Standing Firm: Living Fully Armored

(Armor of God Series – Final Post)

Over these past weeks, we’ve walked piece by piece through the armor of God – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and finally, the power of prayer that brings it all to life.

If there’s one thing this series has reminded me, it’s that the armor isn’t symbolic – it’s essential. We’re not called to coast through life hoping things work out. We’re called to stand firm in a world that’s constantly pushing back. Every day is a battle for our attention, our integrity, our peace, and our purpose. But God hasn’t left us unequipped. He’s armed us with everything we need to stand strong and walk in victory.

The armor of God isn’t just about defense – it’s about identity.
Each piece reflects who we are in Christ:

  • The belt of truth anchors us to what’s real when the world tries to distort it.
  • The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that we are covered by His grace.
  • The shoes of peace give us stability and readiness to go where He leads.
  • The shield of faith deflects the doubts that threaten to derail us.
  • The helmet of salvation guards our minds with assurance and hope.
  • The sword of the Spirit equips us to fight back with the living Word of God.
  • And prayer – the breath of the believer – connects us directly to the One who empowers it all.

When you put on the full armor of God, you’re not just preparing for a fight – you’re proclaiming who your Commander is. You’re declaring that you belong to the Lord who has already won the war.

This doesn’t mean life will be easy. Battles will still come. Arrows will still fly. But victory doesn’t depend on your strength – it rests on His. And the more we walk with Him, the more we realize the armor isn’t heavy. It’s freedom. It’s peace. It’s power.

If you want to dig deeper into what this looks like in everyday life, two books have had a major impact on how I understand spiritual strength and manhood:

  • Wild at Heart by John Eldredge – a powerful reminder that God designed men with purpose, passion, and a warrior spirit, and that every battle we face is part of a much larger story.
  • Stand Firm and Act Like Men by Joby Martin – a call to courage, conviction, and prayerful leadership rooted in Ephesians 6 and anchored in truth.

Both books point back to the same truth this series has explored: the battle is real, but so is the victory we have in Christ.

So, as this series closes, remember:
You don’t hang the armor back in the closet when the battle feels quiet. You wear it daily – at work, at home, in prayer, and in rest. Because spiritual warfare doesn’t take a day off, and neither does the God who stands beside you.

You were made for more than survival – you were made to stand.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:57

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
– Psalm 28:7

Prayer from Wild at Heart (Complete Version)

Lord, I put on the belt of truth.
I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity.
Show me the truth I so desperately need today.
Expose the lies I’m not even aware that I am believing.

Yes, Lord, I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption.
Fit me with Your holiness and purity.
Defend me from all assaults against my heart.

Lord, I do choose to live for the gospel at any moment.
Show me where the larger story is unfolding
and keep me from being so lax that I think the most important thing today
is the soap opera of this world.

Jesus, I lift against every lie and every assault,
confidence that You are good,
and that You have good in store for me.
Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me.

Thank You, Lord, for my salvation.
I receive it in a new and fresh way from You,
and I declare that nothing can separate me now
from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in Your kingdom.

Holy Spirit, show me specifically today
the truths of the Word of God that I will need
to counter the assaults and the snares of the enemy.
Bring them to mind throughout today.

Finally, Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with You in everything –
in all prayer as my spirit continues with You throughout the day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer – The Power Behind the Armor

(Part 7 of the Armor of God series)

You can have the finest armor in the world-but without power, it’s just decoration.
Paul closes his teaching on the Armor of God with a vital reminder:

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18.

Prayer is not listed as a piece of armor, but it’s what brings the entire battle gear to life. It’s the spiritual current that activates and empowers every other part of the armor. Without prayer, truth stays unspoken, faith remains unused, and righteousness becomes self-reliance. Prayer is what connects us directly to our Commander-keeping us aligned, alert, and anchored.

When Paul wrote about standing firm, he didn’t mean standing still. He meant staying connected. Prayer keeps us tuned in to God’s will, His timing, and His strength. It’s in prayer that the soldier’s armor becomes more than metal-it becomes movement.

Prayer is not about eloquence; it’s about dependence. It’s not a last resort when all else fails-it’s our first line of defense. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6–7,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

To quote Pastor Joby Martin: “I need you to be praying big, bold, audacious, God I need you to move in a way that only You can move [prayers].”

When we start the day with prayer, we’re not just checking a box; we’re inviting the Holy Spirit to fill every gap, to cover every weakness, and to prepare us for the battles ahead.

In seasons of stress or uncertainty, prayer steadies our footing. In times of victory, it humbles our hearts. In moments of confusion, it clears the fog and refocuses our aim. Through prayer, we remember we’re not fighting alone – we’re part of something far greater than ourselves. Another Pastor I listen to – Josh Howerton says: “Too many have stopped believing in the supernatural power of the living God.”

The Armor of God isn’t about being strong enough to face life’s battles – it’s about being connected enough to draw strength from the One who never loses. Prayer is what makes that connection strong. Scripture calls us to live in that rhythm of dependence:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

So, before you step into your day-before the emails, the meetings, the noise – pause and pray.  Ask God to fasten your belt of truth, guard your heart with righteousness, steady your steps with peace, strengthen your faith, protect your mind with salvation, and sharpen your sword with His Word.

Because when prayer powers the armor, you’re not just ready for the fight-you’re walking in victory.

Prayer from Wild at Heart: Finally, Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with you in everything – in all prayer as my spirit continues with You throughout the day.

The Sword of the Spirit – Armed with Truth

(Part 6 of the Armor of God series)

There’s something powerful about the image of a sword. It’s not defensive like a shield or protective like armor-it’s an offensive weapon. In Ephesians 6:17, Paul tells us to “take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” This is the only piece of armor designed for attack, reminding us that faith isn’t just about standing firm-it’s about advancing with God’s truth.

For years, I treated my Bible like a reference book. But lately, I’ve realized it’s more like a weapon-something meant to be used every day.

The Sword of the Spirit represents the Word of God-Scripture that’s alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, He didn’t argue or reason with the enemy. He simply responded with Scripture: “It is written.” Each time, the Word cut through the lies and dismantled the attack.

God’s Word gives us clarity in confusion, courage in fear, and direction when life feels uncertain. But to use the sword effectively, we need to know it. A sword left sheathed can’t protect or defend. The same is true for a Bible that stays closed on the shelf. The more we read, memorize, and meditate on Scripture, the more readily we can call it to mind when the battle comes.

When the lies of the enemy whisper that you’re not enough, you can counter with truth: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

When fear creeps in, you can stand firm: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

When you feel defeated, you can remember: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

This is what it means to wield the Sword of the Spirit-to let God’s Word shape your thoughts, guide your decisions, and strengthen your heart. I’ve seen firsthand how speaking God’s Word out loud can silence the noise of anxiety-it’s like resetting my spirit in the middle of chaos. 

Each morning before work, I take a few minutes to read a passage and let it sink in. It’s like sharpening my sword before stepping into the day’s battles. So, keep your sword sharp. Read daily. Reflect deeply. Speak God’s Word over your life and your circumstances. Because when you’re armed with Scripture, you’re not just surviving the battle-you’re advancing the Kingdom.

Prayer from Wild at Heart: Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the word of God that I will need to counter the assaults and the snares of the enemy.  Bring them to mind throughout today.

The Helmet of Salvation – Protecting Your Mind

(Part 5 of the Armor of God series)

When a soldier went into battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor he put on – but it was the one he never went without. It was non-negotiable. Without it, he was vulnerable to a fatal blow. Paul uses that same image when he says in Ephesians 6:17:

“Take the helmet of salvation…”

The helmet guards the head – the place where decisions are made, fears are formed, and lies take root. For me, most battles don’t start with circumstances – they start in my head. One negative thought can snowball fast if I’m not careful to stop it. That’s why the enemy attacks our minds more than anything else. If he can plant seeds of doubt, confusion, or condemnation, he can paralyze us long before the battle begins.

But salvation protects our thinking. It reminds us who we are and whose we are.

When you know you’re saved – truly rescued and redeemed by Christ – it changes how you think, how you respond, and how you live. You’re no longer fighting for victory; you’re fighting from it.

Our thoughts are powerful. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

If the enemy can convince you that you’re still defined by your past, your failures, or your fears, he doesn’t have to defeat you – you’ll defeat yourself. That’s why Paul calls us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). There are still days I hear that whisper, ‘You’re not enough.’ But I’ve learned to stop and say, ‘That’s not what my Father says about me’. The helmet of salvation helps us do exactly that – to filter every thought through the truth of who God says we are.

The helmet is both protection and perspective. It keeps our minds focused on eternity, reminding us that no matter what we face today, our salvation is secure.

In Romans 8:38–39, Paul declares:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That truth gives us peace. It’s the mental and spiritual clarity to see beyond our circumstances – to live anchored in hope instead of fear.

So each morning, before you step into the noise of the day, take a moment to “put on” your helmet. Remind yourself:
I am saved. I am secure. I am loved. And no matter what comes my way today, my mind belongs to Christ.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
– Isaiah 26:3

Prayer from Wild at Heart:Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from you and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in Your kingdom.

The Shield of Faith – Defending Against Doubt

(Part 4 of the Armor of God series)

When Paul describes the armor of God, he doesn’t talk about if we’ll face attacks – he assumes we will. Faith, he says, is what protects us when those attacks come.

Ephesians 6:16 says, “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Roman shields were massive – large enough to cover the entire body when crouched behind them. They were layered with leather and soaked in water before battle so that fiery arrows would fizzle out instead of ignite. That’s the image Paul paints: our faith, when active and grounded in truth, can extinguish every burning lie the enemy hurls our way.

Doubt, fear, insecurity, temptation – these are the flaming arrows of the enemy. They come suddenly, aiming to pierce your confidence in God. Faith is what stops them from hitting their mark. Not faith in ourselves or in outcomes, but faith in the unchanging character of God.

Faith doesn’t mean we never feel fear. It means we choose to trust God’s whispered Word even when fear screams louder. Faith says, “I don’t know how this will end, but I know who holds the ending.”

In Hebrews 11:1, we read, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

That kind of confidence doesn’t come from positive thinking – it comes from consistent dependence. Faith grows every time we take God at His Word, every time we pray through doubt, and every time we remember His past faithfulness when our current situation looks uncertain.

When Paul tells us to “take up” the shield of faith, it’s an action. We don’t carry faith passively; we raise it intentionally. The enemy’s arrows aren’t random – they’re aimed to hit where we’re weakest, to make us question God’s goodness or timing. But every time we respond to fear with trust, to anxiety with prayer, or to doubt with Scripture, we’re lifting that shield.

Writing is one of the areas where I am constantly attacked.  I cannot tell you how many posts have never seen the light of day because the attacks convince me it isn’t good enough, that I am not good enough.  I have deleted and restarted this one at least three times.  And it’s literally about defending against that doubt.  Faith is not an easy shield to yield.  But it is effective when put to the test.  You reading this is testament to that.

Faith doesn’t just protect – it unites. Roman soldiers would lock their shields together, forming a wall of defense. That’s a picture of what happens when believers stand together. Your faith strengthens mine, and mine strengthens yours. I have a group of friends, family, and subscribers that encourage me to silence my attacks and post these thoughts.  Without them – I am not sure I would push through.  Alone, a single shield can be heavy. Together, a wall of faith can stop an army.

So, when life feels like a battlefield – when doubt fires from every angle – take up your shield. Lift it high. Remember who you’re fighting for and who’s fighting for you.

“This is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

Prayer from Wild at Heart: Jesus, I lift against every lie and every assault, confidence that you are good, and that you have good in store for me.  Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because you are with me.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Ready to Move

(Part 3 of the Armor of God series)

There’s a reason Paul mentions shoes when describing the armor of God. You can have all the armor in the world, but if you can’t move, you’re an easy target. The shoes aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential – they give us traction, balance, and direction. Walking barefoot across a Florida parking lot in July reminds you really quick why shoes matter. The same is true spiritually.

Ephesians 6:15 says, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”

The Roman soldiers Paul would have had in mind wore heavy sandals with spikes in the soles – built for both stability and mobility. They could dig in and hold their ground, or move quickly when needed. That’s exactly what the peace of Christ gives us – the ability to stand firm and move forward.

Peace doesn’t mean the absence of conflict. It means the presence of Christ in the middle of it. The peace of God steadies our steps when the ground feels unsteady. It anchors us when the world around us shakes. And it allows us to keep walking when everything in us wants to stop.

If I am being honest, the past six months have been some of the busiest and most chaotic I can remember at work. We’ve had a record number of projects – some successful, some not – with the smallest crew and the shortest timelines I’ve ever seen. There were days I wasn’t sure how I’d get through my schedule without breaking down. But this is where my faith has changed everything. Walking with Christ hasn’t removed the pressure, but it has given me peace in the middle of it. His presence steadies me when stress threatens to knock me off balance. And His nudges still challenge me to drive forward.

When Paul says “readiness,” he’s describing a posture of alertness – a willingness to go where God leads. The gospel prepares us to move. Not in fear, but in faith. When we’re grounded in His peace, we can respond to pressure without panic and face uncertainty without losing our footing.

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.”

Everywhere we go, we carry the peace of Christ with us. Into our homes, our workplaces, our communities. The shoes of peace remind us that faith isn’t meant to stand still – it’s meant to go.

So before stepping into your day, pause and picture yourself putting on those shoes. You’re not walking into battle barefoot – you’re walking in the strength, stability, and peace of Christ.

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

Prayer from Wild at Heart: Lord, I do choose to live for the gospel at any moment.  Show me where the larger story is unfolding and keep me from being so lax that I think the most important thing today is the soap opera of this world.

The Breastplate of Righteousness: Guarding the Heart

(Part 2 of the Armor of God series)

If the belt of truth holds everything together, the breastplate of righteousness protects what’s most vital – your heart.

In battle, a Roman soldier’s breastplate covered the chest and abdomen, shielding the organs that, if struck, meant certain death. Spiritually, righteousness serves the same purpose. It guards the place where your deepest convictions, desires, and affections live.

“Stand firm then… with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
– Ephesians 6:14

As a leader, I’ve learned how easy it is to let bitterness or pride slip in. It doesn’t take much – a hard week, a harsh email, a disappointment – and suddenly my heart’s unguarded.  Righteousness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being protected by the perfection of Jesus.

When Paul talks about the breastplate, he’s not pointing us back to our own moral performance. He’s pointing us to a new identity – one covered by Christ’s righteousness.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:21

That means when the enemy comes to accuse – when he whispers, “You’re not good enough,” “You failed again,” “You’ll never change” – we don’t stand there exposed and defenseless. We point to the One who already paid for it.

Our righteousness isn’t earned; it’s received.
And when you put that on daily, you’re choosing to live from a place of grace, not guilt.

The enemy wants nothing more than to pierce your heart with shame, regret, or comparison. That’s why the breastplate matters so much. Without it, your heart becomes an easy target.

Isaiah 59:17 says that when God Himself goes to battle,

“He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head.”

In other words – righteousness is part of God’s own armor. And through Christ, He shares it with us.

I love that picture – God Himself putting on righteousness as armor. It reminds me that He doesn’t ask me to fight battles He hasn’t already fought Himself.

Wearing the breastplate of righteousness means walking in confidence – not because you’ve done everything right, but because Jesus did. It means remembering that your heart is already guarded by His grace, even on your worst days.

The goal isn’t sinless perfection; it’s daily direction. It’s keeping your heart aligned with His, and letting His righteousness cover the places you still fall short.

So when you feel attacked, accused, or unworthy – when the arrows of shame start flying – remember: your heart is covered. You’re protected by the righteousness of Christ.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
– Proverbs 4:23

Prayer from Wild at Heart:

Yes, Lord, I wear your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption.  Fit me with your holiness and purity. Defend me from all assaults against my heart.

The Belt of Truth: Holding Everything Together

(Part 1 of the Armor of God series)

In Roman armor, the belt wasn’t just a decorative strap – it was the foundation that held the rest of the armor in place. Without it, nothing else fit right. The sword hung from it. The breastplate fastened to it. It literally held the soldier together for battle.

That’s why Paul started there:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”
– Ephesians 6:14

Truth is the first line of defense in a world full of deception. And not “your truth” or “my truth,” but God’s truth – the unshakable, unchanging, timeless truth of His Word.

When you fasten the belt of truth around your life, you’re choosing to build your identity, your decisions, and your perspective on what God says – not what the world says.

Without truth, everything else shifts.
Without truth, righteousness becomes self-righteousness.
Without truth, faith becomes feeling.
Without truth, salvation becomes self-help.

Truth is what keeps it all from falling apart. As a husband and dad, I’ve learned that if I’m not grounded in God’s truth, I start making decisions based on comfort or emotion. And that’s when things unravel fast.

In John 14:6, Jesus said,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Truth isn’t just a concept – it’s a person.
And when we walk with Him, live in Him, and align our lives to Him, we’re girded for battle.

But the enemy loves to attack at this level first.
If he can get you to question what’s true – about God, about yourself, about your purpose – then he can loosen the belt that holds everything else together. That’s why lies often sound almost true. They’re half-truths dressed up in logic and emotion.

For me, one of those lies has always been that my worth is tied to my performance – how productive or successful I am. That’s not God’s truth. His Word says my value is fixed in Him, not in what I do.

That’s why Paul calls us to stand firm – not by shouting louder, not by arguing longer, but by clinging tighter to the truth of God’s Word.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
– John 17:17

Every time we choose to speak truth, live truth, and stand on truth, we’re fastening that belt a little tighter. It doesn’t just protect us; it keeps us steady when everything else feels uncertain.

The Belt of Truth reminds us that what holds us together isn’t our own strength, consistency, or discipline – it’s Christ Himself, the One who is Truth embodied.

So, buckle up. Start your day fastening the belt of truth – not with fear of what’s ahead, but with confidence in who stands with you.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
– John 8:32

Prayer from Wild at Heart:
Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truth I so desperately need today. Expose the lies I’m not even aware that I am believing.

Armor of God: Why We Need It

(Series Intro)

There are moments when you just can’t ignore the way God lines things up.

About two weeks ago, I set a goal to read one chapter a day from a list of books I’d been meaning to get through. I started with John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart. Seven straight days – a full chapter each evening after work and family time. I was crushing it.

Right until that eighth day (Saturday), when life got a little too full and something had to give. Sorry, John. Maybe tomorrow.

The next morning, I sat in church at The Church of Eleven22, listening to Pastor Joby Martin preach on Ephesians 6 – about what it means to stand firm and act like men. It was incredible. Three full pages of notes. I was in tears for most of the service. (I’ve come to learn this is how the Holy Spirit gets my attention – turns on the waterworks. If you ever see me in church weeping like a baby, just know: God is good.)

The next day, I finally picked Wild at Heart back up. Chapter Eight.
And wouldn’t you know it? It was about the armor of God – the very same passage Joby had just preached. That’s not coincidence. That’s a God nod.

Had I read that chapter on my own schedule, it might not have hit the same way. But God made me wait. I was frustrated that I’d missed my daily goal, but the truth is, He handed me distractions to align me with His timing – not mine. He needed me to hear that message clearly and personally.

After taking notes from both the sermon and the book, I sat back wondering: What should I do with all of this? Then came Monday – busy as ever.

Tuesday morning, I had time blocked to write, but no devotional planned. Usually, I pull from a pool of ideas, pray over one, and start writing what God gives me. But that morning, I sat staring at a blank screen.

So I prayed a familiar prayer: Lord, give me a word to share.

The very next thought that came to mind was – “The Armor of God isn’t just for you.”

The timing couldn’t have been clearer: God was reminding me that we’re in a real battle. Not a metaphorical one. Not a symbolic one. But a daily, unseen fight for our hearts, our families, and our faith.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:10–12 hits differently when you’ve been through a few battles of your own:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Paul doesn’t say if we face spiritual battles – he says when. Every believer who decides to follow Christ becomes a target. But God doesn’t leave us unprotected. He gives us everything we need – not just to survive – but to stand firm, to advance, and to live in victory.

Just like a soldier wouldn’t step onto the battlefield without armor, we can’t walk through life unguarded. The attacks may not come as swords or spears – they come as doubt, distraction, discouragement, temptation, and fear.

But the armor of God isn’t just defense – it’s empowerment. It’s how we live from victory, not for it.

This series, born that Tuesday morning,  is a journey through each piece of that armor – what it means, why it matters, and how to wear it daily. My prayer is that as we walk through these verses together, you’ll not only understand the armor – you’ll feel its weight, purpose, and power in your life.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…” – Ephesians 6:13

Mountain Moments: Worship on the Mountain

There’s something about reaching the mountaintop – even just a glimpse – that naturally turns our hearts toward worship. When we pause and see how far God has brought us, when we look back at the valleys and the climbs, we can’t help but lift our voices in gratitude.

Psalm 121 reminds us: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2). The mountaintop isn’t about us; it’s about Him. It’s a reminder that every step we took, every struggle we faced, and every moment of perseverance was guided by God’s hand.

Worship is more than music or words. It’s a posture of the heart – a recognition that God is faithful, that His promises are true, and that His presence is our greatest blessing. When we worship on the mountain, we aren’t just celebrating the view; we’re celebrating the One who brought us there.

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” -(John 4:23–24)

And the beauty of worship is that it transforms the journey itself. Even when the climb continues, even when the next valley appears, worship keeps our eyes lifted, our hearts steady, and our souls full of hope. It reminds us that joy isn’t only at the destination – it’s in the presence of Jesus every step of the way.

So, as we stand on the mountaintop today, let’s lift our eyes, lift our hearts, and lift our voices. Worship isn’t just what we do when we reach the top; it’s who we are as people who walk with a faithful God.