Think about such things..
You'll see more of what you're looking for
I used to be really into the HGTV channel/home improvement network. Just ask my husband ;) I love that in a 30 minute episode a totally dilapidated home becomes beautiful and brand new! Ahhh if only that was real life. Anyway... back when everyone was stuck at home for weeks, I was inspired by all the ideas. I would pretty consistently share these ideas with Beau. I became particularly fixated on wanting a white brick wall in my bedroom as a focal point. As soon as I became aware of this look, I started noticing it everywhere! Restaurants I visited, homes of people i knew, shops, etc. Those brick walls were always there but I never noticed them or gave them a thought before. Our minds are like this for more than just home decor. When we have something in the fore front of our thoughts, we see it more often.
Last week, I woke up five mornings in a row with no alarm at 4:49am. When something happens in a repeated pattern, I believe we need to pay attention. As I was praying about this sequence, I felt lead to read Philippians 4:4-9. When I read those words, I knew the Lord was speaking to me! Here's what it says:
" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
In this passage Paul is encouraging the church of Philippi. History records this letter being written while Paul was in prison but his tone is anything but the woes of a captive. He commends the church to rejoice, not be anxious about anything, to pray, give thanks and realize that God's peace guards them. He compelled them to fix their thoughts on good things and to practice what they learned and received continually. I don't think this message will ever be something that doesn't apply to every follower of Jesus, regardless of the time or situation. We need to be reminded that there is a battle of the mind and the way we fight is by telling our thoughts where to go. We can direct them to abide in truth by the power of Jesus Christ. How powerful and transformative is it when we partner with Holy Spirit to meditate on His thoughts and presence.
Right now wherever you are, fix your mind on what's pure and noble. Our God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Think on what's good and practice gratitude. Rejoice. On purpose. Because Jesus Christ is Lord and you are deeply loved. Direct your thoughts because you can! And see the goodness of God take precedence in your vision too. We will see more of what we are looking for. Expect His goodness.
The Lord is near. The Kingdom is at hand.
For His glory,
Rachel
Last week, I woke up five mornings in a row with no alarm at 4:49am. When something happens in a repeated pattern, I believe we need to pay attention. As I was praying about this sequence, I felt lead to read Philippians 4:4-9. When I read those words, I knew the Lord was speaking to me! Here's what it says:
" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
In this passage Paul is encouraging the church of Philippi. History records this letter being written while Paul was in prison but his tone is anything but the woes of a captive. He commends the church to rejoice, not be anxious about anything, to pray, give thanks and realize that God's peace guards them. He compelled them to fix their thoughts on good things and to practice what they learned and received continually. I don't think this message will ever be something that doesn't apply to every follower of Jesus, regardless of the time or situation. We need to be reminded that there is a battle of the mind and the way we fight is by telling our thoughts where to go. We can direct them to abide in truth by the power of Jesus Christ. How powerful and transformative is it when we partner with Holy Spirit to meditate on His thoughts and presence.
Right now wherever you are, fix your mind on what's pure and noble. Our God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Think on what's good and practice gratitude. Rejoice. On purpose. Because Jesus Christ is Lord and you are deeply loved. Direct your thoughts because you can! And see the goodness of God take precedence in your vision too. We will see more of what we are looking for. Expect His goodness.
The Lord is near. The Kingdom is at hand.
For His glory,
Rachel
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