of faithful Christians throughout history can be both inspiring and instructive. Books like “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” or biographies of figures like Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, or Amy Carmichael offer valuable insights into the lives of those who lived out their faith with great devotion, perseverance, and impact. By understanding those giants of faith and how they operated will strengthen your resolve to be a stronger practitioner of the Christian Faith.

Engaging with well-written Christian fiction and literature can provide spiritual and moral lessons in an engaging narrative form. Works by authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Francine Rivers weave captivating stories while conveying biblical truths and themes. These tales will help you explain complex themes to your children so that they can have an imaginiative, yet based understanding of our worldview.

As Christians, it is essential to exercise discernment and caution in our reading choices. Avoid literature that promotes immorality, violence, or undermines Christian values. Be mindful of secular materials that may conflict with biblical principles or distort the truth. The endless videos on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms fill your mind with useless and sometimes harmful information. Replace these things with solid literary work to truly give your mind a sense of order amongst the chaos.

Above all, it is crucial to cultivate a habit of seeking God’s guidance in our reading choices. Regular prayer, seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit, and consulting wise Christian mentors can help us discern what will edify our minds and hearts, aligning with God’s truth.

Reading plays a vital role in the intellectual and spiritual growth of Christians. By prioritizing the Bible, devotional literature, theological works, biographies, and well-written Christian fiction, we can nourish our minds and strengthen our faith. Additionally, exercising discernment and caution in our reading choices ensures that our minds are protected from pollution and falsehood. Let us commit to intentional reading that leads us closer to God and enriches our Christian walk.

Be sure to check out “Mental Fitness” – Episode 2 of the “3 Pillars Podcast” here: https://youtu.be/3dWWokjEYN0

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Faith and Fitness: Setting, Achieving, and Maintaining Your Fitness Goals

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Living a healthy and active lifestyle is a goal that many people strive for. As Christians, we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and taking care of our physical health is an important aspect of honoring God. Today, we will explore the intersection of faith and fitness, and discuss practical ways to set, achieve, and maintain your fitness goals while keeping a Christ-centered perspective.

Before embarking on any fitness journey, it’s essential to seek God’s guidance in setting your goals. Pray for wisdom and discernment to understand what kind of fitness goals align with your unique body, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Ask God to reveal His purposes for your physical health and how it can be used for His glory.

Setting realistic and specific goals is crucial to stay motivated and focused. Rather than aiming for vague goals like “getting in shape,” set specific targets such as running a certain distance, increasing your strength in certain exercises, or improving flexibility. By defining your goals clearly, you can create a roadmap for success and measure your progress along the way.

Physical fitness encompasses various aspects such as cardiovascular endurance, strength training, flexibility, and balance. Develop a well-rounded fitness routine that includes activities you enjoy and that address these different areas. Incorporate activities like running, swimming, weightlifting, yoga, or group classes into your routine to ensure comprehensive fitness development.

Maintaining a consistent fitness routine requires discipline. Dedicate specific times for exercise and prioritize them in your schedule. Recognize that discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and allow the Spirit to empower you in staying committed to your fitness goals. By cultivating discipline, you can overcome obstacles and persevere through challenging times.

Accountability and support are invaluable when it comes to achieving and maintaining fitness goals. Seek out a workout partner, join a fitness group, or consider partnering with a fellow believer who shares your commitment to physical health. Encourage one another, share progress, and hold each other accountable in pursuing your goals. Remember that the body of Christ is designed to support and uplift one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Throughout your fitness journey, cultivate an attitude of gratitude and celebrate milestones along the way. Give thanks to God for the ability to move, for the progress you’ve made, and for the strength He provides. Celebrate achievements, whether big or small, as a way to honor God’s faithfulness in helping you reach your goals.

While physical fitness is important, it’s crucial to remember that it is not an end in itself. Ultimately, our purpose as Christians is to glorify God in all that we do, including our pursuit of physical health. Keep your focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, and use your physical well-being as a means to serve and honor God in all aspects of life.

Setting, achieving, and maintaining your fitness goals can be a transformative journey that strengthens not only your physical body but also your faith. By seeking God’s guidance, setting specific goals, developing a balanced routine, cultivating discipline, finding accountability, embracing gratitude, and remembering your ultimate purpose, you can embark on a Christ-centered fitness journey that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to your life.

Remember, as you pursue physical fitness, let love, patience, and self-control guide your actions (Galatians 5:22-23). May your fitness journey be a testament to the transformative power of Christ and inspire others to prioritize their physical health for His glory.

Be sure to check out “Physical Fitness” – Episode 1 of the “3 Pillars Podcast” here: https://youtu.be/3dWWokjEYN0

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To My Daughter

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My dearest daughter, my eldest child,

You are such a beautiful force in this world. People literally light up when they see your face and your smile. Remember that the Holy Spirit works through you and helps you fulfill the Lord’s purpose within you. This is why you are so special. Never lose that Spirit and your light will always shine.

There will be times when you’ll find the light will dim. You will be tired, you will face failure, and you’ll want to give up. Do not be afraid, my daughter, for our LORD God in Heaven will always be with you. And so will I.

You are a force to be reckoned with, my child. You WILL do great things on this Earth. For now, be happy and content to live your life, to play in the green grass, to explore the world around you, and to be filled full of wonder at all of God’s creation.

My advice to you: Live your life to the fullest. Laugh at things you find funny. Love those around you dearly.

I am proud to be your Father. I will love and protect you always.

Love,

Dad

Daddy Loves You
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Hedges of Protection

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3 Pillars Podcast - by Chase Tobin's avatar3 Pillars Podcast

What keeps you and your family safe? Your house? Your guns? Your fitness or fighting ability? How about your faith?

When we are instructed by Paul in Ephesians 6 to “Put on the Full Armor of God”, this is not a task to be taken lightly. This act is not just something you do occasionally or once in a while, but EVERY SINGLE DAY as the enemy is constantly seeking for a weakness in your armor. A gap in your battle line. Your Achilles’ heel. The Armor of God protects us individually and like the Spartan Phalanx, we can interlock shields with our brothers and sisters in the faith to form an impenetrable wall of FAITH that the Devil and his cohorts cannot break through. Always remember that the Armor of God must always be maintained, and for it to work properly it MUST BE PUT ON. This is our…

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Hedges of Protection

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What keeps you and your family safe? Your house? Your guns? Your fitness or fighting ability? How about your faith?

When we are instructed by Paul in Ephesians 6 to “Put on the Full Armor of God”, this is not a task to be taken lightly. This act is not just something you do occasionally or once in a while, but EVERY SINGLE DAY as the enemy is constantly seeking for a weakness in your armor. A gap in your battle line. Your Achilles’ heel. The Armor of God protects us individually and like the Spartan Phalanx, we can interlock shields with our brothers and sisters in the faith to form an impenetrable wall of FAITH that the Devil and his cohorts cannot break through. Always remember that the Armor of God must always be maintained, and for it to work properly it MUST BE PUT ON. This is our individual hedge of protection.

As a corporate entity, the Children of God, the Body of Christ, are spread across all nations. Israel and Judah during the Divided Monarchy found themselves in quite tumultuous times. Having a King who did good in the eyes of the Lord placed a hedge of protection around the people. My Sunday School teacher (rest her soul) always used the metaphor of a dome or a bowl being placed over the Kingdom while a good king was head of state. This dome represented God’s hedge of protection from the evils of the world. When a bad king came in and led the people astray, the dome or bowl would be lifted and invaders or trouble would come rushing in. The prophets would be lifted up and would give warnings to the Kings and to the people to turn back to the Lord, but ultimately we know what happened to the 12 Tribes of Israel. The 10 Northern Tribes (The Kingdom of Israel) would be lost and scattered by the Assyrian Captivity, and the Kingdom of Judah (Southern two tribes) would ultimately be led into exile by the Babylonians (see chart below).

While it was a time of great apostasy and turmoil, it is highly resonable to consider that there were some people in the land who were righteous and true to the Lord, but still suffered through this strife. Their indiviual armor and small hedges of protection for their families would keep them afloat and keep them focused on the LORD. Their FAITH would earn them a seat with the Father in Heaven even though their mortal bodies be battered, beaten, and broken.

What’s the point of having arms and armament if it’s not to be put to use? No weapon formed against you shall prosper, but that does not mean they won’t be formed or used against you. Trust in the Lord, Our God. Trust in the Armor that He has provided you. Lock shields with your family, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and with Jesus, Himself, and together, we will emerge through the tumult as VICTORS!

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Requirements

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8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8 King James Version

Father God, Lord of Mercy, be with your children as we prepare for Lent. Help us to focus on YOU and understand you on a deeper level through our prayers, fasting, and study. Open our eyes, open our hearts, and open our minds as we grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What does the Lord require of us daily? Our reading in Micah lays this out quite clearly. First, we are required to do justly. Justly is an adverb defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “in a way that most people consider to be morally fair and reasonable.” As the Lord requires, we must follow His Commandments and apply them to others just as we expect them to apply them to us. Live a life that is above reproach and allow the Lord to work through us.

Second, we are required to love mercy. As with living a just life, we must also have mercy. Our LORD God is a merciful god as He loves us even when we are most undeserving. HIS mercy for us if far beyond our mortal comprehension. However, if we strive to have mercy in our lives upon people in our lives who have been dealt a bad hand or have wronged us in a way that we are able to forgive, then we can follow the example set by God.

Finally, we are required to walk humbly with the Lord. To be humble is not a sign of weakness. Quite the contrary. It is a sign of great strength to be able to swallow your pride, give glory to the Lord, and give thanks to Him for the talents bestowed upon you. Let your ACTIONS speak much louder than your words, and do not perform acts for accolade or praise. Let the Lord work through you daily and accept His blessings as you allow Him to bless others through your work.

Joshua 1:9 reads, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” As we prepare for Lent, brothers and sisters, do what is required of you, and do it with great courage. This is what is required.

God Bless you all!

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INVICTUS

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BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

RESPONSE:

I NOT the Captain of my Soul. My LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ is. While I understand Henley’s sentiment, I must take his meaning one step futher.

Walking in the Light of Christ one has no fear. Having the creator of the Universe walk side by side with you who can be against you? Romans 8:31 reminds us of that fact.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Invictus means unconquered. You and I, mere mortals, on this journey called life are conquered every single day by doubt, fear, uncertainty, lust, and overall sin. Jesus IS Invictus. Jesus IS unconquered. While it seemed that He was defeated at Golgotha, His VICTORY was fulfilled at His ressurection. HE overcame death. HE overcame Hell. HE overcame the world and HE did it because He loves YOU.

This world can be dark and harsh at times. The struggles we have endured up until this point have forged us into who we are today. You can remain beaten, battered, and broken. You can accept defeat. That choice is yours. But there is another path. A path where you RISE and walk with Jesus. A path where ministering Angels mend your wounds and protect you until you are able to stand. A path where, despite all uncertainty, you always have HOPE that is unconqerable. The hope that is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Forever. INVICTUS.

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The King is Coming

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Reading: Amos 9:1-10

The Season of Joy is upon us. Praise be to the Most High God! Yahweh, Lord of Hosts!

              This is a most exciting time of year. The time where we, as Christians, celebrate the Advent of our Savior. What is an advent? And who is our Savior? It is quite simple: Our King IS coming. But it wasn’t as the believers of the day thought.

              Advent, by definition, means the coming of a notable person, thing or event. In the case of Jesus, God, Himself, incarnated himself supernaturally into the Blessed Mother Mary and was delivered to us in a manger. This humble beginning is not in the slightest what was expected of the coming Messiah. In our reading we find a powerful ruler, executing righteous judgement upon the wickedness upon the Earth. Jesus, the mighty God whose wrath is swift and terrifying, thus eradicating evil from our world. The same Jesus we find in that lowly cave in Bethlehem is the same triumphant King at his return or second Advent.

God works in a fascinating way. By quietly entering the world without Pomp and Circumstance, the wicked forces of darkness were unable to track His movements into our realm. King Herod, despite his best efforts, was unable to prevent the coming of Jesus, the one TRUE KING. Jesus, who WILL return to bring eternal peace to the realm must first fulfill the bold prophecy of Amos. He confirms this later in His ministry as we find in The Book of Matthew, Chapter 10, Verse 34:

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

The King IS coming. We celebrate in this season His first advent, but joyfully in our hearts realize His second is imminent.

God bless you all. Merry Christmas.

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Response: Abbot Tryphon – Broken

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Broken
What To Do When We’re Broken

It is only human to become despondent when we have failed in keeping to our moral, ethical and spiritual standards, succumbing, instead, to temptation. Our Orthodox Faith teaches that we must be compassionate towards others, loving, quick to forgive, exemplar in our Christian living, and always demonstrating to the world that we belong to Christ. Yet we also know we fail, most of the time, in living up to the standards of the Gospels, appearing no different than the pagans.

We look to the example of the saints, and wonder why we seem so far removed from their Christ-like example of living the Gospels. Over and over, we sink in the muck and mire of sin, becoming broken, downtrodden, and sick. In our brokenness we betray the Gospels, our own standards of behavior, and the expectations of others. We know the truth of the words, “There is none good but One, that is, God (Matthew 19:17),” because we fail, over and over, in our own seeming inability to live as we believe.

We know we have been called to holiness by Christ, and that He gives us the strength, courage, and even the ability, to live our lives out in holiness. Yet, try as we might, we find ourselves utterly failing to live the Gospels, failing in our witness before others, and letting down our friends and family, with behavior that is anything but an example of Gospel living. We are broken, bordering on despair.

Nevertheless, even as we struggle with our sins, we must remember that we were specifically created by God for participation in His Divinity. We have been called by Him, and have become a Royal people, specifically created to participate and share fully in the life of God. The key to this life in God is to be found in repentance. Even in our brokenness, we must not give in to despondency, for our Saviour is quick to forgive. When we have found ourselves falling short of the glory of God, we must turn toward this very God in repentance, knowing that He is quick to forgive.

When we are broken, despair is the enemy, and should be seen as an emotion that has come from the Evil One. Hope and forgiveness are the gifts that come from God. During those times when we have failed in our Christian vocation, we must embrace the hope that comes with a repentant heart, and see, in our brokenness, the reminder that we are to always keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge that we have a God Who is quick to forgive. Despair is the enemy of our salvation, because in despair, the Evil One would have us believe there is no hope, and therefore no salvation. In our brokenness we must turn our gaze towards our Co-Suffering Saviour, the One Who lifts us up, out of our brokenness, making us whole, and granting us forgiveness and life.

Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

RESPONSE

When you find yourself broken, remember that Christ was broken for us. We all fall short of His glory, but He loves us all the same. What Jesus endured during his crucifixion was one of the worst possible torments imaginable. Being whipped, stabbed, adorned with a crown of thorns, suffocating, and ultimately giving up the Ghost, He endured for us.

Life will get you down. You will slip into sin, fall flat on your face, and find yourself at rock bottom. Fear not, weary traveler. For the rock upon which your life is built IS Jesus. Sometimes you must be stripped of all the worldly things in your life and be left beaten and broken. It is there in that place that you will find comfort in our Lord Jesus. Allow Him to come into your life, fill you with His warmth and love, and tend to your brokenness.

Christ WILL make you whole.

Learn from your brokenness. You have to look back at times on those situations and debrief them in your head. What action or scenario caused the break? How did you respond? How could you have handled this situation without triggering the break? Working through these problems and refocusing your eyes on the LORD will see you through. We’re all broken creatures, but our Lord God mends us.

God bless you all.

-Tobinator

"Building Strong Foundations"