Sound Mind Set

Psalm 97:9 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.(NLT) So what does God hate and tell us to hate? … He says if you love Him then you will hate evil. So is evil a person? … No. Evil is the outcome of disobedience. Disobedience to God is sin, which creates evil. So, we are to hate disobedience to God and its results. Can you picture an outcome of your disobedience to God?  While there most certainly is grace for our disobedience, can you attach a sense of hatred for the outcome of that disobedience you have encountered? We are not to hate ourselves for the disobedience, but the forces that oppose God inside our own hearts and in the world today. So, what good does it do to hate that evil? The answer is a response of avoidance, of abstinence … of evil. Today, I’m going to provide some current context to hating evil by reading Ephesians 6:1…  Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Who are we not fighting? Flesh and blood. Each other. We may do evil things out of disobedience, but we are not evil.  Evil exists, evil is the destruction that comes from sin. We have an enemy, God has an enemy, Satan and his spirits. A force that exists in this fallen world that leads us to disobedience which leads to our destruction. So, how do we guard ourselves from this destruction? By hating the destruction the enemy wants for us and by putting on the full armor of God. We cannot fight an unseen power with our own ‘seen’ efforts. God’s Power, His spirit enables us to resist the enemy.  Psalm 97:9-11 … You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.  Love God. Hate Evil. Really feel the hate that disobedience to God’s ways brings to your life. Claim God’s power as your own to protect again the evil our enemy has planned for us. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, forgive me when I show love for evil by cooperating with it. But help me to hate that which opposes You, even the sin in me. Teach me to love You more, and help me to show love that can conquer hate. As above, so below.”

In John 17, Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we find God’s answer to redeem the Garden of Eden. John 17 - Starting vs. 13 - THE MESSAGE “I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing  So my people can experience  My joy completed in them.  I gave them your word;  The godless world hated them because of it,  Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,  Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.  I’m not asking that you take them out of the world  But that you guard them from the Evil One.  They are no more defined by the world  Than I am defined by the world.  Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;  Your word is consecrating truth.  In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,  I give them a mission in the world.  I’m consecrating myself for their sakes  So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission. I’m praying not only for them  But also for those who will believe in me  Because of them and their witness about me.  The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—  Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,  So they might be one heart and mind with us.  Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.  The same glory you gave me, I gave them,  So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—  I in them and you in me.  Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,  And give the godless world evidence  That you’ve sent me and loved them  In the same way you’ve loved me. (John 17:13-23) Jesus recognized the hate in the world that is opposite His heart for the world. But He also said while we do not belong here, He leaves us here. Why? To reflect His love in the same world that hates His ways. That simplifies and hones our mission on earth. We are here to be His love to others, even in the midst of hate.   Jesus was praying specifically for his disciples initially here, who are physically with him, then he looks beyond the present to the future - to you and me.  Listen again to what He prays specifically for you -  I’m praying not only for them (his disciples)  But also for those who will believe in me (that’s you)  Because of them and their witness about me.  The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—  Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,  So they might be one heart and mind with us.  Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.  The same glory you gave me, I gave them,  So they’ll be as unified and together as we are…  And give the godless world evidence  That you’ve sent me and loved them  In the same way you’ve loved me. Can you ask Jesus right now to unify your heart for the world with His? To be evidence of His love for others - not your love - But becoming His love for others - the world. Who is one person that comes to mind that you need to extend God’s love, beyond your love, to today?  Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are love and You also know what it feels like to be hated, to the point of death. You were hated centuries ago and You are hated today. Help me to be an expression of Your love, not mine, and to be an answer for the hate in this world. Teach me to love like You. As above, so below.”

Today, we live in a world that has lost the true biblical concept of grace and forgiveness. We turn on the news to hear another horrible stat and see that evil somehow seemed to win again. Yet, many passages in the New Testament encourage us that, no matter how bad anyone else gets, how bad the culture gets, we must keep steady in our faith and follow God even if that means walking against the grain and walking alone. Listen to 2 Peter 3:17-18: My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen. Scripture warns us that we have to stay away from evil to keep our balance and stay on the right path. How? By growing in the wonderful kindness and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What is one area of your life that you tend to follow the ‘path’ of the world? We all struggle with this. What would it look like to apply these principles of 'kindness and understanding' to that situation or area of your life? Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, one thing about the world getting worse is that the disparity between good and evil, right and wrong, You and Satan, are quite clear. Help me every day to stay away from evil by staying close to You. With You, in You, I have nothing to fear and everything to gain. As above, so below.”

Deuteronomy 32:46-47: “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are to possess.” In our quote-unquote Christian culture, it is so easy for us to hear Bible verses and treat them like “idle words,” isn’t it? But what did God call His laws, His precepts, His principles? … They are your life. Literally, “Words to live by”. With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message “Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land … think for a moment what having a good and long life in this land means to you.  The scripture tells us the living by His word is no small matter, it’s literally your life. Is there an area of life right now that you know you are not living according to God‘s laws? Instead of just beating yourself up and heaping more shame and guilt on yourself, can you reframe it and see that God‘s commands and God‘s laws are for your benefit. This is not just trying to control behavior… it’s like looking at scripture as an instruction or user guide for our life. Now, how can we pass that critical principle down to our kids? Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know I am the pathway of Your Word and Your life to my kids. Help me find ways to express You to them and make Your Word a part of our everyday life. For You to be the head of my home. As above, so below.”

Isaiah 55 verses 10 thru 12: “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace.” Lets think through this Who sends out God’s Word? … He does. What does it do when He sends it out? … Produces fruit. When will it produce fruit when He sends it out? … Always. … Not sometimes, but always. So, how do we receive His Word? Reading, listening to, ruminating on Scripture. Just as we are doing right now. With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message “Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.” This passage is not a metaphor. It literally means that when we take in God’s Word, it will do a work in our lives. Our part is simply to obey and allow the Word to do the work God intended. That is why you can read a verse a hundred times over many years and get something different out of it almost every time. As we take a few more deep breathes think about this promise to you from the scripture So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do… So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.” Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I invite Your Spirit to interpret to me what You want to say and do every time I hear any Scripture. Complete Your assignment in me. As above, so below.”

Psalm 1 from the Message Bible How well God must like you—  you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,  you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,  you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls. Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month,  Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—  Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. God charts the road you take. David tells us how much God loves obedience as he contrasts those who follow God versus those who don’t. But verse 2 talks about the concept of rumination on God’s Word, which is exactly what Sound Mind Set is all about. “Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.” The way we find truth and find balance in this life is by repeating, thinking on, considering, and ruminating on His Word, allowing it to have a 24/7 impact on us. As you have been listening to the passages of the Bible I read each day, do you find yourself thinking on, even repeating back parts of a verse to yourself later in the day or when a difficult circumstance arises? Almost like a song can get stuck in your head that you find yourself singing later? That, my friend, is rumination. And God loves it and can work in your life to bring balance in your heart and your home when that happens. As you think/ruminate about a phrase that stood out to you from the scripture Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your Word to go deep into my spirit to speak to me and make a difference. Bring the verses You want me to live by back to my mind as I go through my days and my nights. As above, so below.” If this has been helpful, will you help us in spreading the word by sharing this on your social media. You can do that where you see the three dots below or above the podcast cover on your podcast platform. Share to Facebook and encourage friends to join us each day for a few minutes; to get still and know God more because Scripture promises that He meets us in the stillness.

Today, we look at Proverbs 8, a prophetic chapter where the word “Wisdom” correlates to Christ. The “me” here is Jesus. Verses 32 thru 35: “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.  Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.  Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” What do these verses tell us to do? There are 5 action items … Follow His ways. Listen to His instruction. Listen to Him. Watch for Him. And the really tough one … Wait for Him. No one could honestly say that following Jesus is easy in today's world. I have found that the world tends to offer us the easy way in the short-term, which rarely makes the long-term good. With the Lord, the short term is often hard, but the long term turns out right … if we listen … if we don’t ignore Him … if we watch … if we wait. We will find life and we will find favor from the Lord. … if we listen … if we watch … if we wait. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, so often in my life choosing You over the world or my own way is hard. Please help me to listen for You, to You, to not ignore You, to watch for You, and the hardest one … to wait for You. As above, so below.”

Today, we will read the passage that contains what became known as The Lord’s Prayer—Matthew 6:6-13. The words of Jesus. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. The time we invest in prayer is going to pay dividends as we live our life. The time in private with God is going to be seen in public with others because prayer changes us, changes our thinking, and changes our circumstances. Jesus says that the key to our prayers doesn’t lie in repetition to Him but in relationship with Him. With this in mind, listen again to the passage from the Message translation. Jesus says to you, and I The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. Such a great rendering of The Lord’s Prayer. Did you notice our closing to all our prayers for Sound Mind Set? … As above, so below. … This is where that comes from. As above, so below is our goal for life. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I use Jesus’ words today to close in prayer … Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. … As above, so below.”

Matthew 5:3-10 is called the Sermon on the Mount—one of Jesus’s most well-known teachings. Matthew 5:3-10 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Again, I want to ask you if any line or phrase or word stood out to you? If so, say it out loud now. … Take a moment to ask God why He had that stand out to you? This time through, I will paraphrase the passage, turning the words into personal language and only reading certain parts for you to hear it differently… “God … realizes your need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven [is yours]. … mourn, [and you] will be comforted. [be] humble, [and you] will inherit the whole earth. … hunger and thirst for justice, [and you] will be satisfied. [be] merciful, [and you] will be shown mercy. [be] pure, [and you] will see God. … work for peace, [and you] will be called the children of God. Do [what is] right, [and] the Kingdom of Heaven is [yours]. Which of Jesus’ teachings here do you feel like He asking you to focus on right now? You likely know the reason, but if not, ask Him. He wants you to know … and tell you why. For those who follow Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven starts here. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours … right now. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for such incredible teachings and challenges. Thank You for every promise You offer for a balanced and blessed life. I want to experience the Kingdom of Heaven starting here, right now. So I mean it when I say … As above, so below.”

Yesterday we were in Proverbs chapter 2. Today, we turn the page to chapter 3.  My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (v. 1-6 NLT) Finding favor with both God and people, as verse 4 states, would be a sign of a fulfilled and balanced life, would it not? Again, God promises He can do these things in our lives when we surrender and submit to Him and His ways.  How might personal expressions like loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and trust help you find better balance with everyone in your life? For these to become genuine in life, we must slow down and focus on others. Exactly the way we win favor and a good reputation. With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.  Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Did you notice twice in that version of the passage, the words “living well” were used? What we all desire. What we all seek. To live well. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, teach me to take the time to listen for You, teach me to hear when You speak, teach me to know the difference in my voice and Yours, others’ voices and Yours. I want to learn Your voice just as clearly as my closest friend’s. As above, so below.”