Category Archives: Jesus

Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Thoughts

SETTING YOUR MIND

COLOSSIANS 3:2

Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

How is your thought life? I ask that question to the men I mentor on a regular basis. Some of these men struggle with keeping their mind pure. They have had issues with pornography in the past. So, I ask them when we talk how they are thinking, what are they setting their minds on.

Paul uses the Greek word phroneó to describe this command. Paul uses the Present Imperative Active form of this verb which means it is a command that we need to do over and over, to constantly do it. Therein lies the problem. So many of us do it once and think we are good. Nope. It doesn’t work that way.

APPLICATION

It is interesting that Jesus uses this same verb in the discourse with Peter when he was questioning Jesus’ message to them about suffering. Read what He says in Matthew 8:31-33. “31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.’”

Are you like Peter? Do you question the Lord’s words? Do you doubt His ability to work in and through you? Wouldn’t it be horrible to hear those words from Jesus? I would hate it. I want to be in tune with Him at all times. Am I? No, I am sorry to say. But I really want to be.

Today, start your day by getting your mind straight. Think on Jesus first. Ask Him what He wants you to do today? Before you start your day, spend time meditating on His Word. It is still so relevant for us today. He has things to say to us. Once you have heard Him, then just do what He says.

Father, speak to me. Show me today how to set my mind on You.

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Bible, Jesus, Love, Peace, Scripture

PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL

EPHESIANS 6:23

“Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

What an appropriate verse for this week! As we are in the midst of our Presidential Election here in the U.S., we are in dire need of peace and love. Each side is at war with the other, mainly through words. There is an obvious disdain for each other. Without commenting on the rights and wrongs of each candidate, I am praying for peace and love. There are some in our country who will not receive the results of the election well. Peace and love will be the last things on their minds. But we are commanded as believers to be peace makers and lovers of mankind.

Paul is ending his letter to the Ephesians in today and tomorrow’s verses. Today, we are focused on peace and love. Tomorrow it will be grace. Peace, love and grace – main columns of Christian growth. Keep in mind, Paul is signing off this long letter which would be read to the congregation. This isn’t an email that everyone would have received. One copy was delivered to the church and read aloud. He wanted to leave them with these thoughts – peace, love and grace. What a fitting close.

APPLICATION

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” If Jesus gives us peace, shouldn’t we be practicing peace? It’s not the peace the world speaks about. It’s not the absence of war and conflict. It’s the peace that comes from God the Father. We are told to be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

And we are to love each other. That’s taught throughout Scripture. 1 John is full of God’s love. Look at 1 John 4:7. “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” I need to show God’s love to everyone I come into contact with – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, whatever.

So, in this day and age when peace and love seem to be relevant only if people agree with each other, let’s strive to show the world a different way. Let us be at peace and show love to everyone. This is done with actions, not just words. Today, be peaceable. Today, be loving. Show the world what it means to be like Jesus.

Lord, I cannot be at peace and love others outside of You. Be that peace and love through me today.

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Baptism, Faith, Father, Jesus, One, Scripture, Uncategorized

ONES, PART 2

EPHESIANS 4:5

“one Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

We are continuing the thought Paul is sharing with the Ephesians in verses 4-6 of Ephesians 4. As I read today’s verse (short and to the point), I couldn’t help but think about the work we are doing around the world with Every Man A Warrior. Our ministry crosses cultures and denominations. We do not exclude a man because he belongs to a different church than us. We truly embrace today’s verse in order to unite men around the world to follow God’s direction in their lives as disciple makers.

Paul gives us three more “ones” in today’s verse. One Lord (Jesus)! One faith (in Christ as Lord)! One baptism (the public demonstration of your faith)! Paul is adamant about uniting these Gentile believers with their Jewish brothers. He wanted them to come together under a common banner – the banner of Jesus only! But don’t read this verse and move on to quickly. Look at what Paul is showing us here.

APPLICATION

Paul’s “one Lord” statement carries a lot of weight. In verse 4, Paul had pointed out there was “one Spirit.” We will see him point to “one God” in verse 6. So, with these three verses (4:4-6), Paul is pointing to the Trinity – Father, Son and Spirit. All three are important. And with the mention of all three separately, Paul is making a point to the Ephesians. They need Jesus. They need the Spirit. They need the Father God.

“One faith” is bringing attention to the fact that through the shed blood of Jesus, we have all been brought into the same faith. Believers who are following Jesus aren’t divided into subgroups. Paul even said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) And this faith is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us so when it says, “It is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is a gift of God.”

And then Paul steps onto thin ice, doesn’t he? He says, “one baptism.” Well Paul, what type of baptism are you talking about? Sprinkling, dunking, wet cloth? Paul is not referring to a type of baptism. He is referring the obedience of public profession of your faith, making it known to others. It is all about the act, not the actual process. I personally believe in baptism by immersion, but I am not going to break fellowship with my fellow believers over it. No, there is one act of baptism.

Ones! We are one! Never forget that. So, whenever anyone tries to separate you from other believers and point fingers at them, beware. Check everything by Scripture. After all, there is only one true authority and that’s His Word.

Father, I praise You that You are three in One. And You have made us one with You

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