MINDSET MATTERS #3!

"Mindset matters" for the 3rd day.....and beyond!

Awakening with a "muddled mind" this morning, I opened God's Word!

I praised! Think rejoiced in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)

I prayed & asked. Think supplication for my Wednesday Women. (in red ink) (Philippians 4:6)

I went back to God's Word. Eventually, I took a walk with my book of Philippians in hand. Picking up where I left off. At verse 7, words were "mindset" specific. "Peace to guard your heart and mind" in Christ!

Philippians 4:8 came immediately to mind---a familiar "mindset" (since March 1965, KJV) to think on these things.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Perfect Mindset Words became BOLD in my mind!

"Wrap-up words" from Philippians 4:9 inspired action---

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Positive thoughts to fill my mind 

on this Wednesday Wisdom Walk! 

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

Practice makes perfect-----or does it?

Does practice influence your life?

Maybe a better question would be, "Are your practices worthy?" 

Heart motives need to be in a positive realm.

Coach Vince Lombardi said, "Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect."

In other words, some training is superior to mere repetition. If wrong practices are repeated, bad actions can become permanent, but not right or necessarily correct! 

Progress in wrong doing is not in any way perfect!

Does practice influence your life the right way?

How do you know?

Make your request be known unto God. Pray for discernment.

Let Him lead.

"Stand firm in the Lord." (Philippians 4:1) The only One who is perfect!

He will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus..... topping it off with His peace. (Philippians 4:7)

DITHERING DITSY!

One might suppose that a person whose first "word of the day" for the week is "dither" would profit with that head's up.

But.....when one's spouse will be undergoing some serious surgery within a week..... All-a Dither has been my response!

 

The "indecisively" definition is  boldly true! Decision making is beyond difficult for me! So many factors. So much beyond my control!

Sounds like real life, doesn't it?

But God, in HIs love and mercy can use those factors to "up my trust factor." Trust God, not self!

Even this "Dithering Ditsy" understands the importance of placing your trust in the right place.....with the only ONE who is trustworthy!!

PRAYER BRIDGE!

PRAYER IS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN PANIC AND PEACE! (MUFHH, marginalia)

I found that bridge recently at Juney Whank Falls in Deep Creek!

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

PRAYER BRIDGE, A peaceful place. A place to pray. 

A place of refuge.

Waterfalls above and rushing water below!

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3) 

An unusual place to find rest and peace but it was there!

Peace was there and rest came....because God was there!

Let us exalt the LORD on bended knee---at a "bridge that removes panic and restores peace!"

MISTY MOUNTAIN MEANDERING!

In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

When life's struggles overwhelm......give thanks!

When high temps prevent walking......give thanks.

In all medical circumstances that disappoint.....give thanks.

This morning, lower temps allowed an early morning walk----a first walk in July! More of a meandering! Thanks flooded my mind!

Handicap parking was available. No walkers blocking views. Sounds of rushing waters from last night's rain. His peace had cocooned my mind and heart. 

Then, things changed----busloads  of  WCU cross country runners appeared for their 4 mile run......along with their photographer from Furman.

But God made it easy give thanks as all in their youthful strength and attitude, smiled and said hello as they passed us by....both coming and going!

Why give thanks? The answer is straight from God's Word.

It is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

THE LORD--MY REST

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures---(even with a sleeping bag and blanket)

That's REST!!!

The shepherd's presence seems to make all the difference in the behavior of His tired sheep! Turning back fear before it can get a foothold. Sitting in His "Love-Light."

Think revitalizing!

Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee. -Augustine

SPRING JOY!

One of my NC neighbors is an amazing gardener----from tropical greenhouse gardens and herbs to scatterings of jonquils/daffodils of many varieties; a husband willing to plant them...and both wiling to share them!

Spring Joy

 Maybe it was Spring Hope! She was't sure. I wouldn't know.

If I chose a name, it would be Spring Peace. Their garden is so serene---it calls for one to come and "sit a spell."

Since we moved here 6 months ago, I have had a constant need for peace.

Today's Jesus Calling DAYBRIGHTENER, reminded me "peace is one of our deepest needs."

God  planted that peace in the garden of our heart. Sarah Young also pointed out weeds can also grow there as well---pride, worry, selfishness. God, who is the Gardener of our heart works to rid our hearts of weeds. He uses times when we sit still in the light os His Presence. In His heavenly light flowers flourish and  weeds of troubling can shrivel up and die away or at least become bearable as we face them with Him!

His joyful Presence brings Spring Joy, Spring Hope or Spring Peace.

Take your pick!

CUSHION OF CALM!

A "Cushion of Calm" prevails before the predicted storm filled with gusts, ball-sized hail and tornadoes hits! 

How special to await it on our front porch with

a devotional book, a new book and a cuppa in my Lake Junaluska mug. The cushion in the chair, for the physical comfort I needed, even included the reminder. 

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS. IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.

In times of storm His sovereignty gives us His strength and peace, aka a "cushion of calm".!

A time of God's peace to rule in our thankful hearts. So we dance.

PEACE REQUIRES ABSENCE OF FEAR!

Spiritual Peace (peace with God)

Relational Peace (peace with others)

Emotional Peace (peace within ourselves)

Allow the cross of Christ to be present in your life in order................

....................to let the peace of God rule in your heart!

Vanquish all fear!

Be thankful, keep your eyes on the cross and let peace replace fears!

ACCEPTANCE IS KEY!

O Lord, there’s something magnificent about accepting things we cannot change—no giving up or giving in, but experiencing the deep peace in our brokenness!

Acceptance is key!

Lord, I know it won’t always hurt like this, but it does now.

Today I'm leaning once again toward choosing numbness over feeling. Feeling is too painful, Down right scary!

’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up…” (1Pet. 5:5-6)

Let the ink of the gospel get into your bloodstream. (my prayer notes, without citation) Gospel wrapped friendship. Friendship on the same side of the struggle. Focus. Refocus. Share. Focus on His great faithfulness! 

The only great in my life is my need. How about yours? 

BEHOLD!

BEHOLD! Behold has been My One Word for 2023! 

Until then, I had not given the word much thought. In my head I saw it in all caps followed by at least one exclamation point! BEHOLD!

Premier Christianity's definition was enlightening to me. 

Behold means “look!”, “open your eyes!” or “pay attention!” I’ve started to notice how it’s so often paired with an exclamation mark – the grammatical equivalent of a slap in the face. It’s not a gentle request. It’s a command. When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible that we’re currently ignoring.

Knowing Jesus noted 1527 occurrences of behold in 12 translations.

"Be sure to see" is the literal translation of the Greek word eido.

'Behold' is used 1,298 times in the King James version of the Bible. It is derived from the Greek word 'eido,' which has the literal translation of: be sure to see.

I had never really given the word much thought. But it actually appears in the scriptures about 500 times depending on the translation, so it’s probably worthy of a bit of consideration.

Behold means “look!”, “open your eyes!” or “pay attention!” I’ve started to notice how it’s so often paired with an exclamation mark – the grammatical equivalent of a slap in the face. It’s not a gentle request. It’s a command. When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible that we’re currently ignoring. https://www.premierchristianity.com/columnists/god-says-behold-1500-times-in-the-bible-heres-what-it-means/6136.article

For me, it's the personal aspect of God's Presence that is something to behold!

And behold I am with you always even until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

Sarah Young certainly shared the importance of peace in His Presence when she served me tea, 10 years ago today.

Today, O Lord may I BEHOLD! and focus on your Presence in my life. It does bring peace as Sarah knows first hand!

FAITH-FAMILY-FRENDS!!!

Faith. Family. Friends.

What do those three words have in common? 

The funeral of David Reid Manley, an amazing man with a soft heart and a servant's spirit, who would have appreciated Elvis singing "Precious Lord!"

A true celebration of a life-well lived by a PawPaw who loved the Lord first and allowed that love to overflow in service to family and others! 

Many of those who loved him filled the sanctuary. Fellow wood workers, deer hunters, jokesters and furniture movers. Most all of us were clad in Memphis blue to honor David's passion, as a Highland Hundred Tiger Booster. Even his Ole Miss chum.

Pastor Rob Mullins (Crossroads Baptist Church) offered comforting reminders from God's Word to those in attendance.

Remember--   

• God's Presence---Do not fear, I am with you...(Isaiah 41:10)
• God's Promises---For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. 
• God's Peace---We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
• God's People---I am confident I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) His wife Nina & the family have seen that goodness from texts, emails, cards and of course, casseroles from the Baptists. (Rob Mullins)

Mr. Manley had such a generous, servant's heart. I know that first hand. I received one of his hand-carved comfort crosses to take with me to Texas for all my cancer surgeries in 2009. What a treasure for me!

David Manley was a John 13:35 man--- all knew he was a disciple of the Lord because he had love for others without ever expecting or needing a thank you.

Certainly faith, family and friends are proof of a life worthy of celebration!

PEACE! PEACE !! PEACE!!!

So many terms for peace; nouns, verbs, (new to me) phrases; and exclamations.

Just check out Paul David Tripp's terms and phrases in my scribblings!

But.........peace can be  so transitory. Just ask your Ukrainian friends. 

True peace in Scripture passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) Christ's peace is the sum total of God's blessings to those in his covenant community. In Christ. (Psalm 29:11) Peace with God through Christ Jesus

Peace is a person, and his name is Jesus. (New Morning Mercies, 2/16)

PEACE NEEDED

Peace is always needed for a healthy life but it seems to be needed even more as Christmas approaches. And so I pray---peace for others!

(Picture hanging in Chatios Memorial Chapel, The Cove 2013)

Today I prayed Numbers 6:26 for a squad of others!

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (ESV)

For more meditating on that one verse, consider the AMP version.

The LORD lift up His countenance (face) 

upon you (with divine approval, 

And give you peace (a tranquil heart and life)

Peace, offered from God's Word,  feels good no matter which version you consider.

P.E.A.C.E.

P.E.A.C.E.

Acrostics to help us remember. Used often by me for self and others

Pray.

Enjoy. 

Accept this as "father-filtered.

Center your thoughts on Him and His will for you...

Expect to see God's hand in your life during this struggle.

P.E.A.C.E. Come up with an acrostic of your own to share with me or others.

2nd ADVENT SUNDAY

Why does one  Light the Candle of Peace during this time of "waiting" known as Advent?

 

Amen to the One who is the "Perfect" answer to the Advent of Peace!

PATHWAYS TO PEACE

Not only have I continued to ponder "path" options in life. I have realized that I am seeking peace.....in a nation that these days seem to be without peace. As a "type A" planner......am I seeking God's way or mine.

Journal jottings from this morning show the path that leads to me peace. 

Its not my path but His for me---Imagine that!!!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you aa the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Peace is an inner treasure that all my planning cannot accomplish. 

For His path of peace in my life, I need to keep my focus on the One who is my peace. 

(His) Presence = Promise and Protection....

His Promise and Protection = Peace!

SERENE SABBATH

Grace and Peace. Blessings from God’s hand. 

From Thessalonica, Philippi and Corinth of old to those in present - day Memphis, it’s available. 

So grateful to be a benefactor during this latest struggle 

“My” Molly’s pre-surgery (8/31/2020) pillow says it all for believers whose anxious thoughts multiply that within them.......

give it to God and go to sleep

.....allowing God’s Grace and Peace to envelop them

GOD'S PROCLAMATION

Fearful. Anxious. Apprehensive. Concerned. Suspect. 

Wondering how to help neighbors?

A "pandemic proclamation" gives rise to all those emotions. 

BUT GOD..... PROCLAMATIONS allow His people to find safety and courage as they trust in Him. 

God's proclamation---Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a)

The Lord's Presence indwelling His own people, should inspire trust and confidence. In quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

God's Read Psalm 46 when your world seems to be falling apart.

Continue to be diligent to obey all CDC declarations. Help and encourage others along those guidelines. 

Proclaim God's goodness to offer peace during this time of "Utter Confusion". (Armerding, p.86)

ETCHED IN STONE

Sometimes great reminders are right at your feet.

DON'T POSTPONE JOY!

• Romans 15:13. ... 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.
• Nehemiah 8:10. ... the joy of the Lord is your strength.
• Isaiah 35:10.....Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
• Psalm 16:11. ... You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
• Psalm 27:6. ... I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
• Psalm 28:7...The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him 
• Psalm 126:2-3. ...The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

CHOOSE JOY--ETCH IT IN STONE! 

BETTER YET, WRITE IT ON YOUR HEART!