Month: March 2016

Set Your Mind on Things Above 3/26/16

Set Your Mind on Things Above.

There is so much going on in the world these days.  So much unrest, terrorism, mass shootings, constant upheaval in the Middle East, Afghanistan, an unsettled economy, etc.  And now, as if all that wasn’t enough, is the constant bombardment of anything and everything having to do with the presidential primaries and elections.  He said, she said, who did what to whom, scandal, mud flinging, the whole sophomoric kit and caboodle.

All these things are WORDLY and a DISTRACTION.  A distraction from paying attention to the things that really matter: namely the things of God.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Col 3:1,2  

Even though I like my TV watching as much as anyone, I have gone more and more to turning off the TV, tuning out the radio and avoiding political discussions as much as possible.  Less TV means more time to think about Jesus and the things of God.  More time to pray, more time to seek His will for me in things big and small.  More time to spend with my family, More time to remind myself that only Love (God is Love) really matters.

When it comes right down to it, we either exist in fear or in love.  To get caught up in worldly things is to be caught up in the fear that goes with it.  Certainly, with so much unrest in the world, it is VERY easy to become fear based.  Most people I know (me included) have a tendency to make decisions based on fear.

When we decide to abide in Love (in God), then fear loses its hold/power over us.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:15-18

I don’t know about you, but when I spend too much time thinking about what’s going on the in the world fear takes hold, my anxiety goes crazy, depression creeps in and I’m left with a general feeling of unrest

It really is true: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Is 26:3

So, the next time the world tries to distract you from Jesus, remember this:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil 3:20

Gideon & 300 Men 3/22/16

GIDEON & 300 MEN (Judges 6&7)

Though far outnumbered Gideon and his 300 men in unison broke their vessels of clay revealing the light that was hidden inside. And together while sounding the trumpet they made haste with a loud shout toward the sleeping Midianites. Upon waking the enemy slaughtered each other in the confusion of night’s darkness.

God has called us to allow these vessels of clay to be shattered so that the Light of Christ can shine and dispel the powers of Darkness. Empowered by the fire of God our anointed voice causes Satan to flee and resound like the sound of a trumpet throughout Satan’s ranks.

But why were only 300 men chosen? Thousands of other Israelites were sent home. Most left because of the cares of this world. Others were sent home because they lapped up the “water of the word” like dogs? ( unfortunately some believe it better to receive teaching from man than from the Holy Ghost). Again, why only 300? Is there something special about that number?

Most certainly. The holy place and the holy of holies in the Tabernacle of Moses measured 10 cubits by 30 cubits, or 300 square cubits. And when Jesus gave up the Ghost “the middle wall of partition was rent in twain.” Thus the temple was no more divided into two rooms but was now “one new man.”

“What? Know ye not ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost?” Beloved, as we follow Christ into battle – you and I, like Gideon’s 300, are the Temple of God called to demolish the forces of Satan when we allow our flesh to be broken, allow the light of His love to shine through us and shout the victory in Jesus name.

Be blessed in Jesus name.
https://youtu.be/YcUuxPBg2f8

Jerry Turk's photo.