"Gird" means to fasten or secure with a belt or to prepare for action. In ancient times, men wore long robes and would "gird up their loins" by tucking them into a belt to move freely and fight effectively. Suspenders are modern day girding gear. They hold things in place and prepare you to move.

No one wants to get caught with their pants down! 

Physically, if your pants fall down, you're in trouble. You will find yourself tripping, stumbling, and everyone is focused on your mishap. Spiritually, if your pants fall down, you're in trouble. Life will try to drag you down, and temptation will try to trip you up. The enemy would love nothing more than for you to walk around unprepared, unsupported, and embarrassed.

What are some things in your life that are dragging you down?

Spiritual suspenders represent the things that keep you from falling spiritually, emotionally, or morally. They are the supports that keep your spiritual life secure and in place.

What spiritual suspenders do you have in your life to hold you up? 

1. God's Word - study and memorize scripture

The Word of God is truth and will hold you up when everything else is trying ti pull you down. 

2. God's Spirit - listen to His voice and correction

3. God's People - stay accountable and encouraged

What is the difference between grace and mercy? 

Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. The focus of grace is favor and blessing, while the focus of mercy is compassion and forgiveness. Grace is receiving eternal life through Jesus Christ, and mercy is being forgive instead of punished.

Mercy is not just something God does — it's part of His identity. His mercy flows from His nature — not our performance. God's love and mercy is freely given. There's nothing we can do to earn it.

2. Mercy meets us in our mess.

His mercy covers the punishment we deserve. We no longer have to offer sacrifices to atone for our sins because Jesus died for us on the cross and gave the ultimate sacrifice. All you have to do is repent to God, and He will forgive you. You don't have to get good to receive God's mercy. When you reach out to Him, God will meet you where you are.

3. Mercy is available daily.

God's mercy is not a one time event. It's fresh and ever-present. We sin every day, so we need God's mercy every day. What is something in your life that reminds you of how much you need daily mercy?

4. Jesus is the ultimate expression of mercy.

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of mercy. Like grace, mercy is freely given through Jesus Christ — you can't earn it. Have you fully received God's mercy, or are you still trying to "deserve" it?

5. Mercy empowers us to show mercy.

God has called us to be conduits of mercy, not just recipients. Sometimes we want to receive God's mercy more than we want to give mercy to those around us, but the Bible tells us that mercy should flow through us, not just to us. We should extend mercy to others, not judgement. 

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God makes a promise to His people if they will follow His instruction. Let's break down this verse, phrase by phrase, and see how we can apply this to our lives today. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 starts with a small but powerful word, "if", that introduces the idea that something will happen only when a conditional clause is met. In this scripture, God makes a promise to His people under the condition that they follow His instruction. Who are God's people? In the Old Testament, this would have referred to the Israelites, but in the New Testament and today, God's people are all those who believe and have a relationship with Him.

Historically, it is common for cities to carry the name of the person who founded or discovered them. Hearing a city's name can make you think of the memory and reputation of its namesake. Being called by God's name shows that you belong to Him and bear His character and reputation. This reflects someone who has a close relationship with God. Outside of religious identity, are you accurately portraying the character of God as someone called by His name?

This is the first condition God gives as a way to obtain forgiveness and healing. Why do you think God chose humility first? Humility, by definition, is the freedom from pride or arrogance. Pride blocks restoration. Pride would say, "I'm fine on my own. I don't need anyone's help. 

Practicing humility can look like acknowledging God's authority, recognizing your sins, serving others, being thankful, fasting, and praying. What are some other way you can practice humility in your daily life?

Prayer is a vital part of any Christian's relationship with God. While God knows what we are asking before we ask, it's still important to have daily prayer time. Any relationship is built and strengthened through communication, and the same is true with God. Is your current prayer life fostering a close relationship with God? How could you improve your prayer life?

Seeking God's face means to have a longing for intimacy with God. While it's not a bad thing to ask God for help (humility helps us understand we can't do life on our own and need God's help), we should also seek His face with deep honest prayer. In Psalms 27:8, David shows an intentional desire to connect with God on a personal level.

Turning from your wicked ways begins with confession and repentance. You can confess by praying directly to God, asking for forgiveness. It is also vital to change direction away from sinful ways that do not pursue righteousness, understanding that God does not expect us to never sin again, only to try our best.

It is important to repent every day. Our days are numbered on earth, and there is only one that knows when our time is finished. If you knew that in your next moment you'd be standing before God, would you be ready? While no one can be completely positive they are ready, if you have been living your life following after God, you will be more prepared.

God says that He will hear us from His throne in heaven. This shows us that God pays attention to His people, and is always ready to act on our behalf.

To forgive means to release someone from the guilt and consequences of wrongdoings.

A sin is anything that goes against Gods laws or biblical scriptures, no matter how large or small it may seem to us.

At this time, Israel was going through drought, plagues and hardships, both physical and spiritual.

Physically:
If the Israelites would have fully abided and lived by these conditions, God would have restored their land by giving them rain, which would have allowed their crops to grow in abundance.It would have lifted the plagues and hardships, and it would have brought peace and prosperity back to the nation.

Spiritually:
Although at times our spirit can become barren, God can refresh it. By following the previous sections of this scripture, you can draw nearer to God, allowing him to rework the landscape of your heart. By opening yourself up to this tending, God will be able to use you in ways you never expected, both large and small.

How does this apply to our lives today?

By allowing humility to work in our lives, we can submit ourselves to God, realizing we cannot be sufficient without Him. Prayer and repentance has to become a daily part of our lives, not only a last resort, asking forgiveness and guidance in all things, large and small. By submitting to the act of repenting for our sins, even those we may not recognize at first, we open our hearts to Gods healing.

Ask yourself daily:

• Do I live as someone who is called by God's name?
• Can others see that I am someone called by God's name?
• In what areas do I need to humble myself?
• Am I truly seeking God's face?
• Is there sin in my life that I need to turn from?
• What can I do to be more like Christ?

By definition, a guarantee is a promise or assurance that something will happen or that something is true, secure or protected. Three common types are a money-back guarantee, a warranty guarantee, and a satisfaction guarantee. What are some examples of guarantees in your life?

Some guarantees have more weight than others. Some people are believable and put their guarantees to action, while others simply talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. With God, you can find peace knowing that His guarantees will never change.

In scripture, a guarantee refers to a divine promise from God that is often connected to the Holy Spirit as a down payment or assurance of our future with Him. It is not a wish; it's a firm promise of God’s unbreakable commitment to fulfill His word. God's promises assure us that our identity, salvation, and future are secure in Him.

The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that you belong to Him, you will receive the full inheritance of eternal life, and His promises will come true no matter what.

Let's go through 10 of God's guarantees in the Bible.

8. God gives peace. 

According to 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, the Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we belong to God and that He will complete the work He has promised us. Has God promised you something? Remember that His word guarantees it will happen, and His word will never change.