Joyce reminded me that we have to be purposeful with our mind. That we have to choose what we think about. If we are passive with our minds- that's a dangerous thing. We must be purposeful to think on 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 (Phil 4:8). Colossians 3 tells us: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Yes, we must choose & set our minds!
This is a huge reminder to me as I know that Satan is a liar and a destroyer (he wants to destroy our faith, he wants us to bend our will to his lies). However, I also know that He alone is God and Jesus has told us: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Hallelujah!!
Let us not forget that as we have confessed with our mouths, "Jesus is Lord," and we believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we are saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10). Therefore, as His child Christ dwells in you! Listen to Ephesians 3: 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 saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (italics added).
He is amazing. His love is amazing. And He dwells within us. Amazing.
So, this day I encourage you to remember that He is your God. He loves you. He lives in you. But don't forget- you have a part here too. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5, a life verse for me :), but with Him...
So, set your minds, be purposeful about what you think. I pray for you this day as Paul prayed for the Believers in Ephesus: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Amen!
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