Your Mind Matters

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8


I heard an advertisement once that said "a mind is a terrible thing to waste" and if you think about it, it is true. I believe if we are claiming to be Christians we should be careful what we allow into our minds. Our mind sort of controls us. You feed your mind on garbage such as pornography, movies with continual cursing, violent video games, music with unwholesome lyrics then after a while you could start being desensitized to messages within these.

 I am not perfect by any means and recently I saw a PG13 movie and ended up walking out of the theater half way through as it's content disturbed me. The little voice inside me said, "leave", and I did. It has delighted me that in the past couple months good movies such as 'Heaven is For Real' and 'God's Not Dead'  have been released. I am not saying just go to Christian movies but you need to be discerning. After all you are the temple of the living God and He is with you at all times.

The verse above is a good one to memorize. It can help you make decisions on what you should allow into your mind. Keep your mind daily in the word of God to be able to know the difference in right and wrong.

PRAYER: Lord guide me each day as I make decisions about what to read, watch, or participate in. Help me to run the other way when things are not of you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

YOUR THOUGHT LIFE

 What are you thinking about right this minute? Before you sat down to read this devotion what was on your mind? Were they good thoughts or impure thoughts? Our mind has to be trained to be Christlike. It has to be disciplined to "feed" it with good input and not garbage. Whatever we put in our minds is often the kind of person we are.

For instance, a constant "diet" of R rated movies full of cursing and crude humor may produce a mind and conscience seared like a hard heart. The more you take in the less it bothers you. Perhaps you get to a point where you feel it is normal.

A person who feeds their mind on pornography is also going to send their mind into a pit of destruction. When you know certain things are wrong you need to be disciplined to run the other way. Flee evil.

Many forces in the world today make sin and crude language seem common place. You watch television to a constant stream of "bleeps". What happened to pure speech and a clean heart?

Philippians 4:8(NIV) is a good verse to memorize. It says 'Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.' Meditate on that scripture then ask God to help you discipline your mind for the kingdom of God.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I allow wrong thoughts or impure thoughts into my mind. Help me Lord to keep my mind meditating on the word of God to counteract the attempts of the evil one to get me distracted and using my mind in the wrong way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JUNIOR MOMENTS ARE GREAT!

Since I am part of a group called "Hopelifters" I need to be spreading hope. That means being positive and joyful and trying to look up and be grateful and not look down in despair and anguish. Some of my readers may not be old enough to ever have used the term "senior moment" and may in fact think 40 is extremely old. It's not. My job today is to spread hope so no longer will we say "senior moment" or put yourself down when you forget some thing okay?

No matter what age you are I am certain you have misplaced keys, forgotten your sunglasses, locked your keys in the car, did not write a compete address on a letter and so on. I am sure we can add to the list.

If you are blessed with say fifty or more years do not keep saying "I am having a senior moment" but try saying "I am having a junior moment" instead. I did it the other day at a post office when I had to mail back a folder that came back to me with one number wrong in the address. Stuff happens okay?

We have the "mind of Christ" and I am pretty sure Christ would not be walking around making himself into a joke or putting himself down. Try to focus on positive things once again. If you are say 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and beyond you have much to contribute. You are not washed up. Even though our modern world likes to only highlight youthful people in their advertisements unless it is for some product like laxatives we are to be thinking on "things above".

Let me leave you with a verse to memorize. 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.' Philippians 4:8(NIV)

Now go out no matter what your age and make a difference in the world around you.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for each year of life and for the mind you have given me. Help me Lord to not be negative or put myself down but to rejoice and be glad in each and every day of life you have given me to shine for you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Check out the following website:
Www.hopelifters.org

M AND M(AKA MOUTH AND MIND)

Those two M and M's in our lives can at times create lots of trouble
for us. If we say the wrong words we can hurt someone or destroy a
relationship. If we allow our minds to focus on the wrong things we
can also be deceived by Satan into believing lies. These two M and M's
need God's intervention to help you with self control of both what you
say and what you think.


The mind is a battleground of sorts for the enemy Satan. He can get
you to imagine things, concur up scenarios, worry, fret,reason, or
have self pity. To combat this, it is essential to keep your mind on
things "above". You may recall the favorite Bible verse of mine I use
lots and that is Philippians 4:8(NIV) which says 'whatever is
true,whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy, think on these things.' Letting your mind dwell on bad
junk or worrying unnecessarily not only robs you of peace but keeps
you from being productive for the Lord. The enemy can captivate you by
causing your mind to dwell on wrong things.

Now as for that mouth, nothing unholy should be coming out of it. Do
you gossip, argue, belittle, lie, or curse? These are a few examples
of bad junk that proceeds from our mouth. James 3:11-12(NIV) says 'Can
both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My
brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?
Neither can a salt spring bring forth fresh water.' Likewise our mouth
should not curse at someone then bless them. If your tongue is a
problem pray and surrender that area to your life. God can help you
have kind and pure speech if you are serious.

It is so easy to offend someone with words we say. Perhaps something
is said in innocence and totally taken out of context. And that mind
too can get us into some real wrong thinking predicaments. The cure
and your assignment is to dwell on the word of God each and every day.
Start reading the Bible daily. Read the book of John, Romans, or
Proverbs to start out. Ask God to open your mind to the good things He
has for you to learn. With The Lord's help your M and M's can be under
God's control.

PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to have a pure mind and speech that
glorifies you. At times I know I have hurt someone by words so please
forgive me. Help me lead a life pleasing to you and being kind to
those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WORLDLINESS OR GODLINESS

Do you have one foot in the world and it's passing pleasures and lusts
and the other foot into "church things"? Is your mind filled with
desires other than Jesus? Do you feel more excited about the things in
this world than you do having a relationship with Jesus?

First off as a reminder, we are only on the earth a very short amount
of time. What are you doing with that time to spread God's love and

impact the world and leave a legacy even when you are long gone?

Do you find "religious" things boring? Maybe it is time for a "heart
check up" to see how your love meter for Jesus is. When you accept
Christ into your heart you are to serve Him where He has you. When you
go out to eat and decide to pray do you sort of "hold your head" like
you are not really praying so you will not be embarrassed? I heard
someone once call this the "headache prayer". In Mark 8:38 it tells us
to 'not be ashamed of Him'. Think about that and ask yourself if you
have ever been ashamed of Jesus. Then look up and read that entire
verse. What if your children turned their back on you acting like you
embarrassed them? Well imagine how Jesus must feel if you say you live
for Him then act ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:6(NIV) says 'Godliness with contentment is great gain.'

Does it make you happy to serve the Lord and read your Bible? Are you
drawn into worldly activities more than Godly activities? For
instance, if the Bible and People magazine were side by side in a
doctors office waiting area which would you tend to grab for first? Is
your "ashamed meter" going off? I am not saying People magazine is bad
but what does it do for you? You learn all about what is happening in
Hollywood but why does that even matter? You get the point. I
challenge you to use your doctors' office time by picking up the
Gideon's Bible, which is usually in most waiting areas, and read
Psalms or Proverbs while you wait for your appointment.

We are in the last days, just look around you. This is not to say
Jesus is coming back tomorrow but if He did what would you be doing
with your time? Nothing wrong with going to movies and such just do
not let the "world" consume and shape your life.

Romans 12:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not conform anymore to the pattern of
this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good,
perfect, and pleasing will.'

A new year is upon us and yet another opportunity to make sure Christ
is truly first and the world second.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love you. I confess at times I have let the world
influence me. I know I am to be different and set apart and shine for
you. Forgive me if I have ever acted embarrassed. Thank you for loving
me and forgiving me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

MIND TRIP

We think we have it all together and in control of wandering thoughts or concerns of the past then it happens. Our mind starts to go all directions pondering, reasoning, speculating, feeling guilt,  condemning, wondering. Guess what causes that? It is the great destroyer otherwise known as Satan. He wants to get your mind off of Jesus and onto your concerns. We can not let this happen. You have  to gain control of the thoughts that come into head. Romans 12:2 is a superb verse to memorize and it says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will."   Transformation takes a deliberate action of casting off wrong defeating condemning thoughts.   The TV show 'Saturday Night Live' had a sketch several years ago with comic Dana Carvey playing a character called 'Church Lady' who basically blamed everything on Satan by saying "Was it Satan" or "could  it be Satan?" Yes in fact it could be and is because the enemy is the great tormentor, accuser of the brethren, deceiver, destroyer, liar and peace stealer. He can makes mothers feel guilty when their children choose a different path than from which they were raised doubting they were even good mothers.  He can make employees wonder if they chose the right career path when things do not go well. He can put thoughts of hate in your heart towards  those that hurt you. He can make you wonder why your child died when you did everything the Bible said. He can make you dwell on your mistakes of the past. You can not allow this to happen. Capture those wrong thoughts and replace them with God thinking.  John 10:10 says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  Satan is that thief and he has not right bothering a child of God and putting garbage into your head. Resist Him!  Another key verse of scripture which is 2 Corinthians 10:5 and  it says "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Take thoughts captive. Combat the wrong thinking God's thinking which is found in pages of scripture. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that "how a man thinks in his heart so is he."   What is filling your mind? Is it God's word or the newspaper? God's word or soap operas? God's word or a bad stock report? God's word or movie star magazines? You get the idea. You can not dwell on worldly things too long without starting to have them saturate mind.  Start today to develop the mind of Christ by reading and  knowing his word. PRAYER: Father I purpose this day to start thinking God thoughts are  not the world's thoughts. Forgive me for knowing about world news more than knowing about you. I chooses to discipline myself to start today to read your word and be set free from a mind that is against God. in Jesus name. Amen. Click on link and worship the Lord in song. http://youtu.be/JU4U8_wMdRs

GROWING SPIRITUALLY

We welcomed in a New Year a little over a month ago. A new year is when many people start to think about New Years resolutions. Some people want to lose weight, some to focus on staying positive, some say to read the Bible more. What do you have for your New Years resolution? Did you even make one back on January 1st?

Why not resolve in your heart to grow spiritually and to become more spiritually fit? Not more religious, but closer to God. 'Religion' often turns people off to Jesus and His love. So many legalistic rules that some churches make up cause many people to want nothing to do with 'religion'. I have news for you! I am not talking about being religious but about being in love with Jesus and desiring to know Him better. Sometimes certain churches might scare us away from wanting to get closer to God, which is sad. If you are one of these people who has been turned off by a holier than thou 'churchy experience' that was more strict and condemning than full of grace and love perhaps it is time to find a new church home.

A suggestion would be to start on the casual non denominational level which usually has less man made restrictions that people dislike. If you are reading this and go to a denominational church I am not saying your church is bad but often times the more casual non denominational ones seem to make those seeking to know Christ better more at ease. Make sure they preach the uncompromising word of God and do not change it to fit societal changes and an unBiblical culture.

To grow spiritually you have to read God's word, there is no other way. To grow physically you have to have food and to grow spiritually you have to have God's 'meat' which is the word of God. The Bible is not boring nor is getting closer to God. Perhaps if you are disinterested you have not truly asked God into your heart. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "the preaching of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

You can get excited about Jesus and hunger and want to be closer to him in 2012. Stop what you are doing and ask Him to take the controls of your life and be Lord of your life. Once you do this you become a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says " therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, the old has gone and the new is here."

Start now by 'thinking' on God's word. Next try to find a good church home to fellowship in. Perhaps find a Bible study with other believers to help disciple you in your new walk. Spend some alone time with God praying or simply talking to Him.

If you are already a believer perhaps you have stagnated and need to be renewed in your mind. Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." You can not grow without spending time with God. How important is being close to Jesus to you?

Start today to grow spiritually. You will feel better for it, I guarantee it.

PRAYER: Lord I want to have you in my life and live for you. Forgive me when I have not spent time with you. I desire to grow spiritually so keep me on this path. In Jesus name. Amen.

 Click on link below to worship God in song:
http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

CAPTURING THOUGHTS

Do you let your mind wander on  needless things? Do you worry, speculate, reason, and play the 'what if' game? The mind has to be gotten under control to have a life walking victoriously with Jesus Christ.  The enemy loves to come in and get you confused, make you believe lies, get you worried, perhaps allow your mind to have pity parties and just a gamut of other things. We have to get our thoughts under control. How do you do that? You intentionally focus on things above or in other words, think about 'heavenly' things. 

Philippians  4:8 says "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,  whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." By concentrating on good things it takes your mind off fears, concerns, worries, and a host of thoughts that can drag us down. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it says "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." this is intentional. You decide to purposefully get your mind off the junk that is dragging you down and focus on good positive things. It truly is a spiritual discipline and has to be done so Satan does not capture those thoughts instead.

In Colossians 2:8 it says not to " let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said." You can do it! Start today, January 16th making up your mind that when wrong thoughts come in to take you off course you can say something like "I reject that thought in the name of Jesus."  You can also say out loud "Get behind me Satan. I only believe God's truth."

Romans 8:6 says "The mind of the sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."  Finally Romans 12:2 is a good verse to memorize and it says " Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."


PRAYER: Lord I purpose this day to focus on you and your word and when the enemy tries to get me thinking wrong thoughts I will tell him to leave me alone. I know I have to keep my mind renewed with the word of God daily. Help me get things out of the way in my schedule that prevent me from spending time in the word of God. In Jesus name. Amen!