Make Up Your Mind

Once again I am simply writing this as something the Lord has been speaking to me in my own personal quiet time. I just like everyone is a sinner undeserving of the love, grace, mercy, and life God offers me. However it is through Jesus that I am able to experience all these wonderful gifts. I am seen as righteous when I stand in the presence of God. HOW EXCITING!! One thing the Lord has been speaking to me is the fact that our life of faith is a choice. We can either choose to obey and serve Him or we can choose not to. It really is that simple. Consequences occur when we choose not to but God will respect our decision to not walk with Him. Romans 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. We either choose to live according to our fleshly desires or in the Spirit. There is a quote I like that says: Change your thoughts and you change your world. - Norman Vincent Peale. That is so true and it speaks right into this verse perfectly also. All we do is determined to what we set our minds to. When we set our minds to do something we are able to do it. A determined mind is unstoppable. However we must be wise with what we set our minds to do. When we are only concerned with ourselves, consumed with pride and selfishness we are living in the flesh and that leads only to death. There are so many things in this world that can distract us, and keep our minds occupied on unhealthy things. We must set our minds upon the Spirit, allowing God to have access to all we do. We must submit ourselves to Him and His will, doing only what He desires. I have been in this place, it is not a constant thing with me because I am human and I am tempted to veer off the path of righteousness. However I have experienced the life and peace that the Spirit gives and it is indescribable. Living every moment in the perfect will of God is just amazing. Satisfaction is found, Joy, peace are all experienced. It is quite incredible!! Our hearts and minds control so much of what we do so when we submit these two to the authority of God we are openly saying to Him that He is welcome to do as he wishes. The only way to live is to set our minds upon the Spirit. We are slowly killing ourselves each time we decide to lose focus on God and turn from His ways. It isn't only us that are effected either, we are able to slowly draw others around us into our fleshly mind set. That is why it is so important to surround ourselves with people that will encourage us to grow closer to God.

This week just think what do you allow in your life that is a fleshly desire. What are you setting mind upon? Is it the flesh or is it the Spirit? What kind of fruit are you bearing for others to see. Are you encouraging others in their relationship with God or are you slipping away and taking others with you?? It is all about just refocusing your mind to the Spirit and the amazing life God has for those that choose to deny everything and live a life of faith in Him.