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The Process and Price Preceding the Prize
by Fenny West 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; KJV 'Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,..' Peter is using an imagery here that depicts readiness-springing to action, pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, belting up to show preparedness and all this in relation to the mind. In other words, mind your mind. Don't allow it to wander, watch what goes into it or through it; watch what takes up residence in it. Think like a New Creature- a Christian. Renew your mind Think God's thoughts align your mind with God's word. Negate what negates God's word. He is also alluding to Paul's charge in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. 'Be sober' Be level headed and clearheaded. Be rid of any hallucinations or double-mindedness. Don't be impulsive; be spirit-led not appetite-led. Make sound judgments based on the word not people pressure or short-term gains. Don't be too heavenly minded as to be of no earthly use. Have too 'sets of eyes' like the eagle that enables you to operate in spiritual matters and day to day practical demands. Watch out for potholes and stumbling blocks in your Christian race and walk avoid what you can and use those you cannot avoid to your advantage; let them work for you. 'hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.' The Christian race is a marathon not a sprint or a quick dash. it is for a long haul and we are not finished until we are called home or the Lord appears to take us home. We need fresh manner daily and that means touching base with our Father regularly and drawing strength from Him, getting instruction, direction and encouragement from Him. We must keep our eyes on Jesus regardless of the cheers, accolades or jeers, insults that come our way. We must keep our focus in spite of the storms that gather in the wake of our waking up to take steps of faith instigated by the Holy Spirit or in obedience to the word of God. Think of the glorious promises the Crown of righteousness (2Tim4:5-8), Crown of glory,(1Pet5:2-4) Crown of rejoicing ( 1Thes2:19-20), Crown of life( Jam1:12), Crown incorruptible ( 1Cor9:24-27) Let this be an incentive to you me to run and finish well. It looks a tall order but it is the work of grace. Grace began it and grace will bring t to a glorious finale as we look to Jesus. He has given us His Holy Spirit to strengthen us, standby us, comfort us, intercede for us, renew us and direct us. As long as we acknowledge Him and allow Him, He will work us to work through us to reveal the Light in us who will draw others to Himself. Let us pray: Lord, the race of Grace looks like climbing Mount Everest requiring a lot of treadmill in preparation and strict discipline in training. Therefore I yield to You to reign and rule in me. Without You I can do nothing. I thank You for Your Spirit that is here to help me along the way. Help me to live by Your word, Your will; to allow it to permeate my whole being and wash very impurity from my mind and to allow its light to light my path. Help me Lord, to focus on you regardless of what I see or sense. May I walk by faith and not by sight, having in view your promises that are yes and men in Christ and the crowns awaiting those who live for You. Copy it rightly www.inspiration4generations.com [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |