Week 3 of our Intentionally Focused bible study focused on our MIND! Turns out you see things a lot clearer when you are intentionally focusing on your thoughts and what you are exposing your minds too.
{Week 3 Challenge} To be more sensitive to the spirits working in our hearts:
- lessons God is trying to teach us
- impressions He is making
- sin He is convicting us of
{Week 3 Statement} "I will be intentionally focused on heavenly things:
- person of Jesus
- work of Jesus
- convictions of the Holy Spirit
- words of scripture"
I can honestly say this was the toughest week so far. I even had snow days from work all week with a winter blizzard making its way through our area and Tuesday I simply didn't make the time.....I certainly had plenty of time, but filled it with other things. So.....I played catch up the rest of the week. I absolutely noticed that the 1 day I didn't consult God in quiet about my day, not only affected that day and its productivity, but the days to follow. I am just now (Sunday) feeling like I'm back on track. This was a profound moment realizing that it isn't just a nice thing and a good thing to spend time with God, it is a NECESSARY thing for me to fully function as I need to and as God designed me to.
This week we focused on our minds. I was blown away by how thinking about what I put in my mind effects my mood, work, motivation.......when we let our minds feast on worry, doubt, earthly logistics, we potentially miss what God is wanting us to hear. I noticed this week that how I spend my 'free/down' time is crucial to what my mind is thinking...what I watch, what I listen to, what I let my mind worry about....those are what my mind has to work with. But, I was amazed at how simply thinking more about scripture and listening for God's convictions, lessons, and impressions could totally change my focus, productivity, emotions, physical motivation...etc.
Here's the big deal --------> What my mind is consumed with is what my words and actions respond to!
Things I observed this week:
- the mind if not controlled will turn and mix up the truth until it is not visible! {Romans 8:6}
- a mind set on heavenly priorities is free to enjoy life on earth
- only when my mind is focused on God can I see His will and where He is guiding {Romans 12:2}
- filter our thoughts through heavenly things (what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthly)......if our thoughts/entertainment/discussions do not align with these characteristics.....remove it from your mind! {Philippians 4:8}
- our mind is the weakest and most vulnerable part of our body; but if carefully pruned, selected, and well nourished can be our strongest and most important organ!!!
- God's word is essential to a well nourished mind {2 Cor. 10:5}
- spend time thinking about how I can please God......set my eyes on heavenly things {Col. 3:2}
How to set our minds on heavenly things?
- Submerge ourselves with God's word!
- Meditate and fill our minds with scripture!
- Ask god to help us remember what we read and how to put them into practice!
Profound ideas: filter our movie selections, music, books, games, physical nourishment, free time activities........through {Phillipians 4:8}
Is it true......is it noble.......is it right........------> if that thought, entertainment, action doesn't pass this filter......don't litter your mind with it!
{My prayer} "I will no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed. I will open my heart to your transforming by the renewal of my mind. I pray my mind be focused on you and your way. Then and only then will I be able to test, approve, and understand what your will is. I know your way is good, pleasing, and perfect and I dearly want to be with you and your plan."
Blessings,
Kristin Noel
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