Gird up the loins of your mind

What does this really mean and what was happening at this time?

I am going through the New Testament and am up to Peter in my reading of the NT.
My attention was stopped at 1Pet1:13.

Peter was writing to the Jewish believers struggling in the midst of persecution. The paragraph descriptor of my bible says that persecution can cause either growth or bitterness in the Christian Life.

So Peter, in the first chapter speaks about God
He shares on God's abundant mercy to these believers, and the living hope through Jesus for resurrection and inheritance, and how they are kept by God's power through faith.  But he then encourages them ....that although (now for a little while) grieved by various trials; that the genuineness of their faith, which is much more precious than gold that perishes, though their faith is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, glory at the revelation of Jesus, whom not seen they love, and although they don't see yet believing they rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

He then goes on to encourage them to stay faithful in their conduct.... And this is the phrase I wanted to look into more, and felt was important to understand.

Therefore, GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND, be sober, and rest your hopefully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is Holy, you also be Holy in your conduct....

I pondered this for a while, then googled the scripture and came across an explanation by an author I respect in the Christan faith. The explanation is about a runner running his race, not stumbling over the things that may want to trip him or entangle in his mind (or her's, or mine!).

Especially when things are tough, I am especially looking and challenging my thought patterns; are they staying in faith, honouring God, being true to the faith and God's ways. Your thoughts really can trip you up. Old pains that are triggered by situations are especially sneaky and can really capture your thoughts and manifiest itself in your heart, soul, body!

But God is so Good as He reveals, heals, and brings truth so that our faith, even in the pain of testing, grows and produces life.

Check out this article by Rick Renner from Sparkling Gems regarding the scripture about girding up the loins of your mind. It us a great insight and encouragement.

Rick Renner - Sparkling Gems

Be blessed!

Encouragement - I am unlocking you!

Word of encouragement from Leon Bites.   06/2016

I heard the Spirit of the Lord say,

 

‘There is unlocked potential in you and promises spoken over you that have been unfulfilled. But see now ...that I am taking the keys and unlocking the dusty chest to release these things. You are going to form new skills and abilities that you never knew you had, even in areas that you struggle in, and promises once spoken over you are going to come to pass.’

 

This is a journey that He wants to take with you.

 

That you would sit with him when He opens the chest, to find the hidden potential together. And that you would co-work with God, to move and grow in these previously unknown abilities and know the promises that are going to be fulfilled.

 

For, just like a parent, God enjoys and loves seeing you thrive and do well with what you have. He wants to share in the joy with you as you rediscover yourself, and see blessings come into your life......Lion Bites

 

..................................................................................................................................................................

This was an encouragement that I saw on my FB page and it spoke to me.  I can see the Lord doing things in my life now, and thankfully I am responding like I have not done in the past.  I am responding with FAITH, and with obedience more than fear.

 

I have been asked to facilitate and share with new Christians and people who have gone through tremendous tough times the foundational studies in God.  This is all wonderful but I have always felt like...

 

Moses:        'Lord, I can't speak'.

 

Jeramiah:    'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth'

 

even though Jeremiah used the reason for I am a youth I have only just now seen that reason.  All I could see were my reasons... reason's why I can't speak.  Why I am not qualified.

 

But God said to  Jeremiah:

 

"Do not say, 'I am a youth' (or I am this or that), For you shall go to all to whom I send you. And whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord

 

But God said to  Joshua:

 

"Be strong and of good courage, Only be strong and of good courage, and finally...

Have I not commanded you, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".

 

 

It must be the Lord as I am walking through the fear and stepping out in FAITH.  I prepare the lesson and each time I drive to the ministry centre I am praying, Lord, today, give me the anointing to teach, to speak, to comprehend and share what I know is in my heart and spirit.  Holy Spirit, speak through me the words that the class needs to hear and be encouraged with.

 

Last week, although I have notes as a guide it was important to asked myself, what do I know that is real to me on this topic, so that insight flows from my heart to the heart of those here.

 

So, at the end, as we were packing up I heard one of the guys say 'that was mad' but meaning GOOD.  And I thought, thank you God, thank you.  Thank you Holy Spirit.

 

I was reminded of a time (approx. yr 2002) when I was listening to a visiting speaker and in his sharing a scripture, I knew that God was speaking to me as I felt the fire of God from the top of my head to the tip of my toe and it sat on me for a short while.  I was emotionally moved and thought, God, what are you trying to tell me, and I believe that God was encouraging me way back then but it really has taken me all this time to really trust and put aside my own view of inadequacies.

 

1 Cor 2:1-5

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

 

I still am not sure what God is doing as I am not a natural teacher, but often God will use people where they are not necessarily 'natural' in, for His 'supernatural' purposes.  But, to be confident in who my God is and to know that I am a vessel.  To not be afraid of the faces, and to do my best, and if I fail... it is OK.  It is OK.  To trust God.  He is working.  He is doing something.  I know this is God leading me to this moment.  To let Go and Trust God.

 

Amen.

 

 

Seeing Life through the Lens of Jesus Christ

I was just now thinking how really blessed I am. And this doesn't come because I have not had any trials or issues... but as this quote puts it....

 

Seeing life through the lens of Jesus Christ.
Some of us wear glasses. It seems that the older I become, the more my lenses seem to change. No matter what pair of glasses any of us may wear, the lenses are designed to help us to see more clearly. The metaphor of a lens is also appropriately used to help us figure out how we a...re to see life. In a nutshell, it’s why we’re spending a year studying Jesus. He is the lens through which we are to see life.

 

So, it is my 'life's journey' (not a year) to learn of Jesus, His heart and ways. Walk together, do life together, and in learning of Him and His ways I know that His perspective will take seed in my heart and become mine. I only want to see life through His eyes.

 

These thoughts started with me thinking about how blessed I am with my job. God knows the circumstances and how it fits into my life. Just recently my hours have dropped but I see that I can use the time to prepare for classes that I am now involved in.

 

God knows the future!