What's On Your Mind?

If you're a facebook user, you're familiar with the phrase "What's on your mind?".  It's the question inside the box that allows you to update your status and let everyone on your friends list know what your thinking about at that moment. In the world of facebook, the answer to that question can keep us posted on what our friends or family are up to.  But in our own hearts, the answer to that question can tell a lot about our relationship with Jesus.  The Bible instructs us to have the mind of Christ and the best way I know to make that happen is to be in the Word.  Daily soaking in His instructions and meditating on them.            

Whenever I contemplate taking on the mind of Christ, I am reminded of a saying I heard in college, "garbage in, garbage out".  The opposite of this is also true, "good in, good out".  This, almost always, brings to mind Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." I have found myself convicted, more than once, reading this passage. But more than that, I want to be encouraged by this verse to evaluate the things in my life that may be hindering me from having the mind of Christ.  Think about the words in this verse:  true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy... who wouldn't want these things in their life.  I'm sure we all do.  Just reading those words brings a smile to my face.  And God has given us the prescription for making that possible.  It's all there in His word.  Also tucked inside this verse is a command for us, "think on these things".  It's not enough to just read the words on the page.  We have to move to action and think about, contemplate, evaluate all the things that we come in contact with.  We need to train ourselves to evaluate everything we listen to, read, watch, entertain in our thoughts and the people we associate with against the light in this verse.

My giant in this is two-fold.  First, I love t.v.  I've confessed this before.  It's my way to unwind, to escape.  I've found myself on too many occasions getting drawn into things that draw my attention away from godly things.  Second, I am undisciplined in setting aside time each day for reading the Word and praying.  The most important thing I could do in any given 24 hour period so often goes undone.  Just knowing what to do is of little benefit if I don't take the time to invest in renewing my mind.  Romans 12:1 & 2 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  It is my deepest desire to become like Jesus Christ, my Savior.  His work on the cross to save me is definitely worthy of everything I can give Him.  Nothing, no movie or t.v. show or any other worldly distraction, is more important than His sacrifice.  And the reward is a life pleasing to God and blessed by a fullness that only He can bring.  

So... What's on your mind?

Ready... Aim... Fire!

Let me start by stating the obvious… America is in a moral crisis!  For me, that is far more of a dilemma than the economic situation that we find ourselves in (although I can’t help but think that the former definitely has to do with the later).  Lying politicians, cheating spouses, rampant sexual sin (fornication, homosexuality), killing the unborn, idolatry… and the list can go on and on.   As a mother, this gives me reason for pause.  I know the temptations that I faced as a young person and now I see that the ones my children are confronted with are temptations on steroids!  What then is a mom in 21st century America to do?  

My initial reaction to this question is RUN, HIDE!  But that wouldn’t accomplish the purposes of God.  We are to be salt and light, a beacon set on a hill, not a candle hidden under a bushel basket.  So, time to bring out the big guns!  Ephesians 6:10-18  ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

So, let’s break it down.  First, the belt of truth.  The warrior wore a belt around his waist that would hold an arsenal of weapons he used to defend himself and the kingdom.  We are told to put “truth” on our belt and Scripture tells us that Jesus is all truth.  Our fight must be anchored in the truth that comes from Jesus alone.  Next, we have the breastplate of righteousness.  Again, Scripture tells us that we are to put on the righteousness (right & just thinking) of Jesus Christ.  It brings to mind the popular saying of the late 90’s, “What Would Jesus Do”.  We must train our children to have this mindset.  It should be their default setting.  Time for the feet.  Those need to be covered with shoes that stand ready and confident because the are crafted with the peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His work on the cross brings us peace and reconciliation with the Father.  This is good (no great) news that brings us confidence to stand against the enemy.  Now for the shield of faith.  Right off the top of my head, two Scriptures come to mind, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”(Rom. 10:17), and “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you; Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has given you.”(Romans 12:3).  These verses tell us that our faith comes from knowing what’s in God’s Word and is built in us as God sees fit.  We cannot rely on ourselves to produce faith, we are naturally given to doubt.  But God doesn’t leave us on our own.  He gives us the faith we need to fight off the vicious attacks of our enemy.  On to the helmet of salvation.  A helmets importance is so obvious, even in our current era.  Figuratively, the head is the center for reason and understanding.  Physically, it houses our brain, or bodies computer system.  Spiritually, it’s where our thoughts come from.  So how do we protect this vital body part… salvation.  Salvation, that comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, trusting in His completed work on the cross.  The last element to the armor is the sword.  Our sword is the Word of God.  In Hebrews 4:12, we are told that the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.  That is so like our God.  We are equipped with a sword that is more powerful and useful than any earthly, human designed sword.  Lastly in these verses, we are told to PRAY!  I think this may be a momma’s best weapon  in defense of her children.  We can all get on our knees and cry out to our loving Father to watch over and protect our children.  After all, they are really His!  We only get them for a short while to love on and lead back to Him.  It is a huge job!  But we have been given this same armor to wear that we are passing on to our children. 

My giant in this… Faith!  “Lord, please give more faith so that I can easily let go of my grip on the children that You have blessed me with and gladly release them into Your hands.”  It’s battle time!

Under Construction

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.  Proverbs 14:1 NIV

When I was a  young girl, my grandfather and uncle built houses.  Unlike the construction projects of the “cookie-cutter” neighborhoods that were quickly assembled in the 70’s, they took pride in their work and put integrity in everything they did.  They were good at building, their work sturdy, crafted with knowledge.  Their work ethic was remarkable.  I was privileged to “help out” in the summer time on several houses that they built, hammering nails (even using a nail gun), holding the plumb line, fetching supplies and cold water.  I loved those moments and cherish those memories with much fondness.  As homemakers, we have the same responsibility to build our homes (houses) with precision, diligence and excellence. 

The best way to accomplish this is to have a life that is built first on the Word of God.  The principles laid out in Scripture are solid.  No other foundation for our homes will be able to withstand any circumstance that tests it.  The most foundational of these truths is who God is and the provision He has made for us through the saving work of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Mixed with that, is the truth that God is absolute Truth and all wisdom/knowledge comes from Him.

Once that foundation has been laid, the building continues with the construction of a solid frame.  The framework of a house is the basis for strong walls that will withstand attack from the elements outside.  I believe that frame is made invincible by building a solid relationship with our husbands.  A married couples relationship will determine the strength of their home.  When they love each other and understand their God-given roles, the family is strong!  A wise woman will make sure that she is putting her husband at the top of  her priorities list, second only to her relationship with God.   Loving our husbands (physically, emotionally and practically) is an intentional act that  may take time to develop but is well worth the hard work that we put in to it.

With the foundation and walls of our homes properly built, we can begin to decorate our homes.  Love, laughter, friends, the smell of fresh baked apple pie, scented candles, but most of all well-trained children.  Yes, I said well-trained children.  They are the best adornment for any home.  I know… they make messes and are loud and busy, but they are, by far, one of the richest blessing bestowed by God.  A home full of children’s laughter and finger smudges is truly a good place to be. 

So… what are the giants that I face that lead to the tearing down of my own home?  I struggle with frustration (dealing with my children in a short manner, as if they are a bother, at times).  I allow too much of the outside in (mostly in the t.v. shows that I watch).  And I have been inconsistent with training my children to lead a disciplined lifestyle.  There, I’ve said it… I have much to work on, so if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab the spackling and patch some cracks in my home.  'Til next time, blessings on your home.

In the Beginning...

I've heard so many people say to me that I must have it all together... that's not me.  I am a struggling mother, just like most everyone else.  I have giants that I battle almost every day.  This blog is a chance for me to capture these moments in words and share them with others.   I hope that in doing so, I might defeat some of these giants and help others discover hope and encouragement along the way.  So, here we are at the beginning of my journey.  I can guarantee that it will be a bumpy ride, may at times be confusing (that's a state that I frequently visit), may occasionally make you smile, but hopefully will encourage you to think.