Sound Mind Set

One of the most fascinating conversations recorded in Jesus’s life was with the “rich, young ruler,” evidently a young man that “had it all.” Matthew 19:16-22 NLT Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. This young man’s life was all about what he had, what he had done, and what he hadn’t done. His focus was on behavior, not his heart. How things looked to others, not how things actually were. Jesus knew his treasure was not in pleasing God, so He challenged the man to find a greater, more valuable life than the one he had. For many of us, we treasure how things look, how we are perceived and how we measure up to others. Imagine this conversation is with you and Jesus asks you to let go of all worldly possessions and perceptions... How do you respond? What comes to mind as the hardest thing to let go of? You are not alone... in our current culture, how we look, what we have, and what we want can be more important than a relationship with Jesus. For our purposes in this time together, let’s close with a focus on Jesus’s words: “You will have treasure in Heaven when You follow Me.” Can we be satisfied with that? Will you allow His treasure be enough today? Let’s pray: “Dear Father, I am grateful that when I first encountered You, I said ‘yes’ and didn’t walk away. But help me every day to keep saying ‘yes’ to You, to put You before money, stuff, and the things of this world that distract and attract. Help me to keep selling out for You and following You. As above, so below.”

Luke 5:15 "Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." This passage is in the middle of describing many things that were happening in Jesus's ministry. Healing leprosy, a paralyzed man, teaching crowds, and ministering to tax collector over dinner. Then right in the middle of all the activity it says “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”. No doubt you have many things going on in your life right now. When was the last time you removed yourself from the daily grind and prayed? Maybe that is what you are doing now? If this idea of sequestering oneself to an isolate place, a lonely place was important enough for Jesus to do, paying attention to our capacity, our 'tank', so to speak, and making room to refill it, is vitally important to self care. Listen again to the this passage about Jesus paying attention to self care, for the sake of pouring Himself out. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Let’s pray. Father show me how to withdraw myself when I need to. I admit, I don’t do this enough. I need you to refill what gets depleted. You are the only source that can refill me with what I need. As above, so below.

Today, we close out our meditative walk in worship through the Psalms. Psalm 91 is popular for its incredible promises of God’s protection. Satan even quoted a verse from this passage in his temptation to try and get Jesus to jump off the top of the Temple to prove God would save Him. Whether we consider some of these phrases as literal or metaphor, the reality is that the greatest power we have in our lives to protect us is God Almighty. I want to encourage you to take in every word. Don’t just hear them, but listen to the love in them. Right now, sit before Your Savior and trust these words to be true of you, and for you. Psalm 91 NLT Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. … The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Did you notice the certainty in the words, in the phrases like “will find” and “will cover” and “will shelter”? Words of trust and faith that God does and will answer, rescue, reward, and honor the obedient heart of His followers. What is one way God has rescued or protected you recently? Will you thank Him for that right now? Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your refuge, Your shelter, Your safety, Your covering. You don’t promise us that trouble won’t come, but thank You that You do promise to be with me when anything threatens. I worship You as my Lord and My God. As above, so below.”

Today, we will experience Psalm 40, another transparent and poetic text from King David. Let’s experience God and His Word together in worship. Psalm 40 NLT I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. … I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. … Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. … may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay. These words reflect a grateful heart that recognizes the reality of being rescued. The confession of being poor and needy is met with help from a Savior. Where are you today? Waiting? In need of rescue? Or grateful that God’s help did arrive? No matter where you are, He is near. God is ever-present. You are in His thoughts. Listen again to David’s words from the opening of this passage. Let’s personalize them say them out loud as a reminder of our God being close to us right now. You lift me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. You set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walked along. You have given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to my God. Let’s pray together: “Father, thank You that You will hear our cries and lift us out of our self-laid traps. Thank You that You will then give us a new song and a new life to have the freedom to tell others about what You have done for us. Thank You for Your tender mercies, unfailing love, and faithfulness. As above, so below.”

Continuing our week solely focused on worship, today we will experience Psalm 34. Be present. Be all in on this moment. No distractions. Listen with your ears and your heart. Let’s experience His Word and our worship together. Psalm 34‚ NLT I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good.  Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. … the Lord will redeem those who serve him. Just as David did here, when was the last time you bragged on God? When was the last time you shared with someone what He has done for you? Listen again to the final words of this passage as I personalize David’s words for us. The Lord hears me when I call to him for help. He rescues me from all my troubles. The Lord is close to me when my heart is broken; he rescues me when my spirit is crushed. I may face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Let’s pray just as we have worshipped: “Father God, thank You for being our guard who surrounds and defends. Thank You that You watch over us and hear us. Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted and though we face troubles, You will rescue like the good Father You are. As above, so below.”

Today, again, we will spend time in worship. Simply focusing on God and His character. So, invite His Holy Spirit to pour over You with His presence. Listen intently as we experience His Word together. From Psalm 33 The Message Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising. Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano! Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare. For God’s Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out. He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God’s affectionate satisfaction. … bow before God; … down on your knees! Here’s why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so. God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world’s power-schemes. God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last. Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he’s put in his will. He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do. No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength. Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone. Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together. We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on. Can you add your personal thoughts of worship to these words from david? What about God are you in awe of? How has God rescued you? Will you praise and worship him for the personal way He has shown up recently? Let’s personalize the last lines of Psalm 33: I’m depending on You, God; You are everything I need. What’s more, my heart brims with joy since I’ve taken for my own Your holy name. Love me, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what I’m depending on. Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, Thank You that I don’t have to worship, but I get to worship. You are a Gentleman who never forces His way, yet loves in such a powerful way that invites a response of gratitude. Thank You for loving me with all You’ve got. As above, so below.”

This week we will spend time in simple, quiet worship. Let’s simply focus on God and His goodness. Breathe deep and allow your spirit to connect to His Holy Spirit. Psalm 29 from The Message — A Psalm of David Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!” In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him! God thunders across the waters, Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters. God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic. God’s thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars. The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats. God’s thunder spits fire. God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake. God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!” Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace. What words, what phrases stood out to you? What games of God moved your spirit to worship? Listen once again to the final verses: We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!” Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace. As you walk through hardships and the challenges of your life, remember that Your God is the God of the thunder, of the rain, and of glory and power. He has you. He holds you. To make you strong. To give you peace. Let’s pray: “Father, I realize Your power. I recognize Your glory. Today, in this quiet moment, I worship You. Thank You for Your strong arm that protects my life. Thank You for Your gentle Spirit to give me peace. As above, so below.”

Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope. Romans15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That’s why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope’.  What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless? It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him.  Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope? It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope. Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us? Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”

Psalm 77:11-15 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;     yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works     and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy.     What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles;     you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,     the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is  ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There’s more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us.  Can you think of a situation where you didn’t see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through?  Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through.  Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facing Let’s pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don’t know what to do. As above, so below”

Psalm 107:1-9 Oh, thank God—he’s so good!     His love never runs out.  All of you set free by God, tell the world!     Tell how he freed you from oppression,  Then rounded you up from all over the place,     from the four winds, from the seven seas. Some of you wandered for years in the desert,     looking but not finding a good place to live,  Half-starved and parched with thirst,     staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.  Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.     He got you out in the nick of time;  He put your feet on a wonderful road     that took you straight to a good place to live.  So thank God for his marvelous love,     for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.  He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;     the starved and hungry got plenty to eat. This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God .  This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we’ve read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through.  Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn’t always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him.  Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance. PRAY Father thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.