[Nia]

Great post, @Michael !

Typically if I feel envious of someone else, it’s a sign that I’m either unsure about what God has for me to do, or I’m just displeased about what I already know is mine to do. So I really appreciate the Amplified version of the scripture you shared that encourages us to scrutinize our actions, attitudes and behaviors – basically to examine our heart, examine our words and the work of our hands – because honest self-examination will help us see what’s off track.

Is the problem that we don’t have any God-given vision or focus so we are careless with our time? Is it that we have a bad attitude about the responsibilities we have because it just feels too stressful? Self-examination when we are struggling with envy can help to pinpoint the issue, and once we acknowledge our sin and express our desire to change, God is faithful to forgive us and help us get back on track.

[Nia]

For 2021, my focus is repentance. I am intentionally getting to the root of poor thinking habits and building a healthier mindset by changing the way I think. This month I am addressing a bad mental habit I’ve had for decades of evaluating myself based on what other people think or feel about me, or how I feel I stack up against others.

I liked reading Romans 14 in the Message translation. It highlighted for me something I’ve been working through in repentance, which is the importance of clarifying what my convictions are so I can behave accordingly. I’ve grown accustomed to behaving to meet other people’s expectations, so it’s an interesting exercise to dig up the convictions in my own heart (it’s almost like an excavation).

Romans 14 also reminded me not to judge other believers on matters that are simply personal preferences, but to focus on what’s important… which is loving people and encouraging them in the Word.

[Nia]

Good word. I think many of us can say we have been committed to “go” to preach Christ to the lost in the past, but are we still going?

[Nia]

I think the caption on the video says a lot about our Christmas culture. So much time and energy spent on decorations, but not enough time spent in true celebration of Christ’s coming and anticipation of His return. Decorating and singing and Christmas cheer are great, as we serve a God who loves joyous celebration. But I think the celebration should be intentional and focused on Christ, not just mindless tradition. And celebration should also be coupled with prayer, worship and somber reflection. I’m reminded of Anna the prophetess. Luke 2:37 says, “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” When Jesus was presented at the temple as a baby, she went up to the family and “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

[Nia]

Yes, we stand in agreement. @Becca.R , may you be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I pray that you would operate with wisdom and understanding that comes from God concerning your day-to-day responsibilities and the incredible plans He has for you. May He create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. He has given you the power to “snap out of it” and I declare that you will function from a place of victory and authority in the mighty name of Jesus.

For all of us here, may we all live with renewed minds and in victorious power, and give God glory through our productivity in the things He has for us to do, in Jesus’ name.

[Nia]

Good insight! Rick is funny… “if you decided to get dressed like that, you probably wouldn’t have any clothes on right now” ? He’s right. Putting on love requires intentionality. I think the same applies to putting on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:11. These things don’t just happen to us, or come by default, just because we are Christians. If we don’t take steps to put them on, we are missing out.

[Nia]

Good word. Theopneustos! We were just talking about candlite factory haha @Phil4krist

[Nia]

Great article. It made me think of conversations I’ve had with unbelievers who want to blame God for all of the evil and corruption in the world, instead of acknowledging that God made a way for us to be born again and become salt and light in the world.

Before we were born again, we were so prone to play the blame game for everything we didn’t like about the world or our own lives – blaming God, blaming our parents, blaming whoever… In fact, if you check Genesis, Adam and Eve started the blame game right after they ate the forbidden fruit! We have to unlearn that behavior, because it’s not of the kingdom.

Living in the kingdom means we have reclaimed our rightful status as royalty, as sons of God. We have power and authority in Jesus. We have destinies that were crafted in heaven. So we need to live that way by taking our responsibilities seriously and not making excuses.

[Nia]

I agree with Rebecca’s prayer. We agree with heaven that no weapon formed against her shall prosper! May she receive power and strength from the Most High God. We serve a God who is greater than any sickness or ailment or power or principality, He reigns over all. She is healed in the name of Jesus.

[Nia]

Thanks for sharing your experience, @jefferson ! Yes, I know how it is to feel overwhelmed with things to do and totally disoriented. I’m glad you found encouragement in the verse about about fixing your focus on that which is eternal. Even when things feel chaotic in terms of our day-to-day schedule, we find peace in knowing that our eternal life is secure in Christ.

As you pray, ask God to show you what’s really important in this season so you can order your life according to the priorities that He has for you right now. Perhaps there are distractions that can be cut out for the time being or a new way of organizing your time. Just be open to how the Holy Spirit may lead you 😀

[Nia]

Awesome @becca-r ! A season of empowerment, I love it! God is faithful.

[Nia]

Amen! Great Scripture – Our inner man is being renewed day by day – such good truth to hold onto.

[Nia]

You’re right – so many mental health problems in adults stem from poor examples and trauma from their childhood. I can only imagine what you have seen and learned in a psychiatry rotation. As parents, we need to know the importance of renewing our minds – allowing God’s Word to change how we think (Rom 12:2) even if we ourselves have to unlearn poor thinking habits. We set a good example for our children by living with a renewed mind.

[Nia]

I didn’t know that about Sceva either. Brings an entirely different perspective.

[Nia]

Let’s continue to pray for Vidya’s mom. She is dealing with jaundice and tuberculosis now. Doctors are losing hope, but we are still trusting God for the miraculous. Please join me in praying for complete recovery in Jesus’ name.