My childhood friend, who remains my closest friend, is Kevin Shindoll. We have been friends for forty of my fifty-four years. I am one of those blessed people to have a friend like him. I have a favorite and funny memory of his dad that I am going to use as the title of this message.
John Shindoll was a sharp-dressed man. One of the most common greetings I remember when I would walk up to him early Sunday mornings would be his grinning face, and he would look down at his shoes and say, “How do you like my shoes?” It was a part of his good-humored repertoire.
How do you like my shoes?
A few years ago, in preparation for a message I would preach, I went to Home Depot and bought a can of gold paint spray. I took a pair of shoes and painted them Gold. I preached a message called “Shouting Shoes.”
I was reminded of this message earlier this week while reading this text in Isaiah.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 52:7
I continued to be reminded of this message, so I decided to revisit this message I first preached on December 6th, 2015.
Worship is a decision we make. Worship is a lifestyle we choose. If we understand the value God places on those who walk in sincere and honest faith and choose to be devout followers, we would all take a moment and shine our shoes and intently cinch up our shouting shoes before we walk out the door each morning.
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” John 4:23
An attitude that is reflected in the declaration that we often make while giving our tithes and offerings.
Upon the authority of Your word, I have given and it shall be given to me, pressed down, shaken together & running over
I am a tither, I bring my tithe today into Your storehouse therefore, the enemy is rebuked, the curse is broken
I live under an open heaven You pour out upon me such a blessing that there is not room enough to receive it
We receive jobs & better jobs, raises & bonuses, sales & commissions, benefits & settlements
Interest & income, rebates & returns, checks in the mail
Gifts & surprises, bills paid off, debts dismissed, royalties received
My greatest desire is to see my whole family saved & walking with God. Perfect health & abundance, to walk in Divine Favor & Blessing
I am blessed going in, I am blessed going out, all that I do will prosper in Jesus’ Name. Amen
Life, every day we live is one of choices. If we do not actively choose, we are by default allowing a certain negative gravity to control our day.
However, I can engage a mindset.
“choose you this day whom ye will serve;” Joshua 24:15
The Bible is not a book of destiny but rather a book of decisions.
God has plans for you, however it is up to you to step into those plans.
Or, God has given you a choice to put on your shoes that God has destiny in.
Don’t forget to put on your shoes.
I have walked out of the house and forgot to comb my hair. However, I don’t recall ever leaving the house without wearing my shoes.
Why? Because shoes are required.
No shoes, No Shirt, No Service.
What shoes shall I wear?
Before the Shield of faith or the sword of the spirit is mentioned, we are told, “Don’t forget your shoes.”
Look what the Apostle Paul says about our shoes.
Ephesians 6 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Today, let us decide,
I am going to wear the shoes God has given to me to worship, work and war for the Lord!
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott A. Phillips
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:20