Sound Mind Set

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible. We hear these words read in so many settings. But in this beautiful poetry by the shepherd-turned-king David, he speaks of God the Father as his Shepherd and relates life to what he offers his own flock. Listen with your heart, and hear about the life that God offers you, just as he did David … The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT) A significant part of finding balance in our spiritual lives is found in the first verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.” When we can arrive at the place where He is truly all that we need to sustain our lives when we find our dependence entirely on Him, then we can find rest, our strength can be renewed, we can learn what it means not to be afraid, we can believe that His goodness and mercy is alive in our lives. Focus on your breathing in and out, close your eyes, and listen intently to this version of Psalm 23 God, my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty Shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (MSG) The first version we read, the New Living, placed the text on what God will do for us in the future. The Message placed the text in the present, what He does for us. The reality is that both are true. What else do you need besides God? Could you use some time in a lush meadow? Beside a quiet pool? Time to catch your breath so you can head in the right direction. God is ready to meet your every need. Breathe deep … take in His truth today … then slowly exhale and let go of yesterday, the past. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for offering all I need. Forgive me when I focus on all I want, especially those things that are outside of Your will. Lead me, Lord. I want to be able to say that, in You, I don’t need anything or anyone else. As above, so below.”

In Mark 12, Jesus was asked which of the ten commandments was most important. His reply surprised them: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” What is the first key phrase in this passage? The action verb Jesus began with? LOVE - Love the Lord … your God. We have to start with the very personal question: How much do I love God? How do we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds with all of our strength? Jesus showed us a road map in this passage. There are four quadrants mapped out of our being that Jesus mentioned here: Heart, Soul, Mind, and strength. We start with getting present with God - just me and Him - getting still. It is the premise of what we do here every day. We do this by breathing and getting still. Notice the passage starts with internal, intimate things - not intellectual things like the mind. It begins with our heart and soul. The order to this is critical We start by paying attention to our heart - what is going on inside. Approaching God as a child with all our feelings, failures and desires and bringing it to Him. Then we focus on our Soul by getting still and allowing His presence to speak to our inner being - without words. Only then do we engage our mind by taking in what God is saying. Lastly, our strength, what we do with encountering God. These are the steps Jesus laid out to love him wholly. Listen again to Jesus words. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Start, as Jesus said, with our heart -our feelings, then move to our soul - experiencing God in stillness caring for the deepest part of us, then move to feeding our minds by taking in what he is saying and then, and only then should we move forward in strength Knowing the source. What part of the four quadrants do you struggle to let be known by God? Heart, soul, mind, strength? These are all connected. Your heart matters—your soul matters. Your mind matters. What you do matters. But the order matters most. Can you allow God to love you today? Can you let him know more of you this next year? As you ruminate on those feelings, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for taking all of the laws and simply telling us to love You with all we have, through a relationship with Jesus. Today, I seek Your balance. I give you my heart. My mind. My thoughts. My attitude. My spirit. My being. All that I have for all that You are. As above, so below.”

Philippians 4 6-7  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.  Peace that transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds.   This passage says we don’t have to be anxious about anything because we bring everything before God as a petition… but don’t skip over this word - with thanksgiving. Gratitude - giving thanks. In other words - equally bring our needs and our gratitude to God, to receive transcendent Peace. This time from the message Bible.  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  What would it look like if we shaped our worries into prayers? Instead of spending too much time processing how we’re going to get through something or how we’re going to fix something, we start with bringing that as a prayer before God. If we do that, this passage promises we will know a sense of God’s wholeness, that everything will come together for good, which will settle us down.   What is one worry in your life that you need transcendent Peace with, that doesn’t seem possible?   No matter what happens, no matter what lays before us, if we start the discipline of turning our worries into prayers, we can experience a sense of God wholeness, which displaces worry as the central theme of our life.   PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Ephesians 2:14-15 (The Message)  The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody. From biblical times, it has been a constant, and even today, we feel the pressure of segregation and separation. Not just racial segregation - social-economic segregation, political, denominational. We are a divided world.  But because of Jesus, he brings peace to division. listen again  The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.  Are you suspicious of anyone - their motives, agenda - their lifestyle?  This passage so clearly talks about how, because of what Jesus sacrificially did, he got rid of the religious code of law that created division and became more of a hindrance than it was helpful… and he started over.   Because of what he did he ended animosity and suspicion, bringing peace… We no longer need to hold fast, dare I say worship, the idols of preference, position, prestige, or power.  If there someone in your life, like there is in mine, that you view with animosity or suspicion, can you except that that person is on the same footing, the same level as you, in need of the Messiah who leveled the playing failed, see’s us all, loves us all the same?  PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. … I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.    So many scriptures talk about the peace that God gives us. This passage commands us to create peace actively. This was written from prison, from someone locked up unjustly. He is telling in light of the peace we have been shown to give that peace to others. listen again    In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do.  I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.    Paul calls our attention to a few particular things that we are called to do; Number one, we are not to sit around and do nothing or continue down a path that goes nowhere. We are called to be active and intentional about sharing what we have been given.   Number two, we are to do this with humility and discipline, to make these two characteristics a way of life. Constantly humble and pouring ourselves out for each other in acts of love.   And Number three, we are called to notice differences between ourselves and others and do everything in our power to make peace.     Is there someone that comes to mind right now that you need to proactively humble yourself and make peace with as an act of love?    PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

 John 14:25-27  I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.     In this passage, the baby Jesus we celebrated on Christmas has now lived about 30 years, and he’s coming to the crossroads of what He came to do. He is sharing with his closest friends who, unbeknownst to them, are about to encounter complete chaos and, from the way it seems, the whole plan falling apart. Their Messiah, their friend, is murdered in front of them.     Peace is not a place, Peace is a person, Peace is a Presence. This same Presence is with us now, just as he was with his friends, his disciples, thousands of years ago.   Here Jesus is clearly telling us that: Number one, the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus and the Father, is with us to remind us of everything that he said.   Number two, He says don’t be troubled or afraid even when things seem like they’re all falling apart. Jesus has left us with a gift, peace of mind and heart.     What thoughts are troubling your mind right now that you can ask for peace of mind?   What heartache are you feeling right now that you can ask God to bring peace to your heart?    Jesus says the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid…     Breathe    PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Colossians 1:19-20   “For God in all his fullness   was pleased to live in Christ,   and through him God reconciled   everything to himself.   He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth   by means to Christ’s blood on the cross.“    What an amazing thought, the God of the universe, in all his fullness and completeness, was pleased to live as a human. And he did it all to reconcile everything; the word reconcile comes from the Latin root words (re) - back and (conciliar) - bring together. Bring back together. As intended. Made right.    The almighty, powerful creator - God, the same one that hung the moon and the stars and created everything, lowered himself, became a human, again, here’s the amazing thing - was happy to do it because he wanted to make everything right. To bring everything back together as originally intended. Whole and complete.    And as a result, He brings you and I peace, shalom, which also means completeness and wholeness. All is right; every debt paid, every mistake and failure is forgotten. We can experience peace, being inseparably connected to the God of the universe, with all the power, and love, and grace, and mercy that goes with that, because of what happened. Jesus was born, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again to make peace with everything in heaven and on earth.    The most profound eternal problem you will ever face, separation from your Father God and his Love, Power, and grace, has already been reconciled for you. There is nothing you can do or not do to change that.    PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Luke 2:8-14Living Bible That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[b] lying in a manger!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang,[c] “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.” Imagine for a moment that you’re a shepherd back in the B.C. days. It’s just another cold, lonely, pitch-dark night, sitting by the fire, watching the sheep. Then, suddenly, a blinding light pierces through the blackness, and you’re face to face with an angel. He sees the terror in your eyes, knows you think that he has come to kill you because of your sin and low position, so then he declares, “Don’t be scared. I have good news of great joy for all people.”  Disbelief overwhelms reality as you think, “Why me? And why here? … Aren’t there some important people somewhere to do this? After all, we’re just shepherds.” Shepherds, as a stereotype, had a reputation for being low-lives, men of bad reputation. They didn’t observe the ceremonial law and were not religious men. They were so known for stealing and dishonesty that their testimony would not be considered reliable enough to testify in court. Think about that… God chose first to announce He was here to these men of bad reputation. He made His birth announcement to the least of these, setting a pattern for His Son’s ministry. On that night, that holy night, everything changed and the broken, rejected, lowest of society were the ones that God chose to tell first.  The words of the beautiful song, Oh Holy Night, capture the essence of that encounter. As we finish our time together - let me read you the words for this beautiful song.  O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,  It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;  Long lay the world in sin and error pining,  'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.  A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,  For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;  Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!  O night divine! O night when Christ was born. Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

ISAIAH 35 Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.    The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers    and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,    as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory,    the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,    and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts,    “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.    He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind    and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer,    and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,    and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool,    and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish    where desert jackals once lived. And a great road will go through that once deserted land.    It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it.    It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;    fools will never walk there. Lions will not lurk along its course,    nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers.    Only the redeemed will walk on it. Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.    They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing,    crowned with everlasting joy.—- Sorrow and mourning will disappear,    and they will be filled with joy and gladness. PRAY: Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Matthew 1:18-25 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they enjoyed their wedding night, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic revelation to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;  They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”). Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus. Scripture states that Joseph decides he should quietly divorce her, which was legally required of a betrothal or engagement in that day. He didn’t want to expose her to any public disgrace or judgment. Yet, even amidst such great heartbreak, doubt, and question, Joseph put Mary first and protected her at all costs. He loved her, even in what he thought was his darkest moment. Joseph has a dream where an angel confirms Mary’s story and tells him to name the boy “Jesus.” So, Joseph immediately marries Mary. But, here’s an interesting facet to the story.  Verse 24 - 25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus. Joseph does not have sex with his wife before her giving birth. Now, there is nothing in this passage where the angel tells Joseph to abstain; in fact, the angel says “don’t hesitate to get married." Meaning he has all the legal rights of a husband. But Joseph made a choice out of respect to God’s plan to stay out of God’s way, to stay in His will. The integrity and love that often an unsung hero of the story is so inspiring. Joseph not only obeyed, but he went a step further and honored the purity of the story out of reverence for there being a bigger plan.  Think about that, Joseph was married, anyone around him could’ve said it is possible that this child is Joseph’s, but Joseph’s discipline and self-control elevated God's will about his desires. He honored and highlighted the miraculous story that we celebrate, God with us. So there could be no doubt. This was God’s son. Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. Immanuel, God with us. Amen