Where Is Your Head At?
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. - Philippians 4:8
Reflect:
What is the value of following Paul’s advice and focusing on “these things?”
I don’t know about you but what I am thinking about has a significant impact on me and the people around me. For example, if I’m thinking about how much I have to do and how little time I have to do it, I am more likely to snap at my kids for interrupting me. If I am hyper-focused on all of the what-if’s, I am likely to feel anxious. If I am focused on everything that I don’t have, I am likely to feel discontent. If I focus on the flaws of the people around me, I am less likely to love and appreciate them.
The same principle applies to sin. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Basically, what is in our hearts eventually spills over into our actions. So how do we get good into our hearts?
In today’s verse, Paul gives us the answer and it’s really quite simple. If we want good to come out of us, we have to put good things into us. We can positively influence our actions by safeguarding what we put into our hearts and minds.
First, we should immerse ourselves in the truth. Jesus told us in John 17:17 that God’s Word is truth! If we want truth to come out of us, we need to spend more time soaking in the truth of His Word and less time soaking up the lies of this world.
Then, Paul said to think about things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. Would you consider the last show you watched to be “pure?” Would the lyrics of the music you listen to be considered “praise-worthy?” Are the images you take in “lovely?” Is the content of the books you read “commendable?” If the answer is no or usually no, are the messages you are surrounding yourself with bringing you peace or anxiety? Do they have the potential to positively impact your spiritual life or negatively impact it? Is what you are taking in appealing to your sin nature or your new nature in Jesus Christ?
Where is your head at? Are you concentrating on commendable things? Are you focusing on His holiness? Are you taking in messages that are true and lovely? How are you storing up good treasure in your heart so that goodness can overflow? We tend to do what we think. So set your minds on “these things” and “these things” will overflow into your life.
Pray:
Jesus, You are the only One who is truly honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Help me to set my mind on things that glorify You and conform me into Your image. I know that what I put into my head and my heart eventually overflows into my actions. I want my thoughts and my life to glorify You. Amen.
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Learn to live from a place of resting in Me. Since I - the Prince of Peace - am both with and within you, you can choose to live from this peaceful place of union with Me. This enables you to stay calm in the midst of stressful situations, by re-centering yourself in Me. We can deal with your problems together - you and I - so there is no need to panic. However, the more difficult your circumstances, the more tempting it is for you to shift into high gear and forget My peaceful Presence."
Gazing At The Beauty Of God
I chased a sunrise the other day.
It was a clear morning, the first in many days, and I knew God was about to put on a good show. Not wanting to miss a minute of it, I laced up my shoes and headed out the door.
With my eyes on the sky, I briskly wound my way through the streets that I knew would take me to the place holding the best first glimpses of the morning light. I’d seen the sun ascend there many times before, but for some reason, the desire to witness it that morning was particularly intense.
Finally arriving at the perfect place, I stopped and simply stared at the rising sphere of light slowly coloring the sky. I took a few pictures and blessed God for the beauty of a new morning.
And that was it.
I don’t exactly know what I was expecting, but no profound thoughts flooded my mind. No epiphanies dawned on me. No voices from within whispered any words.
Yet as I continued my walk, my heart felt full. Alive. Curiously, the simple act of staring at the beautiful sunrise was enough, and it satisfied my soul.
I wonder if this is what David had in mind when he wrote of his greatest desire in Psalm 27:4: (CSB) “to dwell in the house of the LORD … gazing on the beauty of the LORD.”
It seems David experienced soul satisfaction in the simple act of staring at the Lord’s beauty and splendor. But too often, when I “gaze at God” in my quiet time, I’m only looking for thoughts to jot down, Bible verses to highlight, or answers to settle my questions. When this is the case, my soul can lack freshness and life.
When I slow down and sometimes set the pen aside to gaze at the beauty of God like I would a glorious sunrise, catching by faith’s eye the colorful display of His splendor, I am transformed. My soul fills, comes to life, and finds joy.
Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In [God’s] presence is abundant joy” (CSB).
This makes me think there are times when our souls don’t need more information, documentation, or memorization. Maybe they just need more admiration. Admiration of the One whose magnificence and majesty alone is enough to satisfy our souls.
Is your soul feeling empty or running low on joy today? Take some time to pause. Sit and stare at the radiant beauties of the Lord, and allow Him - all of who He is - to freshen and fill your soul.
Father, I confess how often I allow the things of earth to steal my gaze. Thank You for faithfully drawing me back to You to behold Your beauty. You truly are the only wonder that satisfies and fills my soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Michelle Snippe
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Spiritual Famine
“That I will send a
famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the
words of the Lord.
Amos 8:11
The people had
no appetite for God's word when prophets like Amos brought it. Because of their
apathy, God said he would take away even the opportunity to hear his word. We
have God's Word, the Bible. But many still look everywhere for answers to
life's problems except in Scripture. You can help them by directing them to the
Bible, showing them the parts that speak to their special needs and questions.
God's Word is available to us. Let us help people know it before a time comes
when they cannot find it.
One way God
communicates is through silence. The Israelites blatantly ignored and rejected
God's Word to them, and God responded by sending a famine. This famine was far
more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of
His words of life.
God's silence
may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke
to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time.
If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what
adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is
waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that
there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship
(Isaiah 1:15;1 Peter 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking
in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen. God's silences can be
powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God!
Because He is God, when He speaks, He expects a listening ear and an eager
response. He will not be mocked! (Galatians 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may
withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah
assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek
Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
- Excerpt from
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day” by Henry and Richard Blackaby
Trusting God When You Are Tired Of Trying
That morning, I picked up my phone off the nightstand with dread. Anxiety filled me at what I knew I would find there - other people enjoying their lives while I cried about mine.
Lord, am I going to feel like this forever?
I made a mental list of what I felt like I could no longer handle: battling relentlessly with my mental health, juggling two kids under 5, my husband’s unforeseen job loss, the sudden passing of my father-in-law, and ongoing financial pressures - just to name a few things.
There was no relief in sight, and it was hard not to feel frustrated, fed up, and forgotten by God. My soul was exhausted, and I was tired of trying. It seemed I had prayed every prayer I knew how to pray and studied every scripture about my circumstances. And yet nothing seemed to change.
Maybe you know this season all too well. You’ve been hurting deeply for so long. You expected to handle this better, to be stronger when everything came crashing down. But it’s OK that you’re feeling weak and unsure. God wants you and me to let go of having to figure it all out and instead let Him do what He does best: save us.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites never expected their freedom journey away from slavery to take so long or be so hard. But God took them through the wilderness to teach them dependence on Him and ultimately bring them into the good land He had prepared for them.
In reference to that time, the Lord said: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
(Jeremiah 31:2-3).
God hears our cries for deliverance. He has grace for us in our wilderness.
As I walked through my own wilderness, I realized that all the things I thought were breaking me, God was using to make me more like Jesus. I was exhausted because I believed it was all up to me. But as I chose to trust God to hold my broken heart and I received His grace each day, He revealed the good plans He had all along.
Will we dare to remember the heart of God when we don’t understand why He’s not fixing our most hurtful situations? Will we trust that we’ll find grace in our wilderness? Will we believe that God has rest for our worn-out souls and that He will never stop loving us?
Regardless of how we feel, we can stand in confidence that God will continue to be faithful.
Lord, thank You for hearing my exhausted prayers when life feels like it’s just too much and I’m desperate for solutions. Help me to hold on to You in faith and to stand on the truth of who I know You to be: a good, faithful, and loving Father who always has my best in mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Ashley Morgan Jackson
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen - leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you. . . Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle."
Comfort in the Wilderness
Sitting on my bed with tears streaking down my face, I remember feeling tired, emotionally and spiritually spent. My husband sat in front of me, looking concerned.
“I think I’m depressed,” I said.
For so long, I had been holding those words - carrying the weight of them. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. This wasn’t my first bout with depression. I had struggled postpartum. Feelings of anxiety and sadness weren’t new to me, but I thought I had overcome them.
Although saying those words brought relief, I also felt overwhelmed with the feeling that I would have to do something about it. I would have to work hard to be happy and rested again.
The prophet Elijah knew about fatigue and despair. In one of the most unbelievable experiences in Scripture, he faced off against 450 of Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Fire fell from heaven, and the people watching fell face down, realizing that the God of Elijah was the one true God. This was a great spiritual victory! But soon after, Elijah ran for his life because the murderous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were out to get him.
In our key verse, Elijah was on the run and exhausted, alone in the wilderness. Thankfully, God brought comfort:
“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:5b-6, CSB).
The voice in my head as I read this is that of a loving parent nursing a child back to health. And all Elijah had to do in response was willingly receive nourishment and rest. He didn’t have to muster up his energy to keep going. He didn’t have to prove that he was still faithful. He simply had to receive and rest.
Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is eat a snack and take a nap.
One of the ways my Abuelita Carmen says “I love you” is by serving up a hot plate of gallo pinto (Nicaraguan red beans and rice) and tortillas. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but it’s delicious and nourishing. I lived with Abuelita from the time I was a child until I got married. Through the years and all the ups and downs, gallo pinto was always on the stove, a comforting reminder of her love.
I imagine that when Elijah saw the warm bread and refreshing water God provided for him, it made him feel loved as well.
Reading the story of Elijah and God’s comfort in the wilderness helps us to see that God calls us to rest too. He wants to be our comfort, bringing nourishment and respite when we need it most.
Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings comfort, rest, nourishment, and grace in the midst of our wilderness seasons. Help us to receive Your love, especially in moments of despair and exhaustion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Music: Eyes On You
When dark clouds roll
In over me
You are the light
That covers me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
When fear creeps in
And sorrows rise
I choose to say
You are the way
Lord You are
My portion still
I need You, I want You
Be here in me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
For You have overcome
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
You will stand with me
'Cause Your Name will remain
And with You I will stay
Forever!
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God. Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of 'godliness.' They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me." - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
The Condition of the Heart
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:11-15
At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God's Word (Luke 8:5-18). If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you hear the words of the message, you will remain unchanged. If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God's Word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate your heart to make a difference in your actions. A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasures prevents God's Word from taking hold and producing righteousness. The heart that is like good soil receives a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time. This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will be a Christlike life.
Any time you hear a word from
God, whether through Bible reading, prayer, or worship, the way you respond
will depend on how you have cultivated your heart (Hosea 10:12). How do you
develop a heart that is like good soil? Repent of any bitterness, anger, or
unforgiveness that is hardening your heart. Meditate on God's Word until it
enters deep into your heart and not just your mind. When you read or hear a
word from God, apply it to your life and let God bring His word into reality in
your life (Galatians 6:9). Protect your lifestyle. See that you don't devote all of
your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with
God. The condition of your heart will vary, depending on how you cultivate it.
If it was receptive to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is
receptive today. Daily prepare your heart for the word God has for you!
Dirty Dogs
Scripture:
Be careful of those who do evil. They are like dogs. They demand to cut the body.
- Philippians 3:2
Reflect:
Are
there “dogs” in our day? Why should we be so concerned about them?
In our society today, dogs are generally thought of as beloved pets. They even get referred to as “man’s best friend.” And in many homes dogs are treated like family members.
These are not the type of dog that Paul is referring to in today’s verses. Paul is likely referring to a wild dog that lived on the streets scavenging dead bodies. Not only were these dogs aggressive and potentially violent but they were also carriers of nasty infections. They were unclean and problematic thus they were generally hated. These dogs were pests, not pets.
In today’s verse, Paul is comparing false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, to these mangy animals. The Judaizers taught that saving faith was not sufficient for salvation. They mixed the law with grace and said that Gentiles must become Jews before they can convert to Christianity. They argued that it was necessary for Gentiles to practice circumcision. That’s why he says to watch out for those who “mutilate the flesh.” Circumcision does not secure anyone’s salvation.
Paul doesn’t mince his words here. He calls them evildoers for spreading this false doctrine. His point is that these false teachers weren’t merely an annoyance. They were dangerous!
Even today, we have dirty dogs among us. We have false teachers who preach legalism just as the Judaizers did in Paul’s day. They may not be claiming that you have to get circumcised to be saved or convert to Judaism, but the heart of their message is still the same. They are implying that what Jesus did on the cross was not sufficient. They are claiming that you have to add works to His grace in order for it to be effective. This doctrine is dangerous because people’s souls are on the line!
Maybe someone has told you that you have to get baptized in order to be saved. Or that you have to tithe a certain amount each month. Maybe you’ve been told you must go to church or take a mission trip. Perhaps someone has preached that dietary restrictions are necessary. But we know from Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace, through faith and not by works. Salvation is a gift from God. We accept His grace, and we are saved. Our good works and obedience are the result of a transformed life. We seek to please God with our actions because we love Him, not because we are trying to earn our salvation.
Whenever you hear “grace plus works” preached, run away! Avoid this message like you would avoid a dirty dog in the street. Legalism does not save you and it has the potential to do much harm. It can cause a nasty infection in your faith and sadly, it is contagious. It can be passed to those around you. So be on the lookout for false teachers. Read the Word of God daily to inoculate you against the diseases of false doctrine. And instead of spreading filth, spread the truth! Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around you.
Prayer:
Lord,
thank You for the free gift of salvation through Jesus. Please grant me the
wisdom and discernment to be able to recognize the dogs who are spreading false
teaching so I can avoid them. Give me the courage to spread the truth of Your
Word instead. Amen.
-
Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Let Me stop the storm in your mind. Be still, and ask Me to take control of your thoughts. Just as I calmed the winds and waves for My disciples, I will calm the storm of thoughts inside your brain. Ask Me for My Peace - it’s there whenever you need it."
Deliverance Is Coming
Scripture:
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. - Philippians 1:18b-19
Reflect:
Why can Christians have hope and rejoice despite their circumstances?
First, Paul mentions the prayers of the Philippians. He was counting on the prayers of his friends. When you know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting you up in prayer, there is a peace that just flows through you. After all, people are petitioning the God of the universe on your behalf. Paul knew that there was power in the prayers of his friends and this gave him confidence.
Second, Paul says that he knows that the Holy Spirit will help him. The NASB translates the word “help” as “provision.” Paul had complete confidence that the Holy Spirit was going to provide for him. He would supply Paul with everything he needs to persevere and endure the trial. Paul knew that he wasn’t on his own here. He didn’t have to survive this in his own power. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was on his side!
Finally, Paul knew that no matter what occurred, he was going to be delivered from his current suffering. Does that mean Paul knew he was going to be released from prison? Did he think that God was going to spare him from being executed? Not necessarily. Paul did not know if he was going to make it through this alive. And yet he was confident that he would be delivered or saved.
In Christ, we are promised deliverance. Not necessarily from the trial but through the trial. If we are in Christ, we can have absolute assurance that ultimately, we will be saved. Even if we die, we will live forever with Him. No matter what you are going through, no matter how you are suffering, you can rejoice. Your ultimate hope does not depend on God getting you out of whatever pickle you find yourself in. Your ultimate hope is that God will bring you through this life and deliver you to life everlasting. And while you’re here you are not alone. You are being prayed for and the Holy Spirit is your Helper. This will turn out for your deliverance! Yes, you can rejoice!
Prayer:
- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")
