A Recipe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8sazOiolF8

Desert Road ~ Casting Crowns

 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:9 NIV

 

Have I told you my oatmeal cookie story? One day, while baking oatmeal cookies, I learned the difference between baking soda and baking powder. While both are white powders, one gives oatmeal cookies and the other gives oatmeal goo.

 

Lately, God keeps bringing me back to Philippians 4:4-9. Five of the six verses are about your focus and thoughts. I need this constant reminder because my mind continuously tries to wander. It’s remarkable how many “needs” come to mind when I try to have time with God: need to review the budget, need to exercise, need to make tea, need to mail a letter, need to make plans, etc.  The devil knows that just like baking power and baking soda don’t give the same results, neither do a wandering mind and a mind set on Christ. One results in warm goo, while the other in delightful treats.

 

Just to be clear, God designed our minds to be curious. Both Jeremiah 31:13 and Matthew 6:33 call us to seek God. But the devil corrupts what God creates, which is why our minds wander, wonder, and worry when we should be seeking Him.

 

My hope in sharing this is to point you to Jesus, the One who holds our peace. If you need a recipe to help, I’ve been trying to follow this one:

1.       Rejoice always.

a.       Write down what the Lord’s done for you lately.

2.       Let your gentleness shine.

a.       Point others to Jesus.

3.       Be anxious for nothing.

a.       Write down your cares and worries, that way you won’t have to try to remember them anymore.

4.       Walk in God’s peace.

a.       Decide to choose peace over worry.

5.       Choose your thoughts.

a.       Make a list of the virtues found in Philippians 4:8, so that when chaos comes, your thoughts have a place of truth on which to land.

6.       Practice these things, remembering the God of peace will be with you.

 

Father, forgive my wandering, wondering, worrying mind. Holy Spirit, keep this “recipe” in the forefront of my mind, so that insecurity, complaining, doubt, and worry don’t overtake me. I long and love to be used by You. Keep me seeking after and focused on You. And when I mess up, remind me that the God of peace is with me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2023

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Ready for a Change?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwX1f2gYKZ4&list=RDKwX1f2gYKZ4&start_radio=1

Graves into Gardens ~ Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake

 

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgement and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

 

Recently, I’ve been trying to push myself to form some new habits. Mainly, I’ve been trying to be as brave as my friends and relatives who walk (and run) during winter…outside… I’ve always hated being cold, but I also hate feeling trapped inside my house all winter. I conferred with the winter-runners and asked how to do this outside-cold-thing. After getting some tips, I realized the only other thing holding me back was…me. So last Thursday, I took myself for a 5-mile walk in the beautiful winter wonderland that God has given us.

 

One of the many promises from God is that He’s given us a spirit of sound judgement and personal discipline. The precursor to any action is a thought. If I continue to tell myself that I hate winter and the cold, then my only option is being stuck inside for 3 to 5 months each year. That doesn’t sound fun or healthy. On the other hand, as I choose better thoughts, I will choose better actions, which will become healthier and more beneficial habits.

 

At this time of year, most people are making New Year’s resolutions. What change do you want to see happen in your life? What goal do you want to achieve this year? It all starts with our thoughts. Let’s make 2021 the year that we exercise the spirit of sound judgement and personal discipline and watch as our lives are transformed through the renewing of our minds.

 

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. ~ Romans 12:2 AMP

©Heather Potts 2021