What Is On Your Mind?

What Is On Your Mind?

 

Good Morning Friends,

 

You have heard it said that the devil is in the details but scripture suggests that God is in the specifics. We have been deceived into believing something that really is not pure scripture. People are Biblically illiterate so they can be fooled.
Unfortunately, a lot of people believe in scripture that is not there. So, we should be careful what gets into our head for much depends on our thoughts. What Is On Your Mind?

 

Scripture: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress. You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The friends who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

Philippians 4:8-23 (NRSV)

 

For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Matthew 5:18- 19 (NRSV)

 

God helps those who help themselves.

 

2 Hesitations 4:3 (NITB)

 

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

 

Tidelonians 3:16 (NITB)

 

Message: You have heard is said that “the devil is in the details” but it is a modification of the original quote, “God is in the details.” It should not surprise anyone that the words has been altered. After all, God is in every letter and stroke of scripture. But what we assume is in the Bible, like the devil tempting Eve in the Garden, is not scripture at all. When we study the Bible in detail we begin to see that sometimes it is not what we have assumed it to be. As an example, I have included two made up scripture listings, of often misquoted Bible verses. I am sure you can pick them out but some people cannot. And we are easy prey for this because it is our nature to rebel against the details…it is our nature to make up things. So, unfortunately many are misguided by lies and instead of seeing God as a good God that gave the details for our benefit, people are deceived into believing the devil is in the details and so avoid them. Now most people who are deceived will probably not verbalize their disbelief in the goodness of God. As a matter of fact, they will talk about how they love God more than those who care about the details. They will explain how that their love is in their hearts, which is what God judges. Some will opine that God does not care so much about the outward appearance, but about the great feelings and desire they have for God. And there is some truth in all this…just enough to lead us astray. Friends, throughout scripture small things make big differences…David’s small stones…the widow’s mite…the touch of a woman reaching out in a crowd for the hem of Jesus’ cloak. So too small thoughts can make a big difference. Believing the wrong things is a problem. Trust depends on small things. So, know this, transformation begins by calculating what our minds are focused upon. And our minds must be set on the glory of Christ pure and unencumber in all that we do. The door to the Kingdom of God is hinged on this. Remember Christ.

 

Pray we realize that God may well work in mysterious ways but that we will not find that quote in any Bible verse. Pray we take time to learn the detail of scripture. Pray we not miss the specifics of what God would have us to do. Pray with thanksgiving for the peace of Christ in our thoughts and minds and memories. Pray we think virtuously about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Pray we realize that the core of a healthy believer is a healthy mind. Pray we put into our minds scripture that develops our character and results in proper behavior that honors our creator. Pray we discover God in the details.

 

Blessings,

 

John Lawson