A New Years Resolution

                                            "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
                                                                        Proverbs 4:23

             This passage can have many meanings. When I first heard it I linked it to a Soldier or perhaps a Knight of some old medieval order. Knights and Soldiers have something in common, as does any other class of person that upholds some order or code, they all wear armor. Police and Soldiers where some sort of body armor to protect them from bullets. Underneath this they wear their BDUs and perhaps some other layers of clothing. Knights have many layers. On top they wear some sort of cloth of a certain color or something that displays the kingdom or empire they swear loyalty to. Underneath that they could wear plate armor which has many pieces all over the body composed of different names. Underneath that they could wear chain mail, and underneath that is some kind of hardened cloth. Then under that they wear their tunic and ect. SO as you can see, they clearly intend to keep themselves well protected from arrows, swords, spears or whatever else may come down upon them trying to tear away flesh and break bones.

             If we would apply this same thought to our faith, what would our faith and loyalty to The Father require to protect ourselves from the evils of the world. Luckily, there is a passage for this. As it was two years ago when I was a staff member and Adult Leader for the St. Stephen's Youth Group participating in The Jeremiah Project (http://www.jeremiahproject.org/) the scripture of the summer had to deal with this kind of protection:

Ephesians 6: 11-18
 

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

               I love how this version of the scripture is worded. To me in bestows me with a power that I gain from my Father, Master and Teacher. I feel as though these words are being spoken to me as if I was some sort of Knight about to charge into battle against the forces of wickedness. However, for more life practical reasons, I want to focus on what this means for everyday choices that we may encounter.

               Let's think about these two scriptures together and how we can apply these to everyday life, and the paths we choose to walk. In Ephesians the scripture is telling us to walk the path of life with truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, spirit (which is the Word of God) and prayer. With these actions a person WILL grow more in their faith. Is it easy to walk this road with all these taking place all the time? Well, I'm certain you as well as me know the answer to that one... No, it's not!

               Face it, we all slip up and make mistakes, sometimes really small ones and other times really REALLY big ones. I'm not perfect, and even though I may be a missionary for the United Methodist Church and pretty much am supposed to be acting as one of God's fingertips, even I slip up in my Mission work (thank God He knows how much we can screw up! At least it is true, nothing in this world is free except for the Grace of God).

               But think about it, what would life be like IF we DID TRY to uphold all these everyday? Oh my would that be amazing! Being totally perfect in His eyes... That would be truly something. And do not forget:

Luke 15:17

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

                                                                                                                             ~Jesus Christ 

                If you are a sinner like me, perhaps this idea of rejoicing warms your heart. NINETY-NINE! That's a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE! A WHOLE LOT! Now, I'm going to get personal here. Before I left Fairfax County there was a goodbye party held for me. I was deeply moved by how many people showed up to see me before I left for my mission. I prayed and gave such great thanks to God for that experience. And keeping the parable of the lost sheep in mind, and this last verse of the story... I mean, "more rejoicing in HEAVEN"... A party just for me for making this commitment to Him, to follow this path and walk of life... That is enough to bring tears of joy to my eyes. The best part about it is, this can happen for you too.

               This is my new years resolution, to guard my heart. To do this I have to put on that Armor of God I mentioned earlier. Now I have been trying to do this for awhile, but it's hard, but Jesus never said following him would be a piece of cake. There are a lot of things that will be difficult to accept following in this path means, at least for me:

        

        1. I can't date someone who isn't Christian, especially someone who doesn't believe in God. That would only make my faith weaker I think since I have dedicated myself to much to God. Plus I can't imagine God being to happy with me if I were to let someone who didn't believe in Him also have a hand in the workings of my heart. That would be like two opposing forces battling it out.

        

         2. I can't "party" if you understand what kind of "party" I am talking about. Actually, let me restate that, I can't participate in certain social situations. Some social situations I can't be a part of because somehow I believe sin will make it's way into my heart and actions. I know I am a weak creature, which is why I have to rely on God to guide me.

        

         3. I need to be more extroverted. This is hard because I am an introvert (believe it or not). I need to be approaching people more. Engage more with people about God, faith and the wonders it can bring. This is harder for me then you may think because I am not one to get myself into heated debates, arguments, or I shutter to say, "fights".

         I only say these three things because being a Missionary I have to keep one very important scripture in mind, and one of the most important orders given to us by the Lord as He ascended into Heaven:

 "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

                                                                                                            ~Matthew 28:16-20

          This passage is so important that it is also found in Mark 16:14–18, Luke 24:44–49, Acts 1:4–8, and John 20:19–23.
          I urge you to think over these words and walk with me down this beautiful but hard road during the course of this year, and know that the Lord is with us every step of the way.

+PeAcE+