Gird Up Your Minds

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully 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 all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

Learned something new today about "...gird up the loins of your mind..."
This phrase is an image taken from the way in which the Israelites ate the passover with the loose outer robe girded up around their waist, gathered close to them. Christ said to "gird up" your loins, as to get ready for a journey. They were to gird their long and loose garments that their clothing might not be a hindrance to them, so they might perform their duties, their journey, in a most expeditious manner. In the journey, in the battle, they did not want their garments to be a distraction to the focus, which was the race that had been set before them.

In the above verse, Christ tells up to gird up the loins of our mind. He is not only telling us to eliminate all distractions and hindrances - He is also telling us that we are to always be ready to head into battle. We are to look all around us, at every aspect of our lives, and restrain our extravagances, gather our affections closely to us, disengage ourselves from all in the world that hinders us, and go on resolutely in obedience to Christ. He even tells us earlier in the scriptures to "put on the full armor of Christ", as though somehow blatantly saying, "Amy, we're going to war."

Most of you know my work situation. To explain in the simplest of all terms...in West Texas slang so all can understand...it ain't the most hunky dory place to be [please say aloud with Corsicana accent to realize the full affect]. However, Christ tells us that we will have troubles...and then He does something great. In the same breath, He reminds us that He has already overcome the world. (John 16:33) He tells us that we will be persecuted for His sake, but that the Kingdom of Heaven will be ours! (Matthew 5:10) I so often question why I have to be in such a difficult situation here in the office, but a friend reminded me this weekend that I have been placed not only on the battlefield, but on the front lines. I am no longer fighting against just the ebb and flow of the daily Dow Jones, but also "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph 6:12) Why God...why? Why can't I be like my other girlfriend who works with lots and lots of Christians??

So I ask God everyday to use me as He wishes, and then run scared when He does. Today I am of the new realization...the new inspiration...that God has chosen me "for such a time as this." I am to be...WE are to be the salt and light that brings substance to the world, to bring light to a place of darkness, and to rejoice fervently in the almighty plan that has been strategically placed before us.

Sometimes it's about me...today it's about my willingness to be a soldier. Sure I'm ready to fight...but am I ready to die? Die to myself? Die to my desires to further His kingdom? Whoa.

The story has been introduced, the plot thickens...
How does the story end for you? The finale in my life is yet to be realized...

Hands

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

My God, My God...forgive me, for I have forsaken you. I have forgotten where my treasure lies - I have sought its reward in my earthly quest.

Above is the new profile picture - my vision of eternity and what truly matters - it enumerates my passions so explicitly. This picture was taken outside of Mombasa in Kenya, Africa, and exhibits a perfect representation - in it are the hands of women who had been working diligently for the matters of Christ's glory, for the eternal purpose of bringing those who do not know from the cold darkness to warming light. But not just are they women, one is a young girl of 12 years named Anna, another is a young married teacher named Shirley, the third is Debbie, a mother of two who plays an intricate role in her church's missions, and lastly is me, a 26 year old professional longing for the day when I realize that God has handed me life, over which I am to have dominion. Apart, we are hands seeking to serve Him and fulfill His purpose - together, we are a body comprised of many parts, working together for the eternal Kingdom. These are our hands. We are His hands.

Avoiding any chance of someone not completely understanding my passion and my struggles that drive it, I must be wholly transparent in defining my self-sufficient behavior...I often selfishly wondered "so what if I don't produce any fruit in this pursuit? I will still be in heaven with my Savior. I'll still be there with Christ, and they say there's no jealousy or sin in heaven...so it will all be okay, right?" I believe in my heart of hearts that is true. However, a new morsel of greatness has been introduced to my theological treasure box and I must share it with you.

The Bema Seat of Christ (from www.gotquestions.com)
A believer's deeds are judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12). This judgment does not determine salvation, but rather is when believers must give an account of their lives to Christ. We should not look at the Judgment Seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us for our lives. Yes, we will have to give an account of our lives. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we committed. However, I do not think that is going to be the focus of the Judgment Seat of Christ. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers are rewarded based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The things we will likely be judged on is how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongue (James 3:1-9), etc. The Bible speaks of believers receiving crowns for different things based on how faithfully they served Christ (1Corinthians 9:4-27; 2Timothy 2:5). The various crowns are described in 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10.

So you see, besides the judgement of sin, we will be judged according to our devotion to Christ. It has become immediately clear to me. Our heavenly reward stems from the greatest commandment - to love the Lord with all our hearts and love our neighbor as ourselves. Luke 10:27 All of Christ's commandments have either to do with loving Him or loving others...loving His creation. So back to Matthew 6:19-21 - God tells us to store up eternal treasure, so what is the one thing here on earth that has eternal capacity? People. You and me. Him and her. God tells us there is nothing (NOTHING!) more rewarding than investing in someone who you will know for eternity.

I want a crown. I cannot even begin to fathom the day that I can bow before Christ wearing the crown of glory, of righteousness, or of life! To be looked upon by God and know that I am His good and faithful servant...to be united with THE almighty Victor in His battle over life... We have a higher calling to be the hands of Christ. We are to offer His bleeding hands of sacrifice and love to another who needs healing. We are to find the one with earthly wealth and riches beyond compare and offer the compassion of a carpenter, poor and contrite.

When discussing the value of my insignificant earthly possessions Wednesday night, a friend just simply asked "Is it flammable?" As my countenance revealed my bewilderment, she smiled and said, "Amy, if it burns, it's not going with you."

Today my heart burns, but in a much different way. For my only calling is to invest in the lives of others and seek His eternal purpose...for my hands are His only tool, and together, we are His body, broken for His sacrifices.

These are my hands - they are His gift to you.

Whose

My heart is dry but still I'm singing...Rain Down.

I am longing for the precipitative grace that Christ so undeservingly shares. I am surrounded by water - by unending streams and fountains of fulfillment, but instead feel a parched sensation that is brought on by such complacency and false contentment that I once thought was peace. I seek to know Him with my whole heart - not another thought consumes me more than pursuing a passionate adventure with my Creator, than knowing the thoughts, the motives, the innermost desires He has for my life. But in my short-sighted pursuit, I drink water that does not satisfy and eat only of which leaves me longing for more.

I am the one on the auction block - fallen, naked, and empty. I've sought the pleasures of the world and asked for the approval of man. When there was One who asked me to look to His eyes and be loved in His arms, I turned my head towards the ground and in all insecurity, asked for an ephemeral moment of quiet that would only last until the next cloud approached and the storms rained down. But I am His and I have been bought at a price. As I stand in front of Him with nothing left but failed attempts at greatness, he stretches out His majestic and tender arms and offers nail-pierced hands, dripping with the blood of sacrifice, payment for my complacency and selfish desires. He says "Come to me, Sweet Amy, Daughter of Mine. I will bring you to my glory and raise you to righteousness. I want you now, I want you as you are. Bring to me your insecurity, your fear, your loneliness, your dreams. I want to make you strong and courageous and fulfill your longings and your desires. You are made in my image, with my emotions and my desires. Your life is precious to me and I don't want another minute to be wasted. Come to me and let me love you and restore you to the life I have so intended. You are mine. Let go of yourself and reach for me...with everything you've got."

I am His. I am fulfilled. He is Mine.

Now the next step...