Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Ephesians 4:17-18, “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.”

The Gentiles, Paul referred to, were in denial of the true God and therefore denied any standard of morality that they must answer to. They were either atheist, or they believed in gods who were themselves immoral. Sounds familiar to our modern culture’s ways, doesn’t it? We all have to keep on keeping on, in our walk with the Lord, in growing closer to Him and knowing Him better, more intimately each day.

My husband and I just returned from a 4,230 mile road trip to see my parents in NW Iowa, and brother and sister-in-law. We had the opportunity to visit with a few cousins along the way. I saw that each one has their own stressful issues, including my 94 yr. old parents, to deal with, and a cultural political shift in their state where they live, besides us here in California. So we all are to live up to what a Christian is and walk worthy of our calling (Ephe. 4:1). The challenge is set before us, just as it was with the church in Ephesus, back in Paul’s day.

Paul stated in Romans 1:21, “For although they knew God, they did not honor him, as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” We all must ask ourselves, “How am I honoring God today, and what do I need to thank Him for?”

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon said that if we do not honor God, we miss the whole purpose in life and are therefore fools (Prov. 1:7, 22;10:1; 12:15; 14:7; 17:25; 20:3). Solomon states the theme of Proverb’s goal is to describe and instill “wisdom” in God’s people. This wisdom is found in the “fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10)” in practical everyday circumstances, situations, and relationships. One example is from Proverbs 29:11, “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

There are several “no longer” ways we must live up to the calling to which we are called in Christ:

• No longer losing one’s temper and giving vent to anger – Prov.12:16, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” Prov. 20:3, “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.”
• No longer allowing sins of the past – Colossians 3:5, “Put to death therefore, what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
• No longer holding onto anxieties – 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.”
• No longer holding onto jealous thoughts – Proverbs 30, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”

Living our life intentionally, as God designed us to do, with the concentrated focus on honoring Jesus in all we do, to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:23-33), is an ongoing process and daily work for the rest of one’s life. Nobody’s grass is greener. The old way has to go. The NLT version of Ephesians 4: 23 states, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Our heart has to be changed in order for our mind to be changed and filled with the wisdom that can only come through knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Yes, the old way has to go in our thoughts and attitudes, and needs to be replaced with the truth of Christ Jesus. What we do needs to be motivated by our love for Christ. The old way has to go.

Listen to Run To The Father by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe.

Ephesians 4:1-2, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Paul is now launching into the practical aspects of our life in Christ (Ephesians 4-6) by urging the church to walk in unity, purity, harmony, and finally, in victory. This is our duty and responsibility in Christ. We all have to keep in mind how patient God has been with us. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “. . . learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart (humble).” His love is generous, full of mercy and grace, and goodness; therefore, we are to walk in a manner that is worthy of our name – a Christian.

When one has humility, one is content and happy in not needing to be in control or steering things only our way. Do you see yourself as a person that tries to control things or people? Are you a good listener? I think it is easy to recognize lack of humility and manipulation tendencies in others rather than in ourselves. We all have those offenders that come to mind, don’t we? It has been said that when you know you have the grace of humility you have lost it. But Jesus Christ was the supreme example of what the word humility is and means. Paul admonished the believers in Philippi, in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

True humility is knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and being yourself all to the glory of God. It requires having the right balance in walking in the manner of your calling in the work God has given you to do.

Which Christian character trait that Paul lists here is more challenging for you? Is it humility, gentleness, patience, or showing acts of love? I tend to be challenged with showing gentleness at times, and then second would be patience. I am working on this.

Not taking revenge is one aspect of what true humility means in walking in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ when inevitable wrongs occur within God’s family of united believers. We all have differences, weaknesses, and strengths, due to our upbringing and background. It is part of who we are. But we need to be patient with fellow believers in extending mercy and grace freely. I love how the MSG states the beginning of chapter 4 in Ephesians: “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.”

Listen to Casting Crowns It Has To Start Right Here (Official Lyric Video) 7/24/20.

Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Last week I felt that the only thing I had in common with the infamous Proverbs 31 woman is that a large majority of my clothes are purple too, as it says in verse 22, she dressed in “fine linen and purple.” That was it. She had many successful personal and business accomplishments and received many compliments for her actions and wisdom with admiration from others. Do you ever have one of those weeks where everything you did was misinterpreted and seemed to go wrong and the ending was not what you had intended? That was my week last week. But Paul tells us (me) in Ephesians 3:20 that God can do far more in our (my) life than I can ever imagine. So I then spent specific time focusing and meditating on the attributes of God over last weekend. My mind’s thoughts needed a reboot on Heavenly things, instead of dwelling on my current frustrations and anxieties at work.

It is beyond my own human capability to comprehend how much God can do far beyond my ability, to infinitely accomplish more than I ask or think Him to do.

 If I ask God to help me be of benefit at my workplace, He can do above that and He has shown and proven that to me in the past and will do as well in the future.

If I ask God to help in a situational problem(s), He can do above that and has as He builds up my endurance and gives me His insight.

If I ask God to answer a specific burden I am praying about, He can do above that. “In fact, God can do superabundantly above the greatest abundance.” (Clarke)

Do you have a need that you need God to do “far more abundantly?” Remember, this is what you already have and belongs to you:

• Spiritual strength
• Indwelling of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
• Experiential knowledge of God’s love
• The fullness of God’s love

God is omnipotent – all-powerful. God is omnipresent – He is near and continually with us. God is omniscient – all-knowing. He is full of goodness, love, kindness, grace, and is merciful. God is just and is our justifier. He is right and perfect in all that He does. God is faithful and able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, and God showed me that on Monday! Which attribute of God has He demonstrated to you the most this week in giving you an opportunity to see Him at a level you haven’t seen before?

Listen to Matthew West – Truth Be Told (Live at the Caverns) 11/1/2019.

Ephesians 3:17-19, “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith  – that you being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Paul spent much time in prayer for the Ephesians while he was in prison. He shares with his readers that he has prayed for their strength and complete understanding of God’s power and love. He was burdened for them to not only have the knowledge of theology, but to have it connect in their inner being in their hearts and to live by those truths.

I have a folding chair set up in my office to the left of my desk. I have a small sign placed on the seat of the chair that says, “God’s chair.” It is a constant reminder to me that God is with me while I am working throughout my day. I know in my head that God’s presence is always with me, but this visual sign helps remind me that He is at home, in my office, my kitchen, my living room, dining room, with me, besides at home dwelling within my heart. During times of needing to make a decision and figuring out the right solution, I will look at that chair and say, “OK God, what should I do now? How do I handle this?” I have had many of those times these past two weeks especially.

I have read several books throughout my sales career, on how to have success in my work, such as How To Get People To Like You In 90 Seconds Or Less; How To Connect In Business In 90 Seconds Or Less; The Only Negotiating Guide You’ll Ever Need. 101 Ways To Win Every Time In Any Situation; and Emotional Intelligence. Those are all helpful books to be used in acquiring success in business and sales, but God has given us 66 books bound in a single volume, that contain absolute truth, absolute guarantee if we read from it and meditate on it day and night, we will be filled with the wisdom of knowing the love of Christ, that will guide us, navigate us, as we study to show ourselves approved unto Christ (2 Tim. 2:15). Joshua 1:8 states, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you will meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is my prayer for myself. This is also my prayer for you, my reader, as well. May you live in the fullness of God today, through practical personal experience, and comprehend the love of Christ for you through faith and prayer as you live daily for Him in every aspect of your life. Paul’s prayer is my prayer, too: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom, and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV.

Listen to Matthew West Take Heart – Live (4/10/2020)

Ephesians 2:21-22, “In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you are also being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

At the time Paul was writing Ephesians, he was in prison, under house arrest in Rome. Paul was awaiting trial because he was falsely accused by the Jews, of taking a Gentile into the temple past the literal wall of separation, which divided the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul was making it clear that in Jesus, the wall is gone. They are all one under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. So differences in politics, racial, economic, language, geography, or whatever, should not be causing arguments and division within the church. Those who were causing disunity did not fully understand what it means to be under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

We all are growing in our understanding of God’s ways, and it continues no matter what age we are, as we seek to serve Christ in all aspects of our life . Taking every thought captive to be pleasing and obedient to Christ is a never-ending challenge and process. Sometimes I succeed, and other times I fail. How about you?

Proponents of legalism seem to feel they have superior access to God during topics of issues with their strong opinions. A lack of humility appears to come out in their communicated dogmatic views. Paul preached and warned against that in his day. We all must have strong convictions in supporting the truth of the gospel and the principles found in God’s Word. But we must be adept in stating our beliefs and our opinions in a love language that our word choices would honor Jesus; showing He is the Lord and Savior of our life instead of giving into the trigger temptations resulting out of pride. If I looked at the person I disagree with, recognizing feeling the friction of the moment as another trigger point I happen to have, and remembered they are also made in the image of God (as I am), how would my words change?  The MSG states Ephesians 2:20-22, this way, “You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all – irrespective of how we got here – in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day – a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.”

God is using each one of us, and He is using you, to have an impact on others from your journey in life due to His grace. My new book, “Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons,” which is on Amazon, speaks about this. Embrace what God is doing and working in your life (chapter 20, Transformer And Not A Conformer). Jon Courson has said, in his Application commentary, New Testament, “You’re being fit together as living stones for a holy habitation in which God can dwell forever.”

Listen to MercyMe – Quarantine Grab Bag – “Dear Younger Me.”

Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

I have to water, every afternoon, our onion plants, green pepper plants, garlic, oregano, basil, and other plants with the gardening hose. The water is what is needed for them not to die during the intense afternoon sun’s heat, and to develop properly. The hose is the communicator of the water and does nothing in and of itself. The hose does not quench the grounds thirst; the water does. But the hose brings water to the soil and roots of the plants, where it is needed for benefit. God’s grace is communicated to us by our faith in Him, which is for our benefit in our spiritual walk. We act by the faith supplied to us by God’s grace.

Paul stated in Ephesians 1:6c that God has “blessed us in the Beloved.” We that have accepted Christ as our Savior are accepted. The simple principle is you are embraced by God, not because of who you are but where you are. You are in Christ despite all your weaknesses, past behavior, and feelings of inadequacies, all due to God’s grace. Throughout the New Testament, and especially in Paul’s writings, the term “in Christ” is used more than 100 times. We are adopted, chosen, justified, regenerated, sanctified, forgiven, God’s work of art, been given everlasting love, and righteousness, are all of the benefits of our salvation because of our relationship in Christ. He lifts us up. He lifts us out, and we are linked with Christ by our faith in Christ.

The Message states Ephesians 2:9-10 this way, “No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.”

How is God drawing you to Himself today?

When you go to bed tonight, reflect on how God has shown and given you His grace today. Then pray for that person that comes to mind that you need to show grace to as well, and pray for them to be watered with God’s love, kindness, and grace in their life through their faith in Him.

Listen to Mercy Me – Best News Ever (Official Lyric Video)

Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”

Paul stated encouragement to believers to remember that we have immeasurable blessings in Jesus Christ, for us that are Christians and to walk in a manner worthy of them. Have you thought about how God has blessed you this week and thanked Him? Too often, I think about all that has gone wrong instead of what has gone better than I expected. I have so many insufficiencies and lack of patience when something goes awry at work, or home, or in a relationship. Yet God shows me His love just as He did to Moses at the burning bush when Moses had lost his self-confidence. God’s response to Moses was, “I will be with you.”

In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes the divine design is first about sitting in front of Christ in heavenly places (Ephe. 2:6). Then the next step is to walk with Jesus responsively (Ephe. 4:1) throughout the responsibilities of our day in a manner worthy of our calling, that He has called us to do, and the third step is to stand fast in Him securely Ephe. 6:13).

Do you realize and acknowledge the blessings God has given you throughout your life and even daily despite being surrounded by chaos? Do we always realize God’s resources are never limited and never go in the negative compared to our bank account and finances? Spurgeon once said, “If you think little of what God has done for you, you will do very little for him; but if you have a great notion of his great mercy to you, you will be greatly grateful to your gracious God.”

Paul wrote with great joy, the book of Ephesians from a prison cell. He said our spiritual blessings are not from Christ but in Christ. Paul felt blessed, even though he was in a jail cell.

The Holy Spirit is mightily at work in your life. Sit before Jesus and soak in His presence. Despite our uncertain times, Christ is the ruler of all. We that have an intimate relationship with God, due to our salvation in Christ, need to remind ourselves of our eternal, spiritual, and heavenly blessings which are:

• Chosen for salvation
• Adopted as God’s child-Isa. 43:1 – “I have called you by name, you are mine.”
• Forgiveness
• Insight – Ephe.1:18-20 –
  Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ who he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.”
• Gifts of the Spirit
• Eternal life with Christ

God’s resources are never in the negative. Heavenly benefits do not fluctuate like the stock market, the daily news, and our 401K does. He is the eternal, all-sufficient God, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh. Therefore you are complete in Him (Col. 2:10) due to God’s providential grace, and that fact remains steady and will never fluctuate as today’s Dow Jones report will. You have the good news within you.

Listen to Chris Tomlin’s new song Who You Are To Me (Lyric Video)

Galatians 6:3-5, “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”

Have you noticed one’s pride is fragile and can often get in the way in our relationships? Feelings of pride come into place when comparing ourselves to others and seeing someone else’s flaws. It has to do with the sense you are more important than someone else; therefore, you should get more attention. Don’t we all view with disdain certain boisterous people and think, “Whoa! They sure think they are something!”

Philippians 2:3b-4 has the same idea as Paul is teaching in Galatians 6, which states: “In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” We all want to have significance and be recognized for performing our work or creating and making something expertly. That is not wrong. But it takes carefully scrutinizing our work, and asking ourselves if Jesus was pleased with our actions, attitudes, and behavior? If each area can line up to those standards, then satisfaction and having the inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing ourselves to anyone else can be rightly achieved in a self-deserving feeling of accomplishment well done.

Each person has to bear his or her own burden of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible and give an account before God at judgment day (Rom. 14:12). No one is exempt. The AMP version states Galatians 6:4-5 this way: “But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work (examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior), and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear (with patience) his own burden (of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible).”

 The MSG version of Galatians 6:3-5 states concisely also what must be remembered and I am pointing to myself: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” So you need to, I need to, sink ourselves into what you believe God has given you to do and see that you do it well despite if anyone notices or appreciates it. When you do your very best, feel that joy and relish that moment. When you fall short of your expectations, abide in our God’s loving acceptance and comfort, and ask God to sustain you in His grace. We all struggle with falling into the trap of comparisons. Today’s devotional thoughts are a peak into this very subject of my new book that is now out on Amazon: “Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons.” Check it out!

Listen to Matthew West – You Are Known (Audio) YouTube song.

Galatians 5:25-26, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Paul had just said in Galatians 5:16 to “Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Do you see yourself as a Spirit-filled believer? What does that look like? I think we all know what it does not look like. Do you always submit to the Holy Spirit’s promptings? It sounds pretty simple, but do you always have a Spirit-controlled attitude? I confess I do not all the time, and then suffer from having regrets and replay in my mind what I wish I would have said instead in those conversations. My expectations in the relationship is involved leading to satisfactory or unsatisfactory results in a point in time. Paul is saying that if we are going to be walking in the Spirit then we must have patience and love in our feelings with one another, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. People will always disappoint us the longer we know them. But the longer we know the Lord, the more He will impress us with His goodness, unconditional love, and faithfulness.

In verse 25, Paul used the Greek word stoicheo and is a different verb than in verse 16. It means “walk in a line behind a leader.” When going into a new meeting with my work, I picture myself marching behind my spiritual leader, the Holy Spirit; therefore I can hold my head up high, straighten up and pull back my shoulders, and stand up straight! No slouching with poor posture because I have a connection with my divine redeemer, shepherd, comforter, and deliverer; therefore, I will follow the divine wisdom He will give me in carrying out the work He has given me to do. He will go before me because He is my leader, leading the way. I just need to follow Him and keep my eyes focused on Jesus.

A cross-reference verse to Galatians 5:26 is Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There must have been some abrasive and robust personality types within the Galatian churches since Paul warned them about not being “conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” The definition of causing provocation means – inciting in making someone annoyed or deliberately angry. Resentment then usually occurs. Think about that the next time you see an argument starts to happen. Be on guard and be very careful about submitting to that challenge. Personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage is how we are to walk in the Spirit. Each of us is an original. God doesn’t need duplicates.

March in line, behind your Heavenly leader. God has a purpose for you, so stand up straight, put on humility, and have God-confidence. He is establishing your path. Follow and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.

Listen to Casting Crowns -Only Jesus (Official Lyric Video) 8/21/2018.

Galatians 5:16-17, “But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

Do you have spiritual mentors or a close friend, that when you leave the conversation with them, you think, “Now they are walking with the Lord. I feel closer to Jesus and love Him more after talking to her or him.”

I have to ask myself, do I always listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and promptings in the path and nature of Jesus Christ such as showing some practical expression of love, a moment of intercessory prayer for someone, or an encouraging word, or compassionate act of mercy He brings to my mind? Paul stated in Romans 13:14, which is a parallel verse, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

How is the Holy Spirit teaching you about Jesus as you are moving through today’s battles?  Martin Luther has said, “I have been assailed by many violent passions, but as soon as I took hold of some Scripture passage, my temptations left me. Without the Word, I could not have helped myself against the flesh.”

How do we acquire the influence of the Holy Spirit upon our lives? It takes hearing God’s Word, reading God’s Word, and obeying God’s Word, with discernment in identifying His promptings versus mere emotional drifting feelings. Galatians 5:22-23 is a list of the qualities that is evidence the Holy Spirit is leading you: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such there is no law.” Having patience has been more challenging for me during this current pandemic situation. Life will always have challenging circumstances, injustices, and people not treating each other rightly. Therefore, we must respond immediately to the Spirit’s signals – but am I listening? Paul said, “Walk in the Spirit.”

What verse has the Holy Spirit been prompting in your mind recently? The AMP version states Galatians 5:22-23 this way, “But the fruit of the Spirit (the result of His presence within us) is love (unselfish concern for others), joy, (inner) peace, patience (not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” I need to sit and pause right now, taking in these words – especially on “patience (not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting).” So my question for myself remains, am I listening to the Holy Spirit and putting into action in what He is telling me in my heart to do? My work day is filled with needing to show love, peace, joy, and patience with my co-workers and even with some of my more challenging customers. That is what putting kingdom principles within the work day or even with family requires instead of reacting impulsively and in the flesh. It isn’t always about quoting Scripture verses, yet being prepared to share your faith when given opportunities to do so. Again, I ask myself, am I listening and doing what the Holy Spirit is telling me to do at any given moment and how am I acting while having to wait for answers is my challenge. What is yours?

Listen to Casting Crowns Nobody (Official Music Video).