"Program Advance: Armor of GOD" is heavily influenced by the MegaMan Battle Network series... which is obvious, right?🥸

Well, this game had a huge impact on my fraternal twin brother and me during our childhood, as we spent hours completing MegaMan Battle Network 4 (Red Sun & Blue Moon) the summer we got it. It was this game in the series that introduced "Dark Chips". 

These battle chips enticed players with their strong power, but at a high price. If you decided to use this evil power, you would randomly take damage every time you stepped into battle. We would also see a change in Megaman's countenance, going from the loving and kind-hearted light blue iconic character we all know and love. 

To a more sinister, darker color, highlighting the darkness that now dwells inside him. 

And, most importantly, one of the other amazing features throughout the game was "Double Soul". This skill was obtained and achieved after connecting with other characters throughout your journey, which was their way of helping you and staying connected even after you went your separate ways. 

This is a major and defining ability in the Megaman Battle Network Series (from this game and beyond), and it is stripped from you for choosing the "easier road". 

Like the game, certain decisions in our lives can corrupt us and affect our ability to connect with others. Another theme that relates to us all in real-time is the allure to avoid the harder road, which takes patience and humility. 

These days, people are willing to trade anything and anyone, including their souls, to fast-track success or to possess riches, power, or fame. 

In this dangerous pursuit, they lose themselves.
So, the question now is, how do we stay grounded? 

Everyone has a different anchor, but the only one that I found that anchors down deep into my soul and spirit, is Jesus Christ. The living word of God. It remains constant. Through every dark season, it has not only helped me to rebuild but has kept me alive and going.

It takes real faith to have His power and love flow through us.

It is not always easy, but in the end you'll see why it wasn't worth ever giving up. 

And, if any of you know about the game, the program advance is one of the strongest moves. 

To use it, it takes patience and careful planning to get all the battle chips lined up right! 

In this life, the only equivalency we have is the word of GOD, which is our armor.

Be patient on your walk with Him. Do not fall away for material possessions, fame, or relationships, etc.

The world will offer you everything and anything, but remember that NOTHING can replace GOD.

He is our only saving grace! 

So, keep all of your armor on because by doing so you'll stand firm against what this world will throw at you!

Hallelujah! 🙌🥸 [Yeah, yeah, yeah... this is geek heavy, but so is the entire website LOL.]

Ephesians 6 : 10 - 20 NLT

The Whole Armor of God

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Affinity Designer & Photo were the two programs used for this project. Both have the same acapabilities as Adobe Photoshop(And Lightroom) which was my primary weapon back in my hay day. There wasn't anything particularly hard when making the Battle Chips, though with the P.E.T, which is now labeled as HOLY, I did find difficulties creating some of the shapes you can find on it!