Shoes of Peace

The Shoes of Peace

"As for shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:15

Many of our clients lack feeling at peace with God and, consequently, have difficulty in their lives and spiritual battles. Lies of condemnation, such as 'You are not good enough' or 'God cannot forgive you for such a horrible sin,' and 'If God loved me, things would be better in my life.'   Satan gains an advantage over Christians by questioning the limits of God's grace and mercy in their lives. This causes people to retreat spiritually and become passive. However, the Gospel of Peace can help us overcome these battles, empowering us and giving us hope. 

Roman soldiers wore boots with nails in them to provide traction and prevent slipping in combat. The Shoes of Peace pertains to the good news that, through Jesus Christ, believers are at peace with God. God is for them; he is on their side, and no one can be separated from the love of God. We can stand firm, knowing that God is for us, and He is our strength in the spiritual battles of this life. 

I am here to share this great news with our counselees: that they can find peace with God. Christ is victorious over sin and satan! There is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! In Colossians 2:13-15, the Bible tells us that God has made us alive in Christ and has forgiven ALL our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us of our sins, past, present, and future. He took that record of our sin and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross. God disarmed the rulers and authorities of evil.

Let us stand ready in the Shoes of Peace. Romans 5:1: "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Because of the Good News of the Gospel, we are at peace with Him and stand in the confidence of God's forgiveness, His union with us, and His commitment to continually fight for us. We can put on the "readiness of the gospel…" and boldly proclaim to others the victory that Christ has for them.

Having peace with God enables us to have daily fellowship with the Lord, allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts as we come boldly to the throne of grace in prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, and praise continually (Philippians 4:6-7). This daily connection with the Lord is not just a routine but a source of strength and comfort. It's a personal connection that makes us feel loved and valued. We are told in Colossians 3:16 to "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." The context of dwelling in this verse refers to having Christ at home in our hearts, in spiritual abundance. It is essential to make the gospel message central to all our living, teaching, preaching, and counseling. When we meditate on and personalize scriptures that teach us the wonderful doctrine of justification and reconciliation between man and God (Colossians 2:20-22), these scriptures confront Satan's lies when he questions your right standing in Christ.

My heart is filled with joy when a client finds relief and comfort in their understanding of the Shoes of Peace. The lies that the accuser of the brethren has used for years are rendered powerless in their lives. A client who lived with years of guilt wrote us, "Since our time together, I have been holding on to what I learned that Jesus loves me, and he is not mad at me because of my past sin, and I have the peace of God in my life." This is the kind of peace and comfort that the Shoes of Peace brings, and I hope that all my clients can experience it.

Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate of RIghteousness 

"And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" Philippians 3:9 

Even on my darkest day, I am the righteousness of Christ!

Years ago, my wife and I experienced a profound transformation when we grasped and surrendered to our identity in Christ. This Biblical truth revolutionized our lives, igniting a new level of spiritual growth. We learned to love one another from our renewed hearts in Christ, a love that was genuine and profound. 

One crucial element of the Armor of God that we came to understand intimately is the Breastplate of Righteousness. This breastplate serves as a shield for our most vulnerable area—our heart, the seat of our feelings and emotions. It provides a secure barrier, preventing us from being wounded or succumbing to the fear of rejection. 

Our acceptance comes from being right with God, now and forever. We are alive with the righteous life of Christ. Once and for all, Jesus has removed our sin and guilt (Romans 8:1, II Corinthians 5:21). When we believe this and rejoice in it, Satan's accusations will glance off our "breastplates" and fall away. The Word of God tells us we already have that piece of armor on in Ephesians 6:14b: "…and having on the breastplate of righteousness". Another translation reads it this way: "…and the body of Armor of God's righteousness". This righteousness, this armor, is a powerful weapon in our spiritual warfare, one that we can wear with confidence and strength.

In Christ's time on earth, no Roman soldier would go into battle without his breastplate, a tough, sleeveless armor covering his whole torso. The purpose of the breastplate is to protect the vital organs, including the heart. In Jewish thinking, the heart represents the mind, will, and emotions. The mind and emotions are two areas where satan most fiercely attacks believers. The enemy will attack to wound our hearts with condemnation and accusation, leading to despair. If we trust ourselves for our righteousness, we are left defenseless. We must cover ourselves with the righteousness of Christ!

Here are some points to consider:

Three Ways That Satan Attacks
1.     Accusations (Revelation 12:10) – Despair comes from believing what Satan says rather than what God says about my righteousness in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).

2.    Condemnation (Romans 8:1) – Satan condemns me to keep me from coming to Jesus for help and repentance.

3.    Spiritual Pride and Legalism (Romans 10:3) – trusting in my righteousness, which is rooted in the pride of our flesh.

When we sin, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those in Christ! Yes, we need to acknowledge our sins, and Jesus is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). We can stand with Christ's righteousness around us like a breastplate. Satan has nothing to accuse us of because we are made righteous in Christ. We can now have a clear conscience before God and Man (Acts 24:16). This is the essence of true freedom. 

Belt of Trtuh

The Belt of Truth

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. Put on the armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the devil's wiles. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"  Ephesians 6:10-12

The armor of God is an appropriate way to end the book of Ephesians. Paul tells us that if you are a Christian, as defined in chapters 1-3, and if you are living as a Christian should live, as determined by chapters 4-6, you will come under spiritual attack. It is impossible to live in the manner Paul described without conflict that the enemy would like to take advantage in our lives. Thus, the final thing Paul tells us is to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of God.

The first piece of armor is the Belt of Truth, which is crucial in spiritual warfare. 'Stand therefore, having your loins girt with truth…' Ephesians 6:14. Since a significant part of ancient combat was hand-to-hand, a loose tunic would be a hindrance and even a danger. Before battle, the tunic was carefully cinched up and tucked into the heavy leather belt that girded (restrained) the soldier's loins. Similarly, the belt of Truth restrains us from the lies and deceptions of the enemy, enabling us to stand firm in our faith.

God's belt of Truth ties it all together, demonstrating that the believer is ready for battle. The Greek word for Truth refers to the accuracy of Truth or the quality of a truthful attitude in thinking and speaking.

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

Consider five important ways for using the belt of Truth:

1.     Since Satan is a liar (John 8:44), your belt of Truth is constantly under attack, taking one or more forms:

• Lies about the character of God.

• Deception about who you are in Christ.

• Lies that promote fear regarding life's future direction.

• Temptation to sin.

2.     Seek the Truth in close relationship and dependence on the person of Truth – Jesus Christ. "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and truth, and the life. No one comes to Father except through me." John 14:6

3.    Read, study, and apply the Scriptures, letting the Word of Truth sanctify your life daily. "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17

4.    Submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit – The Spirit of Truth. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth." John 16:13

5.    Resist the enemy by choosing, knowing, and standing in Truth. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 

Matching Funds

Matching Funds 

I praise the Lord for your concern for IBCC and for helping hurting people! Our counseling ministry has been in operation for twenty-eight years. Our prayer and desire are to continue demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ and offering a place of mercy, grace, and God’s truth for those hurting and needing help.
 
Our matching fund campaign is a unique opportunity to make a difference. With a generous pledge of $12,000 to be matched, we are excited to present an opportunity for you to play an essential role in counseling our clients in need in 2025! The campaign, which you can help us kick start, concludes on September 15th, 2025. 
 
How can you participate? 
 
Participating in our matching fund campaign is simple. Just complete the enclosed form, 'Your Gifts Bring Freedom Matching Funds,' or write 'matching funds' on your check. If you prefer to donate online, you can do so through our website (www.indianabcc.com) via PayPal and note your donation for the matching funds. Your contribution will be automatically matched, doubling the impact of your support.
 
We are truly grateful for your thoughtful consideration and appreciate your prayers and financial support. Thank you! 
 
Your past contributions have been instrumental in our ability to provide a haven for those in need. We ask that you continue to pray for our clients, staff, and ministry so that we may persist as a beacon of hope and healing. 


Rev. Jeffrey Pokone
IBCC Center Director/Counselor

How to Process Your Fear

"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
-- 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear was the first emotion recorded in Scripture after the fall. Adam said, "I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself" (Genesis 3:10). Ever since the fall of man, fear is an emotion we all need to address in our lives.

Feeling fear is a natural response when our emotional, psychological and physical safety is threatened. For fear to intensify, it must possess two attributes: we must perceive it as imminent (present) and potent (dominant) over us. For example, the number one fear people experience is death. When we are young and healthy, death seems far away. However, when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness like cancer, fear, and anxiety can overwhelm us. The truth is those in Christ are all delivered from the fear of death! (Hebrews 2:15)

Acknowledging and understanding your fears and addressing them with the truth early in the process can be of great help. 

Asking yourself and processing these questions can help you begin to work through your fears. Work through one concern at a time. You might want to start by addressing your greatest fear first. 

1. What is my reason to fear? Is it a rational fear? Does the initial fear lead to other related concerns? 

2. How imminent is it? How powerful is it?  

3. How realistic is it? 

4. You cannot remove everything in your life that causes you fear. However, you can work on lowering its intensity. These are the critical questions to address it...What thoughts do I have that makes this object of fear grow in intensity? Am I asking myself repetitive what about or what-if questions that are increasing my fear? What lies am I believing? 

5. What Biblical truth can bring me comfort and speak truth to my fears? Make a list with two columns. On one side, write down the list of negative thoughts or lies that build on the fear and the other column, the Biblical truth that speaks to each negative belief or lie. 

6. What bodily sensations does this fear cause me to have? Increased heart rate? Tingling in my arms? Heavy breathing and pressure on my chest? Are my physical symptoms caused by my emotions or do I have a physical issue? Do I need to seek medical help? 

7. What reactions does this fear cause me to have? Is my reaction healthy for me and others around me? Is there panic or a fearful response?

8. What bad habits that come from my fear? Am I developing phobias, avoidant behaviors, addictions, obsessions?

9. Is there someone I can reach out to help me work through these questions and gain a healthier perspective?

10. What does it look like for me to allow Christ to comfort me in my fears? (1 Peter 5:7)

When the resurrected Christ first appeared to His disciples He found them cowering in fear of the Jews. He simply said to them, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). God's provision for personal redemption had come and they no longer had to be afraid. The same is true for us today!

The Reality of Fear & Anxiety

Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Fear is an emotion that powerfully energizes our nervous system. When we experience fear, the amygdala in our brain is activated. The amygdala is the part of our brain designed to be on guard and protect us from fearful things and people. Fear impacts all of us in various ways. The command, "fear not," is the most repeated in the Bible. Yet, it is not always the easiest to do.  

Many people I counsel struggle with various degrees of fear and anxiety. Their distress ranges from generalized anxiety to the impact of past trauma and living with chronic PTSD. I try to help them understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles they are experiencing, and guide them through a process to help address their fears. 

I would like to address anxiety. You might be asking, what is the difference between fear and anxiety? Fear has a known object (sometimes not consciously remembered) related to a past or present experience. When a person experiences anxiety, they may not always know the cause. 

What is anxiety all about?

• Anxiety is a sense of being out of control.
• It is a fear of the unknown.
• It is an assumption that bad things will occur.
• It is a sense of uncertainty, tension, or uneasiness about a future event, but not always sure of what the specific activity or thing feared. 
• It is an uncomfortable feeling of dread characterized by nervousness, tension, and apprehension.
• Anxiety is extremely common in unhealthy relationships. 
• It can associated to past trauma relating to a feeling of being out of control or trapped.
• Anxiety occurs when a person becomes afraid to address a negative situation and emotion inside.
• It is an adaptive feeling of high nervousness experienced by all of us, to something unpleasant and generally leads to some action to relieve the feeling.
• It can be free-floating, a term used to describe a lack of focus on a specific target. Unlike a fear that develops in reaction to a particular (real or imagined) danger, anxiety can have no apparent cause of which the person is aware.
• An exaggerated state of anxiety, resulting in a profound disturbance in the ability to function, is called panic.


What can I do to help myself with anxiety? 

• Daily remind yourself that you are God's child, and he will take care of you for eternity. 

Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

• Acknowledge your feelings and express them in prayer. 

Philippians 4:6,7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

• When anxiety starts to surface, stop and ask yourself, "What negative thoughts am I thinking?". Attempt to see the circumstance from a positive perception. 

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

• Address double-mindedness: Plan A (God's will) vs. Plan B (my will) thinking. We must be careful to align our thoughts and surrender our will to God's plan for our life. 

1 Peter 5:6,7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

• Practice self-awareness and assess your thoughts. What do you believe about this event or situation? What are the lies you are believing or feeling? What is the truth of God's Word that speaks the truth? Are you under a spiritual attack? Separate facts, assumptions, and feelings. 

1 Peter 5:8,9 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

• Write down and share with God your feelings and thoughts in a diary or a notebook. 

Psalm 141:1 " O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!"

• Read and personalize the Psalms every day. 

Psalm 61:1-3 "Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy."

• Plan how you will respond step-by-step if a panic attack occurs. Work on being self-aware at the onset of your trigger. Understand what your trigger is. Take your thoughts captive. Take time to relax and do something that you enjoy. Practice relaxation exercises by breathing deeply and slowly.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,"

• Learn the importance of mutual emotional regulation. Talk to a trusted friend who will listen and understand you when you are anxious. It can help you to have greater clarity and return to joy. 

Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Who Am I?

I am a child of God   John 1:2  "He was in the beginning with God."

I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit   John 15:16  "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide (remain and be lasting)."

I am a son of God; God is spiritually my Father  Romans 8:14-15  "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba Father!'"

Galatians 3:26; 4:6  "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.""And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba Father!'"

I am a temple - a dwelling place - of God  I Corinthians 3:16  "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"

I Corinthians 6:19  "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own."

His spirit and His life dwell in me  John 14:17  "even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

I am a member of Christ's body  I Corinthians 12:27  "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Ephesians 5:30  "because we are members of his body."

I am a new creation  II Corinthians 5:17     "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold the new has come."

I am God's workmanship - His handiwork - born anew in Christ to do His work.  Ephesians 2:10  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

I am righteous and holy  Ephesians 4:24  "and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly beloved  Colossians 3:12  "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

I Thessalonians 1:4  "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you."

I am a son of light and not of darkness  I Thessalonians 5:5  "For you are all children of light, children of the day.  We are not of the night or of the darkness."

I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession  I Peter 2:9-10  "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live  I Peter 2:11  "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions (those dishonorable desires) of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."

I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns  I John 3:1.2  "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.  The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

I am born of God and the evil one - the Devil - cannot touch me  I John 5:18  "We know that everyone has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him."

Affiramtions for Dismantling Self-Hate

·         I refuse all self-hate.

·         I choose to love myself as God wants me to love myself.

·         It is not wrong to love myself as God wants me to.

·         I do not need to punish myself.

·         What was forced on me was not my fault.

·         I refuse all false guilt.

·         It is all right to be healed inside.

·         I choose to take care of myself.

·         I do not deserve pain.

·         I am not an evil person.

·         I will be nice to myself today.

·         I deserve to be treated gently.

·         It is all right to make a mistake.

·         I am not a ____________ (whatever you call yourself inside).

·         It is all right for me to be happy.

·         My body is not evil.

·         I am precious in God’s sight.

·         I am not a mistake.

·         God enjoys me.

·         I put off the enemy’s opinion of me and I put on God’s opinion of me.

“Satan had convinced me that I was a hypocritical wretch. The lies and accusations were so subtle, mingled with enough truth that I felt trapped, powerless and afraid to believe anything else. Praise the Lord that I am finally free. I am a new person. I have learned that most of what I had believed were lies. I no longer have thoughts of killing myself. I am able to communicate and forgive. I have a new love for the Word of God and I feel confident as I approach the throne of grace.”

As God Loves Us

Romans 5:8  But God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

I John 4:16  So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.  God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Romans 8:35-39  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jeremiah 31:3  The Lord appeared to him from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Zephaniah 3:17  The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Ephesians 3:17-19  So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Lamentations 3:22-23  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Ephesians 2:4-5  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.

Psalm 136:26  Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 36:7  How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

John 15: 9-17  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends...

Isaiah 54:10  For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, " says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Romans 5:5  And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Because God Loves Me

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

·         Because God loves me He is slow to lose patience with me.

·         Because God loves me He takes the circumstances of my life and uses them in a constructive way for my growth.

·         Because God loves me He does not treat me as an object to be possessed and manipulated.

·         Because God loves me He has no need to impress me with how great and powerful He is because He is God. He does not belittle me as His child in order to show me how important He is.

·         Because God loves me He is for me. He wants to see me mature and develop in His love.

·         Because God loves me He does not send down His wrath on every little mistake I make of which there are many.

·         Because God loves me He does not keep score of all my sins and then beat me over the head with them whenever He gets the chance.

·         Because God loves me He is deeply grieved when I do not walk in the ways that please Him because He sees this as evidence that I don’t trust Him and love Him as I should.

·         Because God loves me He rejoices when I experience His power and strength and stand up under the pressures of life for His name’s sake.

·         Because God loves me He keeps on working patiently with me even when I feel like giving up and can’t see why He doesn’t give up with me too.

·         Because God loves me He keeps on trusting me when at times I don’t even trust myself.

·         Because God loves me He never says there is no hope for you. Rather, He patiently works with me, loves me, and disciplines me in such a way that it is hard for me to understand the depth of His concern for me.

·         Because God loves me He never forsakes me even though many of my friends may.

·        Because God loves me He stands with me when I have reached the rock bottom of despair, when I see the real me and compare that with His righteousness, holiness, beauty and love. It is at a moment like this that I can really believe that God loves me.