2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Ezekiel 45:13-46:24 ESV, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10 ESV, Psalm 119:33-48 ESV, Proverbs 28:11 ESV
Daily Verse: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
ANAZONNUMI (328): “As a verb, means “to gird up” and is used metaphorically of the loins of the mind 1 Peter 1:13.”[1]
Gird up.
Preparing our minds for action means girding them for battle. Our tongue’s readiness comes from our mind’s preparedness. As the saying goes, when squeezed, what comes out? Oranges produce orange juice under pressure. Christ’s followers should reflect Jesus.
Intentionally setting our minds on Jesus will help prepare us for life’s battles. Memorizing scriptures that address whatever issue faced will bring you God’s peace. Remembering God’s promises will achieve victory when the adversary tries to derail your thoughts.
Set your intention.
You can prepare your mind for the battles you must face. Some skirmishes will come out of nowhere, but we often know when we feel pressure. Any warrior preparing for battle knows to put on their armor.
Philippians 4:13 carries me through many battles:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I can have difficult conversations, ask for help, seek sound advice, do the right thing, and take the more challenging path. With Jesus, we can do anything; without Him, we fail.
Guird your mind by thinking about Jesus. Remember the unconditional love Christ extends to you and give it to others. Let grace and truth, spoken in love, lead the way in your relationships. Prepared minds make quick work of the enemy’s attacks.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 19) Thomas Nelson
