That is Amazing Grace!

“He was despised and rejected by mankind,

    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”

Isaiah 53:3

 

 

Despised, rejected, familiar with pain, low esteem – not exactly “best friend” material, huh?

The prophet Isaiah was describing a suffering Messiah.

He was describing Jesus.

When you look at the words he chose to use – under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – you might question whether or not this would describe the kinds of person you would enjoy being around.

But the very next verse sheds some important light that we need to consider:

“Surely he took up our pain

    and bore our suffering…”

It was never about popularity.

He wasn’t out to win friends and influence people in the way you might think of it.

He was all about taking our punishment and satisfying our sin debt that we might be brought back into fellowship with the Father.

            When Jesus went to the cross it wasn’t so much about Him as it was about us.

He was willing to suffer pain.

He was prepared to be held in low esteem.

Philippians tells us that he “…made Himself of no reputation…” for you and me.

The very ones who despised Him, the same ones who rejected Him were the ones he hung on that cross for.

Stop reading this blog for a moment and go look in the mirror…

…Are you back?

What were you supposed to see?

You saw in that mirror one who was saved and rescued by the grace of God.

You say one for whom Jesus was prepared to die for – and did die for.

That is amazing grace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Focus on Your Shortcomings

Thanks to David Trotta for today's blog entry:

David said to the Philistine (Goliath), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

(1 Samuel 17: 45, 48)

 

We often look at our shortcomings when determining if God can use us.  When God calls us to do something, we size up our abilities and say “God, you’ve got the wrong person. I can’t do that.”  One of the many qualities that made David “a man after God’s own heart” was his willingness to trust in God’s ability, not his own.

 

We often say “I’m too young or inexperienced to do that task,” but David ran to face Goliath in spite of his youth.

 

We often say “I’m not strong enough,” but David ran to face Goliath even though the giant’s armor probably weighed more than he did.

 

We often say “I’m not gifted with the necessary tools,” but David ran to face Goliath with only a sling and a few stones.

 

We often let the opinions of others deter us from following the Lord, but David ran to face Goliath in spite of the discouraging words from his brother. (v28)

 

When it comes to allowing God to use you, don’t focus on your shortcomings, but instead, run onto the battlefield confident in God’s ability.  Be a David.  I can already hear the thuds from the giants falling in your life.

My Oh My!

“For the sake of your name, Lord,

    forgive my iniquity, though it is great.”

Psalm 25:11

 

 

If I asked you to pick out the most significant word in the verse above which would you select?

I would have to choose the word “my”.

“My”?

“Why”?

Because I believe it was one of those words that helped set David apart as that man after God’s own heart.

“Wow”!

“How”?

David recognized his own iniquity and sought God’s forgiveness for it.

So often in our relationships with others we use the word

“you” and “yours” when it ought to be “me” and “mine”.

It started in the Garden of Eden.

“The man said, “The woman you put here with me—

she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

Was Adam stating the facts correctly?

Yes, he was.

But in so doing he was also failing to recognize that he personally had made a choice to also disobey God.

We are all so good at that.

We minimize our disobedience while emphasizing that same disobedience in others.

We quickly forget that the word “all” as in “For all have sinned…” includes me!

The next time you are tempted to point the finger at someone else call to mind the behavior of both Adam and David and make your choice as to how you choose to respond!

A Good Example to Follow!

“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

    and obey it with all my heart.”

Psalm 119:36

 

 

Solomon had a good example to follow.

Do you remember the choice God gave Solomon and his response?

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” I Kings 3:5

In verse nine of that same chapter Solomon asks:

“…give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…”

To be sure, there already had to be a smidgeon of wisdom in Solomon to ask for what he did.

He had been raised well by his father King David.

Listen to a previous verse, verse six, as it will shed some light on Solomon’s respect for his earthly and heavenly Father.

““You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.”

Maybe you are thinking – “Well, that’s all well and good for Solomon, but I have not had that example from my father. He has abandoned my family and I have never known him!”

While that is true of earthly dads, it will never be true of your heavenly Father.

He loves you even beyond your ability to comprehend that love.

And, He stands ready to lavish on you all that you need to fulfill His calling on the earth.

Solomon could have asked for so many different things.

The Word of God testifies to the fact that great riches were added to him as he ruled.

But there was no treasure as great, and there still is not to this day, as the treasure we can have through a relationship with the Father.

Jesus, through the cross, made that possible for each of us.

But He also walked the earth revealing His Father to us.

He gave us such a good example to follow!

He Loves You That Much!

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life, and I will dwell

in the house of the Lord forever.”

 

Where do I begin?

Twenty-five words in the verse above but, it would seem a never-ending supply of wisdom, encouragement and instruction for living.

David’s life can teach us so much.

His blunders (sins!) as well as his successes are rich with lessons.

Ask someone not very familiar with the Bible and they still would likely associate David with Goliath.

But like each one of us, David’s life had so much more to it than a single event.

Through the years as a shepherd, through the tumultuous times with Saul, through the tragic events around Bathsheba and Absalom, David had a passion and love for God.

Do you?

Certainly if you know his story you know he was anything but perfect.

Are you perfect?

Yet, in spite of his imperfections (not because of them) God declared David to be a man after His own heart.

Will He declare that of you?

Most of us tend to be men and woman after our own heart and not Gods’.

Our interests are too often self-interests and less often the interests of God.

Let David’s life be the example scripture teaches us it should be.

Pursue God passionately.

If you make a mistake – repent and continue the pursuit.

Don’t let your mistake be the end of the story or the relationship.

Let that be the message of David’s life.

He knew that even when he was unfaithful God remained faithful.

He turned from His sin to once again pursue God.

When he stumbled he knew that Gods’ goodness and love were still in hot pursuit of him.

Do you understand that in your own life?

He never let’s go.

He loves you that much!

 

 

 

 

 

Show and Tell

Show and Tell

 

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;

   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

 

“Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;

    proclaim among the nations what he has done.”

Psalm 9:1,11 

 

Do you remember “Show and Tell” in grade school?

Maybe you brought a favorite toy and told the rest of the class about it.

Perhaps mom and dad trusted you with a family heirloom to share.

You stood before the class and shared with others what you treasured most.

I don’t ever remember show and tell in my school years being conducted by a mime.

We displayed and we talked.

Some people will have you believe that you never have to speak to share Christ.

They will say – “I just let my light shine and people will seek Him because of it.”

Funny thing – God gave us His Word and His prophets.

His Word and His prophets continue to speak to this day.

He didn’t create the earth and think to Himself – that’s all they need to know me.

(Though, as scripture declares, it certainly does reveal Him)

He took it one giant step further – He sent His Son to further reveal Himself to us.

Jesus didn’t “mime” His way through life.

Like David, He opened His mouth to tell of His Father in heaven.

Yes He revealed Him by the life He lived but He also told of Him with words.

There will come a time in every believer’s life when you will be called as a ‘witness’ to testify of Gods’ goodness to you.

At those times the court will not be humored by a mime.

Open your mouth and proclaim among the nations what He has done!  

 

 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings Part III – His Shadow

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91: 1-2)

Today's blog is contributed by David Trotta: 

In addition to Jesus taking residence in our hearts and the Holy Spirit coming along side us as our advocate (both discussed earlier this week), we also have another incredible element to our surroundings - the shadow of Almighty God!

 

Have you ever physically walked in anyone’s shadow?  In order to do so, you have to be in very close proximity.  You also have to stay in lock step with the person you are following or eventually you will walk out from under their shadow.

 

We have a wonderful promise from God.  When we choose to follow Him closely and make Him a dwelling place for our hearts, we can rest in His shadow.  And, His shadow is an impenetrable fortress.  That means regardless of what is going on around us; we can be at perfect rest, because nothing can touch us outside of God’s will.  What a wonderful hiding place from the storms of life!

 

In war, when you are surrounded on all sides, the wisest thing to do is surrender.  Well, as we have learned this week, we are surrounded by the trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – so why resist?  Wave the white flag of surrender and say “Lord take all of me, because there is no better place to be than surrounded by you.”

Today's blog is contributed by Denise Friedman:

We were encouraged earlier in the week by Denise to be aware of our spiritual surroundings, which starts with Jesus taking up residence in our hearts when we surrender our lives to Him.  What an incredible privilege!

In addition to Jesus dwelling in us, we also have another incredible addition to our surroundings that we need to be aware of.  Listen to what Jesus said in John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

 

Due to some changes in my employment, I’ve had multiple conversations with a health insurance company lately, and they have what is called a “customer advocate” whose primary responsibility is the needs of the customer – me!  As an advocate, their number one goal is to assist me in understanding the health insurance industry and what options are available to me.

 

Well, we also have an Advocate for what matters most important in life – our relationship with God.  The Holy Spirit is our Advocate.  He was sent by the Father to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance what Jesus taught us.  We have been given an incredible resource, but way too often we run full speed through life without stopping to listen to Him, often causing unnecessary pain to ourselves and others.

 

Let’s ask our heavenly Father to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13) and then let’s make it a practice to listen for His voice.

 

Be aware of your surroundings.  A wonderful Advocate is standing by, waiting to lead you into all truth.

In Trouble?

In Trouble?

 

“Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,

I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

II Corinthians 11:23-28

 

 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Colossians 1:27

 

There is no doubt, wouldn’t you agree, that Paul was in a lot of trouble. But Paul understood that what was most important was not what he was in – but rather – who was in him!

So I ask the question: Who is on the inside of you?

Our number one point today – our starting block – the Chief Cornerstone of our faith,

that sure foundation on which He builds all the rest is this:

In the believers heart is Jesus Christ.

Are you a believer?    

Then who is on the inside of you?

Jesus lives in our heart.

 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,”  

may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”

 Ephesians 3:16-18

It is only when Christ is in us that we can even begin to fathom the depth of His love for us!

Inside of every believer – in spite of whatever troubles they might be in – is Jesus Christ.

God is with you in your troubles.

He is in you, alongside you and over you as you remain in Him!

Do you believe that?

I pray His Words will both strengthen and encourage you today regardless of the trouble you may find yourself in for His sake!

In trouble but still In Christ!

Beware and Be Aware

Today's blog is contributed by Denise Friedman:

Beware and be aware

As we continue to become aware of our surroundings, we need to beware (and be aware!) of where the enemy is at all times.  As believers, in Romans 16:20 we are told, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”  Wow, what an image – the devil UNDER our feet!

Wait, if he is under our feet, then he can’t be beside us, whispering lies and temptations in our ear?  The answer to this is unequivocally – no!  When we are born again, we must no longer allow the enemy to walk beside us and guide us in our daily lives.  We have overcome him and we need to place in him in his rightful spot – underneath our feet!  (Which, by the way, is a difficult place for us to continue to hear him.)

If you look at the lives of some believers, you may see them (or you may find yourself!) giving items such as worry, anger, lust, and discouragement a foothold in their lives.  When this happens, declare that the Holy Spirit is the one who walks alongside you, not the enemy!  Ask the Holy Spirit for help to banish Satan to his rightful spot – under your feet.  We are given this promise in James 4:7:

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When we resist the devil and no longer allow him to lead us, walk with us, or guide us, he will flee from us.  He has no choice.  When we call upon our Sovereign God, the enemy is rendered powerless to us.

Make a choice today to bind the enemy and cast him away from you.  Declare that God has crushed Satan under your feet!  Keep that image of your victory over the devil - do not let him deceive you into believing something that is not true!

“Be aware of your surroundings!”

Note:
In the past I have had two contributors to this blog - David Trotta and, more recently, Denise Friedman. I have asked them both to contribute two blogs each this week in order to hear what God is speaking to them from today's message. I know you will be blessed. Today's blog is contributed by Denise Friedman.

"Be aware of your surroundings..."

Typically these words of advice are passed along from a parent to a child to help ensure the child stays safe.  As Christians, how often are we aware of our surroundings?  I am not referring to our physical surroundings; we typically have an idea of the safety of areas we travel, and hopefully avoid areas which might cause us harm. 

Let’s consider our surroundings as it relates to us personally, relationally with God and consider ourselves internally.  Who or what resides within you?  If you are a Christian, you have this assurance, found in Revelation 3:20:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Yes, we can rest in the knowledge that if we have been born again, Christ resides within us!    What exactly does that mean for us?  Paul answers this question in Ephesians 3:16-18:

 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

When you receive Christ into your life, you are established in Christ’s love.  Do not let the enemy try to deceive you.  Jesus loves you!  My prayer for you is that God reveals to you just how “wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” 

Be aware of your surroundings today – be cognizant of the fact that Jesus Christ lives in all who are born again. How will this change your actions today.

Jesus is Deeply Moved When We Hurt

Today's blog is contributed by David Trotta:

The bible tells us that Jesus was deeply moved, even to tears, when seeing Mary and other family and friends mourning the death of Lazarus.  Listen to what scripture says in Matthew 11: 33-35…

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.  Jesus wept. 

I often just assumed that Jesus wept because Lazarus died.  After all, seeing Jesus crying, the people said “See how much he loved him.” (v36).  But, after a closer look, I don’t believe that’s why Jesus was crying.  After all, in few brief moments, he was going to call Lazarus out from the tomb, and I’m guessing, cause a huge celebration to breakout.  And, let’s not forget what Jesus said earlier in the chapter – “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (v4)

Instead, I believe Jesus wept because he was “deeply moved” (v33) by how much the grieving family and friends of Lazarus were hurting. 

I remember watching doctors physically restrain my hysterical 3 year old daughter on an operating table and stitching a cut in her forehead while she looked at me with hurt in her eyes that said “daddy how could you let them do this to me?”  It felt as if my heart was being torn out.  But, I also knew that she needed to go through the surgery so her injury could heal properly.  To interrupt what the doctors were doing would have denied my daughter what was best for her.

I believe the same is true when we are going through a difficult time.  Jesus not only walks through the process with us, but he also shares in our hurts.  Jesus intimately knows the struggles and challenges we go through and he cares deeply, but in his love and commitment to us, like the death and rising of Lazarus, he will allow difficult circumstances to touch us to bring a greater measure of God’s glory in our life.

A Little Help Here?

"When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

       John 11:43-44

I trust you will be blesses by todays' blog submission from Denise Friedman -

Let’s take a close look at Lazarus, bound in grave clothes in the illustration above.  He is indeed alive. However, notice he is still bound by the grave clothes in which he was buried, unable to move on his own.

Jesus gives the instruction “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”  He doesn’t expect or instruct Lazarus to remove these clothes of the “old man.”  He doesn’t expect or instruct the religious leaders to remove them.  He doesn’t tell everyone else to stand back while Jesus and his disciples remove them.  He delivers this instruction to those closest to Lazarus.  This would include his family members, including his sisters, Mary and Martha, as well as his close friends who were there to witness Lazarus’ resurrection.

Imagine being Mary or Martha and receiving this instruction.  Was there any hesitation to do what Jesus asked?  No, more than likely, Mary and Martha rejoiced at the opportunity to help their brother.  They probably were anxious to nd Martha rejoiced at the opportunity to help their brother, who had been dead several days and wawelcome him back.  Chances are, they couldn’t wait to remove those grave clothes and take a good, long look at their brother, who was now restored, renewed, ALIVE!

When we encounter new believers, who have cast aside the “old man”, and are a new creation in Christ, we too are commanded to help them “take off their grave clothes and let them go.”  How can we do this?  Perhaps the best thing we can do is to pray that new believers are protected against the ways and labels of the “old man.”  Intercede in order that they receive revelation, establish a love for God’s Word, and walk in the ways of God. Like Lazarus in the picture above, new believers are not going to be able to do this, nor should we expect them to do this, on their own. 

Is there a Lazarus in your life who is in need of prayer?  Ask God to bring this person to your mind today and commit to pray for this individual.  The Holy Spirit will guide with what their needs are so you can help them “take off the grave clothes.” 

 

He Still Does!

“I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the

people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

John 11:42

 

Jesus thanks the Father for what – as far as He is concerned – is already done.

It may not yet be manifested in the natural realm – that will happen in a moment – but in the supernatural arena and the arena of faith it is already accomplished.

Jesus, with confidence thanks His Father for Lazarus rising from the dead.

What the Son of God knew to be true was about to manifested to all those

gathered around in order to believe that the Father had sent the Son.

What a privileged crowd that was!

When Jesus spoke this prayer He was genuinely thanking His Father but He was also teaching those within earshot, those the Father had called and gathered, to watch this miracle.

He said “…for the benefit of the people standing here…”

I wonder how many of the people standing “there” would still be standing

at the foot of the cross?

How many of those who “oooh’d  and aaahhh’d” and said to each other “Did you see that?” when Lazarus was raised from the dead would remain faithful when their Messiah was hung on a cross and placed in a tomb?

Did they still believe that the Father had sent His Son when he was

arrested, scourged and crucified?

We know it dwindled to just a few.

How about you?

Are you one of the few?

Do you believe Gods’ best for you even when everything seems contrary to that happening?

Do you believe enough in the call of God on your life to endure the seasons when it seems like the fulfillment of that call is the last thing that could happen?

Are you faithful on the mountaintop and in the valley?

Jesus showed us how.

He still does!

Avoiding the “Stumble”

“Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light.

It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

John 11:9-10

 

 

Jesus had received the news that his friend Lazarus was sick.

After a two day ‘delay’ he said to His disciples that it was time to go to Bethany.

His disciples protest saying: “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

His response to their protests is the text above.

Jesus is telling them that He walks in the Light.

As long as He does so He will not stumble.

Too often we are guilty of interpreting the word “stumble” by our own definition.

To Jesus’ followers His arrest and death later on the cross was the ultimate “stumble”. 

But He knew it was not! He knew, even in that, He was fulfilling the will of His Father.

 He was walking in the Light all the way to the cross.

 Even though, to the disciples way of thinking at that time darkness had won a great victory at Calvary!

Do you ever interpret the Will of God for your life as a ‘stumble’?

We might even call it a ‘hiccup’ today.

God allows tests and trials as we journey with Him.

We fight every step of the way convinced that it is not in the will of God to be experiencing what we are experiencing.

We see ‘stumbles’ but God sees ‘’growth’.

We see things outside His will.

He allows them as part of His will.

Don’t miss what God wants to do in your life.

The disciples would have had Jesus stay away from Bethany and raise their friend Lazarus from the dead if they had had their way.

Jesus would have none of it but was obedient to the will of His Father despite their protests.

Make that determination in your spirit that you will be obedient come what may!

God’s Intentional Delay

“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there

tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

John 11:1-8

 

 

 

Don’t you wonder if maybe when Jesus didn’t immediately leave for Bethany His disciples may have been thinking something like this:

“We know he loves Lazarus but we can understand Him not going back there, He’s gotta know they’re gunning for Him and the minute He steps back into Bethany,

He’s as good as arrested!”  

Perhaps Jesus declared the truth that He did in verse 4 (italicized above) as an opportunity for his disciples to think on the truth of His delay, and His mission when He did return, instead of the destructive self talk they may have been engaged in.

Now, in verse 7, we find that Jesus heads back to Bethany – after a two day wait – not because of fear of man but instead because of the timing and the will of His Father. His message in delaying is clear to us now, but that delay, misunderstood as it may have been by His disciples, is also often misunderstood in our lives today,

it is sometimes less than clear and forces us to choose:

between trust and doubt;

between faith and fear;

between hope and despair.

“Why won’t God answer now?”

“God, why are you delaying your answer?”

God, don’t you love me anymore?”

Of course, with the benefit of hindsight we have in reading this story we can always say we understand but when it comes to our personal ‘story’ or our own Lazarus circumstances we are filled with the same statements of doubt Martha and Mary would later present to Jesus.

“Lord, if you had been…”

To which Jesus responds:

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Are you believing in Him or are you in doubt because of the ‘delay’?

Sin Starts With a Thought

Contributed today by David Trotta:

“You have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)

 

As we learn how to renew our minds to become like Christ, we must consider every thought that tries to enter our mind, almost like the entrance to a gated community.  In order to enter the community, you have to have the correct key or passcode.  If you don’t have the correct key or passcode, you are not allowed to proceed any further.  Period.  No further consideration.

We need to apply the same security over our mind as thoughts try to enter.  So often we allow negative thoughts in and let them cultivate, leaving little room for the positive thoughts, which we so easily dismiss with our unbelief. If we want to renew our minds, we need to be focused on edifying thoughts, not destructive thoughts. 

God has provided the “security gate” to use when we are deciding if we should receive or reject each thought . . .

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. ~Phillippians 4:8

When a thought tries to plant its seed in our mind, we need to consider the above and determine if we are going to receive that thought and allow it to germinate, or reject it immediately. Period. No further consideration.  When only the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts are what we allow to enter, our minds are sure to be renewed.

Try using this screening process for all of your thoughts today, you will be much more satisfied with the harvest!

Wait, you mean “thinking” about doing something wrong is the same as actually doing it?  Yes, to Jesus it was.  Why?  Because Jesus understood that the real origin of everything we are and everything we do flows from our hearts.  Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

 

Sure, we may not have committed the actual act, but if the thought is allowed to play itself out in our minds without any objection from us, are we any closer to the character of Jesus than if we committed the act?

 

We tend to use outer behavior as our measuring stick on whether or not we are living a Godly life, but Jesus made it very clear that we need to focus on our thought life.  Remember when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were clean on the outside (no appearance of sin), but on the inside, their hearts were wicked?  Jesus is after our thoughts, because He knows that if our thoughts are pure, right behavior will follow.  He also knows that if our thoughts are unclean, wrong behavior will follow.  “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).”

Receive or Reject?

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to another of our members here at His Place through her contribution of this blog. I know you will be blessed as you read what Denise Friedman has to share with us:

As we learn how to renew our minds to become like Christ, we must consider every thought that tries to enter our mind, almost like the entrance to a gated community.  In order to enter the community, you have to have the correct key or passcode.  If you don’t have the correct key or passcode, you are not allowed to proceed any further.  Period.  No further consideration.

We need to apply the same security over our mind as thoughts try to enter.  So often we allow negative thoughts in and let them cultivate, leaving little room for the positive thoughts, which we so easily dismiss with our unbelief. If we want to renew our minds, we need to be focused on edifying thoughts, not destructive thoughts. 

God has provided the “security gate” to use when we are deciding if we should receive or reject each thought . . .

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. ~Phillippians 4:8

When a thought tries to plant its seed in our mind, we need to consider the above and determine if we are going to receive that thought and allow it to germinate, or reject it immediately. Period. No further consideration.  When only the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts are what we allow to enter, our minds are sure to be renewed.

Try using this screening process for all of your thoughts today, you will be much more satisfied with the harvest!

Send Those Evil Thoughts Packing!

“Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said,

“Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?”

Matthew 9:4

 

You’ve recognized the source of the thought.

You’ve refused the thought based on that source.

But then the delivery man we spoke about won’t go away.

He is persistent about you receiving what he has.

“Look lady, I’m just doing my job. I have a package for you and I intend to deliver it!”

So now the big ugly ‘goon of a thought’ is insistent on entry.

You know it is not a thought you want to entertain, so how do you resist?

 

You resist with the shield of faith!

“…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish

all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”     Ephesians 6:16

You retaliate against the evil thoughts with the Word of God!

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written:

‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” Matthew 4:10-11

You reiterate the truth through your confession!

“My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation

   of my heart will give you understanding.” Psalm 49:3

 

It is a discipline, to be sure, but as you follow these steps you will send

the delivery man with his unwelcome thoughts packing!