fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
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Post by fearnot on Jan 26, 2021 12:29:40 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Let's look at the word 'peace' first:
In the previous verse #6 it mentions 'peace',
and obtaining peace through prayer and thanks-giving
rather than, worrying.
6 Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything
by prayer and pleading
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
So the result of:
taking our thoughts captive
( guard our minds),
prayer,
and a thankful heart
(guarding our heart)
is
peace.
This is not a guarantee
that God will answer our prayers the way we want.
Another way of looking at it is:
The steadfast of mind
You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Another verse:
2 Grace and peace
be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God
and of Jesus our Lord,
2 Peter 1:2
Outwardly, all around us,
could be enemies, chaos, war, persecution, etc.
if we do not guard our minds or heart,
we will almost certainly suffer:
fear, worry, pain, terror anxiety, dread, distress etc.
However, by guarding our hearts and mind
through prayer and thanks-giving
will will have serenity, calm, tranquility, etc.
9 And He has said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is perfected in weakness.” .........
2 Corinthians 12:9
I am thinking of what to me,
would be to me,
(me: a complete and total coward about extreme physical pain....)
maybe the worst thing is this life:
torture
How could anybody, have 'peace'
knowing they were about to be tortured?
The extreme pain would still be about to happen,
so where could any peace be?
Personally, this coward ( me)
at this point in my life,
would not have a clue! :(
However, I know there have been 'martyrs'
that have indeed truly faced torture
with a heart and mind of peace....
and even more...
thankfulness!!
What???!!!
Yes, they were 'thankful'
that is some 'small' way,
they were about to be 'united'
with Jesus
in some physical suffering,
for His sake, and for His glory.
For sure ( to me)
it was a
....peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
Philippians 4:7
Such suffering to me, is truly a paradox,
of unconditional surrender,
that came through:
prayer, taking their thoughts captive,
and
guarding their hearts and minds,
and a gift from God.
It was not rational,
or as far as I am concerned
it was not even humanly possible,
it could have only been,
a divine gift from God.
Jesus said:
33 These things I have spoken to you
so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
I will look at this some more, tomorrow.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Jan 27, 2021 13:02:36 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Let's look at the word 'peace' first:
In the previous verse #6 it mentions 'peace',
and obtaining peace through prayer and thanks-giving
rather than, worrying.
6 Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything
by prayer and pleading
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
So the result of:
taking our thoughts captive
( guard our minds),
prayer,
and a thankful heart
(guarding our heart)
is
peace.
This is not a guarantee
that God will answer our prayers the way we want.
Another way of looking at it is:
The steadfast of mind
You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Another verse:
2 Grace and peace
be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God
and of Jesus our Lord,
2 Peter 1:2
Outwardly, all around us,
could be enemies, chaos, war, persecution, etc.
if we do not guard our minds or heart,
we will almost certainly suffer:
fear, worry, pain, terror anxiety, dread, distress etc.
However, by guarding our hearts and mind
through prayer and thanks-giving
will will have serenity, calm, tranquility, etc.
9 And He has said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is perfected in weakness.” .........
2 Corinthians 12:9
I am thinking of what to me,
would be to me,
(me: a complete and total coward about extreme physical pain....)
maybe the worst thing is this life:
torture
How could anybody, have 'peace'
knowing they were about to be tortured?
The extreme pain would still be about to happen,
so where could any peace be?
Personally, this coward ( me)
at this point in my life,
would not have a clue! :(
However, I know there have been 'martyrs'
that have indeed truly faced torture
with a heart and mind of peace....
and even more...
thankfulness!!
What???!!!
Yes, they were 'thankful'
that is some 'small' way,
they were about to be 'united'
with Jesus
in some physical suffering,
for His sake, and for His glory.
For sure ( to me)
it was a
....peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
Philippians 4:7
Such suffering to me, is truly a paradox,
of unconditional surrender,
that came through:
prayer, taking their thoughts captive,
and
guarding their hearts and minds,
and a gift from God.
It was not rational,
or as far as I am concerned
it was not even humanly possible,
it could have only been,
a divine gift from God.
Jesus said:
33 These things I have spoken to you
so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
I will look at this some more, tomorrow.
Done for Today
![]() Very good! I love the NKJV of Isaiah 26:3: NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. I just think it makes it much easier to understand what is being said. When we keep our minds fixed on Jesus, then we will have perfect peace. Now, going to where you said you had no idea where you'd find peace if you were about to be tortured, and yet this verse even by itself tells you exactly where you would find that perfect peace, even in those circumstances. But instead our minds think, "but I'm often in pain even now and not at peace, so how can I count on being in peace then?" Good question. When we're in pain now (and not at peace) what are you thinking about? Usually, the pain, right? I know I am! Either that or all the things I can't do anymore because of it. And both of those things destroy peace. Jesus though is the Prince of Peace, so we need to fix, (keep) our minds on Him and not on anything else. It's hard to do especially at first, isn't it? That's ok, we have time to practice, and like anything else, practice makes perfect!
There's another part to it though. God tells us over and over that He will give us what we need, when we need it. Not the week before we need it, not even 5 minutes before we need it. But He also promises not to be late with it. So if for some strange reason, someone came into your home or grabbed you off the street and started to torture you, at that instant, the Lord would surround you with His love and peace. I've experienced that when I got the call that Bruce had a heart attack, and when he had the accident. Instantly, I was covered and surrounded in His love and peace. I didn't have to ask and neither does anyone. God is our Father and knows what we need and when we need it. All He asks is that we believe and trust Him. If we do that, then we can know that He will keep His part and will be an excellent Father to us.
You also quoted this scripture: Grace and peace
be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God
and of Jesus our Lord,
2 Peter 1:2 Let me again share the same verse in a different translation which again makes it easier to understand: NIV Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. In other words, the more we learn about God, and Jesus our Lord, through the reading and studying His Word, the Bible, and prayer, the more peace we will have in our lives. I can vouch for this too as I've experienced it in my life. The more I learned about God, the more I loved and trusted Him, and consequently, the more peace I had and the less worry and fear were in my life. That continues all your life as you continue to learn about Him through His Word and prayer.
Then you quoted 2 Corinthians 12:9 which I'll post here as you did: in the NASB95 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” The NKJV and the NIV make this one easier to understand: NKJV And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” NIV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” As you can see, God is saying that when we are at our weakest points, that's when His strength, His power, can and will show itself through us and in us. When we look back at the Old Testament, there are numerous stories that show this happening. The story of Gideon is a great illustration of this. God wanted him to destroy the Midianites, so he gathered together an army of 32,000 men. God told him it was too many so all but 10,000 left. God said that was still too many and told him to get rid of a bunch more in a kind of strange way, (I'll let you read that for yourself starting in Judges 6.) so he got rid of all but 300 men. But even before Gideon rounded up the army, he built an altar to the Lord. Guess what he called it? He called it, "The Lord is Peace." (Judges 6:24)
In the next chapter, we learn that the Lord did in fact fight for Gideon and he and his 300 men demolished the Midian army. (again in an unusual way you should read for yourself). The point however was, that Gideon didn't even need 300 men. The Lord could have done it without any of them! And that's just what God did for Hezekiah when an army surrounded Jerusalem: “That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!” (2 Kings 19:35)
185,000 men all at once!
We need to trust God and know that He will keep His promises. We are His children. Often people think the martyrs were super Christians because they went calmly to their deaths, but they weren't. The big difference was that the knew Jesus very very well, and they knew the Father just as well. Because of that, they knew they were safe in His hands and often they felt no pain at all when they were tortured. Here's a few illustrations you may enjoy:
John Bradford, the famous martyr, was plagued by aches and pains and an unexplainable feeling of sadness. But while confined in a damp dungeon, he wrote, “It is an amazing thing that ever since I have been in this prison, and have other trials to bear, I have had no touch of my rheumatism or my depression of spirit.”
Paul’s sweetest epistles are from prison cells; John’s Revelation was written in exile; Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress came from the Bedford jail; Luther’s translation of the German Bible was in Wartburg Castle; Madam Guyon’s sweetest poems and deepest experiences were from long imprisonments.
The psalm-singing of Christian martyrs going to their deaths in the arena alerted the Roman Empire to the fact that a new and revolutionary force was coming into being. When the pleasure-bent populace saw the Christians singing as they fearlessly entered the amphitheater where hungry lions awaited them, they were filled with awe.
Heaven is vibrant with song: “And they sing the song of Moses … and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:3).
—Walter B. Knight
This is what a Christian funeral used to look like: (and how it should have always looked!)
1025 Aristeides Observed The Christians
About the year 125 A.D. a Greek by the name of Aristeides was writing to one of his friends about the new religion, Christianity. He was trying to explain the reasons for its extraordinary success. Here is a sentence from one of his letters:
“If any righteous man among the Christians passes from this world, they rejoice and offer thanks to God, and they escort his body with songs and thanksgiving as if he were setting out from one place to another nearby.”
—J. G. Gilkey
1031 Arrived!
There are Christians of a certain tribe in Africa who never say of their dead “who die in the Lord” that “they have departed!” Speaking, as it were, from the vantage point of the Gloryworld, they triumphantly and joyously say, “They have arrived!” What joy, even in sorrow, is ours when we say of our loved ones, who enter life eternal trusting Jesus: “Absent from the body—at home with the Lord!”
—Walter B. Knight
1047 Moody Saw Heaven
“A few hours before entering the “Homeland,” Dwight L. Moody caught a glimpse of the glory awaiting him. Awakening from a sleep, he said, “Earth recedes, Heaven opens before me. If this is death, it is sweet! There is no valley here. God is calling me, and I must go.” His son who was standing by his bedside said, “No, no, father, you are dreaming.”
“ “No,” said Mr. Moody, “I am not dreaming: I have been within the gates: I have seen the children’s faces.” A short time elapsed and then, following what seemed to the family to be the death struggle he spoke again: “This is my triumph; this my coronation day! It is glorious!” ”
—G. W. Ridout
1053 Dying Words Of Believers
John Wesley—“The best of all is, God is with us. Farewell! Farewell!”
Baxter—“I have pain; but I have peace. I have peace.”
Preston—“Blessed be God! though I change my place, I shall not change my company.”
Goodwin—“Ah! is this dying? How have I dreaded as an enemy this smiling friend!”
Lady Glenorchy—”If this is dying, it is the pleasantest thing imaginable.”
John Pawson, minister—”I know I am dying, but my death-bed is a bed of roses. I have no thorns planted upon my dying pillow. Heaven is already begun!”
Soldier Adrian’s Decision
A young Roman by the name of Adrian, a Praetorian Guard, under Emperor Galerius Maximian, had been a fanatic persecutor of the Christians. But the calmness and courage of those he put to the torture impressed him. Adrian, brave himself, admired bravery. In these Christians he saw heroism greater than any he had seen in battle.
It was the year 280 and Adrian was twenty-eight years old. His skill and daring had led to one promotion after another. Yet, he could not get over his admiration for these followers of Christ.
One day he asked one of the Christians being tortured:
“What gives you such strength and joy in the midst of your sufferings?”
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we believe,” the martyr replied.
In a flash Adrian made an important decision. He stepped to the heathen judge and declared: “Put down my name among those to be tortured. I also shall become a Christian.”
For twenty-three years after his conversion Adrian suffered much, but he never flinched from his loyalty to Christ. In 303 he was killed at Nicomedia. For seventeen centuries since he was the patron-saint of soldiers.
“Put down my name,” was said with true Christian courage.
The encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 27, 2021 13:41:27 GMT -5
Still looking at :
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
A person who is not saved,
in general,
does not even try to guard
either their heart or their mind.
They are certainly, not at peace, with God,
rather they are at war with Him.
And yet, the unbeliever, spends a life time,
trying to be happy, and at peace.
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
they have committed detestable acts;....
Psalm 14:1
Since they do not guard their hearts and minds,
they suffer greatly,
and often turn to all manner of things
to try to find peace and happiness.
They drink, do drugs, buy, buy, buy,
have sex with totally strangers, etc. etc.
They are still left with troubled hearts and minds,
and since neither ( heart or mind) are guarded,
they continue to be assaulted.
There is also, often endless drama,
in their lives....
and NOT this:
27 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.
John 14:27
Many unbelievers are:
angry, hurt, disturbed,
fearful, depressed, unworthy,
cheated, dissatisfied, discontent,
etc. etc. etc.
15 Let the peace of Christ,
to which you were indeed called in one body,
rule in your hearts;
and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
In the end, it is impossible to find
any true peace,
and be at war with God.
........so these men also oppose the truth,
men of depraved mind,
worthless in regard to the faith.
2 Timothy 3:8
Those at war with God, do not guard their hearts and minds
against things the devil sets in front of them.
17 So I say this,
and affirm in the Lord,
that you are to no longer walk
just as the Gentiles also walk,
in the futility of their minds,
Ephesians 4:17
Temporary 'happiness' is not joy,
peace is not something one has,
only when things are going great.
To know I will be forever well ,
with my Lord in eternity,
is a joy beyond material gifts in this world.
Not even the gates of Hell can disturb the believer:
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,
and upon this rock
I will build My church;
and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matthew 16:18
Because
20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
whether things on earth
or things in heaven,
having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:20
Oh! I should probably mention John MacArthur said this about
hearts and minds
quote:
"Now, why does he mention hearts and minds?
Some say, “Well, there’s a distinction.”
I think not.
I don’t think he’s trying to delineate between the heart and the mind;
he’s just trying to make a comprehensive statement.
We could say the heart is the seat of personhood
and the mind is the seat of thought,
and whatever,
but I think he’s just saying your hearts and minds in a general sense,
saying he’ll guard your whole inner person,........He’ll guard them in Christ Jesus.
Because you’re in union with Christ,
you have this guardianship."
14 For He Himself is our peace,
who made both groups into one
and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
Ephesians 2:14
We are confident that His word is true.
We stay in His word, pray His Word and to Him,
and He guards our hearts and minds.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
Isaiah 9:7
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 27, 2021 15:01:56 GMT -5
Thank you soooo much for all your added info!!!
The encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations must be a wonderful book to own!! :)
I looked for it on Amazon, but they are out. There are some used ones, but even so,
they are a little pricey....but I am thinking worth it.
I am not sure, but I was thinking of starting a new topic tomorrow?
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Post by Cindy on Jan 28, 2021 11:30:17 GMT -5
Still looking at :
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
A person who is not saved,
in general,
does not even try to guard
either their heart or their mind.
They are certainly, not at peace, with God,
rather they are at war with Him.
And yet, the unbeliever, spends a life time,
trying to be happy, and at peace.
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
they have committed detestable acts;....
Psalm 14:1
Since they do not guard their hearts and minds,
they suffer greatly,
and often turn to all manner of things
to try to find peace and happiness.
They drink, do drugs, buy, buy, buy,
have sex with totally strangers, etc. etc.
They are still left with troubled hearts and minds,
and since neither ( heart or mind) are guarded,
they continue to be assaulted.
There is also, often endless drama,
in their lives....
and NOT this:
27 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.
John 14:27
Many unbelievers are:
angry, hurt, disturbed,
fearful, depressed, unworthy,
cheated, dissatisfied, discontent,
etc. etc. etc.
15 Let the peace of Christ,
to which you were indeed called in one body,
rule in your hearts;
and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
In the end, it is impossible to find
any true peace,
and be at war with God.
........so these men also oppose the truth,
men of depraved mind,
worthless in regard to the faith.
2 Timothy 3:8
Those at war with God, do not guard their hearts and minds
against things the devil sets in front of them.
17 So I say this,
and affirm in the Lord,
that you are to no longer walk
just as the Gentiles also walk,
in the futility of their minds,
Ephesians 4:17
Temporary 'happiness' is not joy,
peace is not something one has,
only when things are going great.
To know I will be forever well ,
with my Lord in eternity,
is a joy beyond material gifts in this world.
Not even the gates of Hell can disturb the believer:
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,
and upon this rock
I will build My church;
and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matthew 16:18
Because
20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
whether things on earth
or things in heaven,
having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:20
Oh! I should probably mention John MacArthur said this about
hearts and minds
quote:
"Now, why does he mention hearts and minds?
Some say, “Well, there’s a distinction.”
I think not.
I don’t think he’s trying to delineate between the heart and the mind;
he’s just trying to make a comprehensive statement.
We could say the heart is the seat of personhood
and the mind is the seat of thought,
and whatever,
but I think he’s just saying your hearts and minds in a general sense,
saying he’ll guard your whole inner person,........He’ll guard them in Christ Jesus.
Because you’re in union with Christ,
you have this guardianship."
14 For He Himself is our peace,
who made both groups into one
and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
Ephesians 2:14
We are confident that His word is true.
We stay in His word, pray His Word and to Him,
and He guards our hearts and minds.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
Isaiah 9:7
Done for Today
but it could be from a couple of other places. Anyway, do you want to cover the things I mentioned or would you rather I did?
Thank you soooo much for all your added info!!!
The encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations must be a wonderful book to own!! :)
I looked for it on Amazon, but they are out. There are some used ones, but even so,
they are a little pricey....but I am thinking worth it.
I am not sure, but I was thinking of starting a new topic tomorrow?
I've read most of the book and yeah, it's interesting and a fun read, but there's no way I'd pay more then $5 or $10 dollars for it. Good reads has a list of stores it's available at, which I checked and the cheapest one was $19.99. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Jan 28, 2021 12:01:36 GMT -5
I am not sure if I know all the things you suggested on this?
So anything I miss....
Yes if you would step in,
would be super great!!! :)
So I guess, I will try to spend another day ( at least)
on this.
I did see one used copy, of that book
on Amazon for $25
So I thought, I would wait, and see if someone, might
list in later, for less....
because, I really have no idea exactly,
what condition, that used one is truly in.
But it sure seems like a neat book!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Jan 28, 2021 12:54:54 GMT -5
Oh, the particular quote that I posted, was from MacArthur preaching on:
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I think it 'could be both' ......
(separately and both)
We can guard our hearts and minds...
each of them separately
( and we should guard both of them)
First our minds:
In that we take our thoughts captive:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Christians have to fight a constant battle against:
evil thoughts,
satanic lies,
false doctrines,
all manner of evil ideas,
speculations,
opinions,
theories,
( like the 'theory' of evolution,
where science, 'supposedly' trumps God)
philosophies,
psychologies,
ideologies
etc. etc. etc.
It is in essence,
a spiritual battle.
Our enemies are super powerful and formidable!!!
And they are masters at spreading lies, against God.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
Ephesians 6:12
and
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power
and of love
and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Also:
11 Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil
Ephesians 6:11
One important piece of the Christians armor
is the Word of God....
we should fill our minds with it,
as it is a great guard against lies.
17 and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:17
Because Satan is
a supreme strategist,
and the devil, targets our mind,
as his greatest weapon!
He is a master of deception.
However, when we guard our minds,
continuing to fill it with God's word....
the devil cannot breach our guarded stronghold
but it is we that do the tearing down of strongholds.
27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27
And the result....
4 For the weapons of our warfare
are not of the flesh
but have divine power
to destroy strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4
We fight this battle with truth.
All of us had false ideas that kept us as hostages,
from before we became Christians....
So we need to spend time daily,
in the Bible, God's word,
It is where our best spiritual weapon is,
and it is the BEST guard of our minds.
And here is a start:
8 Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
and this:
12 For the word of God is living and active,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing to the division of soul and of spirit,
of joints and of marrow,
and discerning the thoughts
and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
and we need to guard our hearts,
In that we don't live our lives ,
based on fleeting emotions,
which are not trust worthy.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Jan 29, 2021 12:20:17 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I am going with each
and
both. :)
And how do we do this?
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
We have to guard our hearts and minds, because
we are in a real war.
Yes, there are physical wars, and they are devastating,
but a spiritual war is even worse,
because the stakes are even higher, than death!
Where we will spend eternity is at stake.
We are living in end times,
and this scripture is more pertinent than ever:
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
I think this next verse, can be said to all people:
O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil,
that you may be saved.
How long shall your wicked thoughts
lodge within you?
Jeremiah 4:14
How can we win?
Only God's word,
can tell us the truth.
We are saved by Jesus payment for our sins
and the Holy spirit resides in us,
but we need God's word the Bible.
every day, as spiritual food.
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters,
you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,
constantly nourished on the words of the faith
and of the good doctrine
which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB)
We need physical food to survive,
all the more so if fighting a battle.
So it is true for a spiritual battle.
We need to guard against the enemy,
and feed our spirits.
In fact, we need to fill up on God's Word, the Bible,
and keep all 'junk' food out.
Jesus said to pray this:
Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11
And He said this:
I am the bread of life.
John 6:48
Jesus is the Word:
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Filling up on the living Word,
is the best way,
to guard our hearts and minds.
It is alive, and it is even a weapon:
12 For the word of God is living and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow,
and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
I think guarding our hearts and mind
( by filling up on the alive word of God
and guarding against the world and Satan lies)
can be seen when the apostle Paul said this:
2 For I determined to know nothing among you
except Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Guarding can be this also:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Unless we are filled with the Word of God
the absolute truth,
we cannot see, know, or discern:
lies, falsehood, and errors etc.
We cannot guard against,
what we are unaware of.
But when we are aware that certain thoughts
are evil etc.
We are to take them captive,
as if they were an enemy soldier
( and they are...
spiritual enemy soldiers)
we led them away from our minds, and do not allow them back in.
9 holding firmly the faithful word
which is in accordance with the teaching,
so that he will be able both to exhort
in sound doctrine
and
to refute those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9
But we have to know,
that we really do have to guard our hearts and minds
because, the devil will keep lobbing at us:
fiery darts, missiles, arrows etc. at us.
16 in addition to all,
taking up the shield of faith
with which you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16
Instead, we want to do this:
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4
and this
5 Have this mind
among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:5
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Jan 29, 2021 12:53:04 GMT -5
I am not sure if I know all the things you suggested on this?
So anything I miss....
Yes if you would step in,
would be super great!!! :)
So I guess, I will try to spend another day ( at least)
on this.
I did see one used copy, of that book
on Amazon for $25
So I thought, I would wait, and see if someone, might
list in later, for less....
because, I really have no idea exactly,
what condition, that used one is truly in.
But it sure seems like a neat book!!!
Oh, the particular quote that I posted, was from MacArthur preaching on:
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I think it 'could be both' ......
(separately and both)
We can guard our hearts and minds...
each of them separately
( and we should guard both of them)
First our minds:
In that we take our thoughts captive:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Christians have to fight a constant battle against:
evil thoughts,
satanic lies,
false doctrines,
all manner of evil ideas,
speculations,
opinions,
theories,
( like the 'theory' of evolution,
where science, 'supposedly' trumps God)
philosophies,
psychologies,
ideologies
etc. etc. etc.
It is in essence,
a spiritual battle.
Our enemies are super powerful and formidable!!!
And they are masters at spreading lies, against God.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
Ephesians 6:12
and
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power
and of love
and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Also:
11 Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil
Ephesians 6:11
One important piece of the Christians armor
is the Word of God....
we should fill our minds with it,
as it is a great guard against lies.
17 and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:17
Because Satan is
a supreme strategist,
and the devil, targets our mind,
as his greatest weapon!
He is a master of deception.
However, when we guard our minds,
continuing to fill it with God's word....
the devil cannot breach our guarded stronghold
but it is we that do the tearing down of strongholds.
27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27
And the result....
4 For the weapons of our warfare
are not of the flesh
but have divine power
to destroy strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4
We fight this battle with truth.
All of us had false ideas that kept us as hostages,
from before we became Christians....
So we need to spend time daily,
in the Bible, God's word,
It is where our best spiritual weapon is,
and it is the BEST guard of our minds.
And here is a start:
8 Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
and this:
12 For the word of God is living and active,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing to the division of soul and of spirit,
of joints and of marrow,
and discerning the thoughts
and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
and we need to guard our hearts,
In that we don't live our lives ,
based on fleeting emotions,
which are not trust worthy.
Done for Today
 Very good! Yes, we are to guard both our hearts and our minds. There are a number of reasons that can be said for this, but the first one is that whenever you see the word "heart" in scripture, it almost always refers to what we would call both our hearts and our minds. Here is what different pastors and theologians say about this:
The "heart" is the inmost core of the self, your psychological and spiritual center of gravity.
The heart is the “center” of the personality, the person himself in his most basic character. Scripture represents it as the source of thought, of volition, of attitude, of speech. It is also the seat of moral knowledge. In the Old Testament, heart is used in contexts where conscience would be an acceptable translation (see 1 Samuel 24:5).
“Heart,” in the Bible, does not mean “feelings” or “emotion,” as it does in our Western culture.
Rather, it means the inner person, the life that is seen by God alone.
MacArthur explains the following passage: “Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:21–23)
The “heart” commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason (Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 6:21; Proverbs 7:3), but also includes the emotions (Proverbs 15:15, Proverbs 30), the will (Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 14:14), and thus, the whole inner being (Proverbs 3:5). The heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects speech (Proverbs 4:24), sight (Proverbs 4:25), and conduct (Proverbs 4:26-27).
Let's also look at what scripture says about this. The heart is the center of courage, emotions, and will. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
The heart is the center of man’s character—who he really is (Matthew 15:18). “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
The Bible describes the heart of man as inclined toward evil. “The hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). “The hearts of men, more-over, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). “Inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery” (Mark 7:21).
But it also describes our minds being inclined toward evil. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” (Colossians 1:21)
and “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1:15)
If your Bible has cross references, you may notice that when "Mind" is used that the references may be to verses with "heart" in them, and the other way around as well. We like to think that we have no control over our emotions which may be why we don't include the mind when we speak of someone's heart. But the Bible recognizes that it is our thoughts (mind as we think of it) that actually controls our emotions (heart - the way we think of it.) “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery” (Mark 7:21).
Here's a [passage that uses "heart" in a way that we would have used "mind".
“But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart.” (1 Kings 8:18)
Here's an interesting passage: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1–2)
Now let's see other ways it's translated, first with the authorized version: AV If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Notice there's no mention of either mind or heart there, just the term "affection" which we would think is from the heart. Now the NASB version: NASB95 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. This one only mentions the mind. Why the differences? Because in the original language, neither heart or mind is mentioned, instead, where the NIV says "set your hearts" the actual word means "to seek by by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into." And where it says, "set your minds" the word in the original language means "to direct one’s mind to a thing; to think." So once again we see how the words are often used interchangeably.
Finally, let me share this great passage from Philippians. From this passage we discover that If we obey the Lord the best we can then the Lord will also guard our hearts and minds for us! That doesn't mean that we can stop guard them though. God helps us because He knows we can't do it completely on our own, just as we can't do so many other things without His help. So here He's letting us know that He will help us guard both:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 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 4:4–9)
Please know too that we are commanded to guard our hearts and minds. The word in the original language for "heart" in the following verse, can be translated as either heart or mind or both: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
So, after all of this, what does "guard" actually mean? It means we are to keep our minds and hearts safe from attack; we are to protect them. How do we do that? Phil 4:8 tells us part of it is to limit the kinds of things we allow into our thoughts; Really there are so many passages that tell us what God wants us to have in our minds and what He doesn't want us to think about. The easiest way to explain it would be to simply say that if God sees something as bad or evil, and the Bible shows that, then we shouldn't allow that into our minds or hearts. It doesn't matter whether we're reading a fiction book or a textbook, or watching TV. If God sees a behavior as evil or bad, then it has no business being in our thoughts, even for a moment. Barbara has already shown some of those scriptures, so I'll end it here.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 29, 2021 14:02:28 GMT -5
I am going to re-post today's post again, as it is once again....up a ways LOL
Wow!
Thank you for all you hard work, and info.
I am going to re-read it, after I post again.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 29, 2021 14:02:58 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I am going with each
and
both. :)
And how do we do this?
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
We have to guard our hearts and minds, because
we are in a real war.
Yes, there are physical wars, and they are devastating,
but a spiritual war is even worse,
because the stakes are even higher, than death!
Where we will spend eternity is at stake.
We are living in end times,
and this scripture is more pertinent than ever:
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
I think this next verse, can be said to all people:
O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil,
that you may be saved.
How long shall your wicked thoughts
lodge within you?
Jeremiah 4:14
How can we win?
Only God's word,
can tell us the truth.
We are saved by Jesus payment for our sins
and the Holy spirit resides in us,
but we need God's word the Bible.
every day, as spiritual food.
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters,
you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,
constantly nourished on the words of the faith
and of the good doctrine
which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB)
We need physical food to survive,
all the more so if fighting a battle.
So it is true for a spiritual battle.
We need to guard against the enemy,
and feed our spirits.
In fact, we need to fill up on God's Word, the Bible,
and keep all 'junk' food out.
Jesus said to pray this:
Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11
And He said this:
I am the bread of life.
John 6:48
Jesus is the Word:
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Filling up on the living Word,
is the best way,
to guard our hearts and minds.
It is alive, and it is even a weapon:
12 For the word of God is living and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow,
and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
I think guarding our hearts and mind
( by filling up on the alive word of God
and guarding against the world and Satan lies)
can be seen when the apostle Paul said this:
2 For I determined to know nothing among you
except Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Guarding can be this also:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Unless we are filled with the Word of God
the absolute truth,
we cannot see, know, or discern:
lies, falsehood, and errors etc.
We cannot guard against,
what we are unaware of.
But when we are aware that certain thoughts
are evil etc.
We are to take them captive,
as if they were an enemy soldier
( and they are...
spiritual enemy soldiers)
we led them away from our minds, and do not allow them back in.
9 holding firmly the faithful word
which is in accordance with the teaching,
so that he will be able both to exhort
in sound doctrine
and
to refute those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9
But we have to know,
that we really do have to guard our hearts and minds
because, the devil will keep lobbing at us:
fiery darts, missiles, arrows etc. at us.
16 in addition to all,
taking up the shield of faith
with which you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16
Instead, we want to do this:
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4
and this
5 Have this mind
among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:5
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 30, 2021 13:19:49 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I think, ever since the Garden of Eden,
people have been enticed with the pride of intellect.
People must not actually read the Bible,
because many have a silly idea,
that Adam and Eve,
ate an apple.
But actually, it was from the:
tree of the 'knowledge'
of good
and
evil,
Genesis 2:17
Nothing about an 'apple'...
although,
one could wonder,
why call a computer,
an 'Apple' computer? LOL
And how did Satan tempt Eve?
Not thru her stomach because she was hungry,
for an apple.
The devil was not some kind of mad chef!
No, Satan tempted her via becoming a genius,
with unlimited knowledge
like God!
It was her mind
5 “For God knows that when you eat from it
your eyes will be opened,
and you will be like God,
knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:5
Being a ultimate 'genius',
is in some respects,
greater,
than being powerful,
or super wealthy.
In fact,
if a 'genius' so choose,
he could have the other two
( power and untold wealth ).
So genius,
and it's twin ,
'science'
have become 'gods'......
and yet,
many evils can also be the result of them:
( pride, being one of them).
The heart,
can be the core of a person,
where thoughts
and choices etc.
flow..
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23
But, I have read about, some super brilliant people,
who did not have any 'peace'
but rather were tortured souls.
The apostle Paul, was a very intelligent human
In fact, this was said of Paul, by Festus:
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense.
“You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted:
“Your great learning
is driving you insane.”
Acts 26:24
But Paul had decided to
guard his heart and mind
( and not fill it with every worldly knowledge that came his way,
Instead:
2 For I resolved to know nothing
while I was with you
except
Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Rather than reveling in being so brilliant
Paul did this:
5 We demolish arguments
and every pretension
that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Since Adam and Eve did eat from the
tree of knowledge of good
and
evil....
We know need to be
'constantly' on guard from
the knowledge of EVIL.
Today we are bombarded with all manner of unwholesome
movies,
programs,
music,
photos,
'science',
novels,
magazines
etc., etc., etc.
Even, many Christians think,
that kind of zeal,
is silly, and over the top.
They deem it even too 'legalistic'.
While it is true,
some Christians might not be tempted,
others Christians,
are not so strong.
But furthermore,
even IF,
'you' would not be tempted....
Why fill your mind with such drivel?
3 But I am afraid
that just as Eve was
deceived by the serpent’s cunning,
your minds may somehow be led astray
from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3
and this
8 Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
And also:
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter,
“Get behind me, Satan!
You are a stumbling block to me;
you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Matthew 16:23
We have seen how the devil operates from the beginning
he lures many with things like:
pride, greed, lust, power, money etc.
11 in order that Satan might not outwit us.
For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jan 31, 2021 10:57:42 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
It is Sunday so this will be a bit shorter, as have to get ready for church.
Our life is shaped by what we think in our minds.
In most, cases, we have to 'think' a thought,
before, we act on it.
Sometimes, we have been allowing it to
bubble, roil, fester, etc.,
in our mind,
for days, weeks, months, years or even decades.
And those thoughts,
that are not godly,
effect our emotions like:
temper, anger, rage, wrath, hatred, fury, lust, greed etc.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Not only that,
but what our 'eyes see and look at'
via movies, videos, news reels, photos, etc.
we must also guard against because:
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body.
So, if your eye is healthy,
your whole body will be full of light,
Matthew 6:22
What can keep us from being full of light?
Turning the light off,
and letting the darkness in,
and even take over.
Even what we hear and listen too,
we should carefully vet,
and guard against.
Music is extremely powerful,
and can effect or hearts, minds and emotions.
Here is a biblical example:
16 May our lord now command your servants who are before you.
Have them search for a man who is a skillful musician on the harp;
and it shall come about whenever the evil spirit from God is upon you,
that he shall play the harp with his hand,
and you will become well.”
1 Samuel 16:16
It is interesting, to me,
the music temporally expelled the evil spirit,
that King Saul, had let in.
My thought, is that music,
could or might, also
entice evil spirits to enter in.
I think Satan who 'may' have been....
the once long ago worship leader in Heaven....
knows this and makes use of it.
In any case,
the devil certainly, know....
that music, is in Heaven,
for worshiping God.
Therefore the devil,
knows this like few others.....
Satan knows the 'power' of music
and uses it on earth, to the max.
Music can touch people sometimes like nothing else....
and therein,
can lie a great problem.
There are rhythms and melodies,
that are almost 'irresistible' to people.
Music can be a great worship of the Lord
or....
so 'catchy',
you find yourself, humming,
singing the words throughout each day,
even IF
the words are somewhat 'sexy',
a bit degrading,
unseemly,
tasteless,
wrong,
aggressive,
violent,
sin filled
curses filled,
etc.
This would not be the peace of God:
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,.....
Philippians 4:7
However, some music,
along with nations, and people,
that God has judged
will find this their destiny:
21 Then a strong angel picked up a stone
like a great millstone
and threw it into the sea, saying,
“So will Babylon,
the great city,
be thrown down with violence,
and will never be found again.
22 And the sound of harpists,
musicians,
flute players,
and trumpeters
will never be heard in you again; ....
Revelation 18:21-2
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 1, 2021 11:35:22 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
Solomon gave this advise to his son
(too bad, Solomon didn't follow his own advise)
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keeping your heart,
can be your emotions,
but also, it can mean your thoughts.
Like this for an example:
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every intention of
the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5 ( ESV)
Instead of our own thoughts
we want to cultivate God's thoughts:
7 Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9 ( NASB)
And this
How precious also are Your thoughts
for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17 (NASB)
What needs to be done is,
for God word to do a complete overhaul
of our thoughts:
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
All people are sinners, and one of the sins that afflicts us
is: me-ism, myself, ego, etc.
We need to be continually on guard about this,
because our thought life, is often around this issue
of me first,
then maybe,
others and God.
How often do we offer up thoughts of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord?
Or how we can help others?
12 For the ministry of this service
is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints,
but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Many think that we can carry this
guarding our hearts and minds,
to the point of becoming
legalistic 'fanatics'.
I seriously doubt, that in this day and age,
that is really much of a problem!
I often think, that just the cultural phenomenon
of endless 'selfies',
makes it pretty clear,
we would have a loooooong way to go
to ever have that be a worry ( IF ever)!
Do we see many broken hearts because of their self- centered-ness
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart,
God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (NASB)
When we guard our hearts and minds, we refuse to be conformed
by the world's culture.
There are so many things the world says
is 'JUST'
entertainment:
Sexually explicit movies,
with violence, swearing, drugs and alcohol are presented as normal,
music with the same
( its JUST entertainment)
and sexy outfits ( what there is of them)
etc. etc.
It is hard to be considered a stuffy, stodgy, uptight, fuddy- dud, etc.
Who do we want to please?
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
I am going to
re-post this
and move it down
and finish it for today
because once again,
it is toooo far up LOL
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Post by Cindy on Feb 1, 2021 12:58:51 GMT -5
I am going to re-post today's post again, as it is once again....up a ways LOL
Wow!
Thank you for all you hard work, and info.
I am going to re-read it, after I post again.
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I am going with each
and
both. :)
And how do we do this?
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
We have to guard our hearts and minds, because
we are in a real war.
Yes, there are physical wars, and they are devastating,
but a spiritual war is even worse,
because the stakes are even higher, than death!
Where we will spend eternity is at stake.
We are living in end times,
and this scripture is more pertinent than ever:
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
I think this next verse, can be said to all people:
O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil,
that you may be saved.
How long shall your wicked thoughts
lodge within you?
Jeremiah 4:14
How can we win?
Only God's word,
can tell us the truth.
We are saved by Jesus payment for our sins
and the Holy spirit resides in us,
but we need God's word the Bible.
every day, as spiritual food.
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters,
you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,
constantly nourished on the words of the faith
and of the good doctrine
which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB)
We need physical food to survive,
all the more so if fighting a battle.
So it is true for a spiritual battle.
We need to guard against the enemy,
and feed our spirits.
In fact, we need to fill up on God's Word, the Bible,
and keep all 'junk' food out.
Jesus said to pray this:
Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11
And He said this:
I am the bread of life.
John 6:48
Jesus is the Word:
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Filling up on the living Word,
is the best way,
to guard our hearts and minds.
It is alive, and it is even a weapon:
12 For the word of God is living and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow,
and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
I think guarding our hearts and mind
( by filling up on the alive word of God
and guarding against the world and Satan lies)
can be seen when the apostle Paul said this:
2 For I determined to know nothing among you
except Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Guarding can be this also:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive
to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Unless we are filled with the Word of God
the absolute truth,
we cannot see, know, or discern:
lies, falsehood, and errors etc.
We cannot guard against,
what we are unaware of.
But when we are aware that certain thoughts
are evil etc.
We are to take them captive,
as if they were an enemy soldier
( and they are...
spiritual enemy soldiers)
we led them away from our minds, and do not allow them back in.
9 holding firmly the faithful word
which is in accordance with the teaching,
so that he will be able both to exhort
in sound doctrine
and
to refute those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9
But we have to know,
that we really do have to guard our hearts and minds
because, the devil will keep lobbing at us:
fiery darts, missiles, arrows etc. at us.
16 in addition to all,
taking up the shield of faith
with which you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16
Instead, we want to do this:
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4
and this
5 Have this mind
among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:5
Done for Today
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I think, ever since the Garden of Eden,
people have been enticed with the pride of intellect.
People must not actually read the Bible,
because many have a silly idea,
that Adam and Eve,
ate an apple.
But actually, it was from the:
tree of the 'knowledge'
of good
and
evil,
Genesis 2:17
Nothing about an 'apple'...
although,
one could wonder,
why call a computer,
an 'Apple' computer? LOL
And how did Satan tempt Eve?
Not thru her stomach because she was hungry,
for an apple.
The devil was not some kind of mad chef!
No, Satan tempted her via becoming a genius,
with unlimited knowledge
like God!
It was her mind
5 “For God knows that when you eat from it
your eyes will be opened,
and you will be like God,
knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:5
Being a ultimate 'genius',
is in some respects,
greater,
than being powerful,
or super wealthy.
In fact,
if a 'genius' so choose,
he could have the other two
( power and untold wealth ).
So genius,
and it's twin ,
'science'
have become 'gods'......
and yet,
many evils can also be the result of them:
( pride, being one of them).
The heart,
can be the core of a person,
where thoughts
and choices etc.
flow..
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23
But, I have read about, some super brilliant people,
who did not have any 'peace'
but rather were tortured souls.
The apostle Paul, was a very intelligent human
In fact, this was said of Paul, by Festus:
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense.
“You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted:
“Your great learning
is driving you insane.”
Acts 26:24
But Paul had decided to
guard his heart and mind
( and not fill it with every worldly knowledge that came his way,
Instead:
2 For I resolved to know nothing
while I was with you
except
Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Rather than reveling in being so brilliant
Paul did this:
5 We demolish arguments
and every pretension
that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Since Adam and Eve did eat from the
tree of knowledge of good
and
evil....
We know need to be
'constantly' on guard from
the knowledge of EVIL.
Today we are bombarded with all manner of unwholesome
movies,
programs,
music,
photos,
'science',
novels,
magazines
etc., etc., etc.
Even, many Christians think,
that kind of zeal,
is silly, and over the top.
They deem it even too 'legalistic'.
While it is true,
some Christians might not be tempted,
others Christians,
are not so strong.
But furthermore,
even IF,
'you' would not be tempted....
Why fill your mind with such drivel?
3 But I am afraid
that just as Eve was
deceived by the serpent’s cunning,
your minds may somehow be led astray
from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3
and this
8 Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
And also:
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter,
“Get behind me, Satan!
You are a stumbling block to me;
you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Matthew 16:23
We have seen how the devil operates from the beginning
he lures many with things like:
pride, greed, lust, power, money etc.
11 in order that Satan might not outwit us.
For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Done for Today
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
It is Sunday so this will be a bit shorter, as have to get ready for church.
Our life is shaped by what we think in our minds.
In most, cases, we have to 'think' a thought,
before, we act on it.
Sometimes, we have been allowing it to
bubble, roil, fester, etc.,
in our mind,
for days, weeks, months, years or even decades.
And those thoughts,
that are not godly,
effect our emotions like:
temper, anger, rage, wrath, hatred, fury, lust, greed etc.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Not only that,
but what our 'eyes see and look at'
via movies, videos, news reels, photos, etc.
we must also guard against because:
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body.
So, if your eye is healthy,
your whole body will be full of light,
Matthew 6:22
What can keep us from being full of light?
Turning the light off,
and letting the darkness in,
and even take over.
Even what we hear and listen too,
we should carefully vet,
and guard against.
Music is extremely powerful,
and can effect or hearts, minds and emotions.
Here is a biblical example:
16 May our lord now command your servants who are before you.
Have them search for a man who is a skillful musician on the harp;
and it shall come about whenever the evil spirit from God is upon you,
that he shall play the harp with his hand,
and you will become well.”
1 Samuel 16:16
It is interesting, to me,
the music temporally expelled the evil spirit,
that King Saul, had let in.
My thought, is that music,
could or might, also
entice evil spirits to enter in.
I think Satan who 'may' have been....
the once long ago worship leader in Heaven....
knows this and makes use of it.
In any case,
the devil certainly, know....
that music, is in Heaven,
for worshiping God.
Therefore the devil,
knows this like few others.....
Satan knows the 'power' of music
and uses it on earth, to the max.
Music can touch people sometimes like nothing else....
and therein,
can lie a great problem.
There are rhythms and melodies,
that are almost 'irresistible' to people.
Music can be a great worship of the Lord
or....
so 'catchy',
you find yourself, humming,
singing the words throughout each day,
even IF
the words are somewhat 'sexy',
a bit degrading,
unseemly,
tasteless,
wrong,
aggressive,
violent,
sin filled
curses filled,
etc.
This would not be the peace of God:
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,.....
Philippians 4:7
However, some music,
along with nations, and people,
that God has judged
will find this their destiny:
21 Then a strong angel picked up a stone
like a great millstone
and threw it into the sea, saying,
“So will Babylon,
the great city,
be thrown down with violence,
and will never be found again.
22 And the sound of harpists,
musicians,
flute players,
and trumpeters
will never be heard in you again; ....
Revelation 18:21-2
Done for Today
 Good job!
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
Solomon gave this advise to his son
(too bad, Solomon didn't follow his own advise)
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keeping your heart, can be your emotions, but also, it can mean your thoughts.
Like this for an example:
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every intention of
the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5 ( ESV)
Instead of our own thoughts
we want to cultivate God's thoughts:
7 Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9 ( NASB)
And this
How precious also are Your thoughts
for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17 (NASB)
You talked about Eve eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and suggested that by doing so she could become a genius. Yet that's not quite what Satan was suggesting. As you said, Satan told her she'd have unlimited knowledge and therefore be like God. That was the temptation - to be like God. Was what Satan told her true? Yes, and No. As usual, he took a little bit of truth and twisted it to make it sound good and by doing so, sold her a pack of lies.
We often read that story quickly, but I'd really like us to pay close attention to what was happening. The tree wasn't just about "knowledge." Adam and Eve were already super intelligent and had daily talks with the God who created them. They were great companions for God and could converse on a huge amount of good and godly things. So what "knowledge" did they lack? Sadly, and this is what Satan was hiding, it was the knowledge of evil that they lacked. The moment they ate that fruit, evil entered their hearts and minds and they became aware of evil, almost like they'd experienced it themselves. They then not only knew about loving God, but they also knew about every single way that love could be perverted. They knew everything there was to know about evil. I don't mean knowing it like, "don't be a workaholic or you'll miss what's mot important in life", they just knew that working constantly might seem like the thing to do sometimes. There was no division in their minds between good and evil. It was like God had originally given them the knowledge of everything good, and then Satan took a bucket full of everything evil and dumped that in their minds and mixed it all up!
The end result was that their minds and hearts were now corrupted. They no longer had pure Truth. And with each generation born, the truth became more and more corrupted. Why? How does it get passed down to us? Our minds are hearts are corrupted because we learn how to live from our parents (or caretakers). So Adam and Eve passed down corrupted knowledge to their kids, and their kids corrupted it more and passed that down to their kids and so forth and so on until we were born.
That's why it's so very important for us to guard our hearts and minds. And that's why God has so much to say about it.
I'll let you take it from here if you want hon. I've got to get!  |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 1, 2021 13:32:31 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
Solomon gave this advise to his son
(too bad, Solomon didn't follow his own advise)
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keeping your heart,
can also be your emotions,
and likewise, it can mean your thoughts.
Like this for an example:
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every intention of
the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5 ( ESV)
Instead of our own thoughts,
we want to cultivate God's thoughts:
7 Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9 ( NASB)
And this
How precious also are Your thoughts
for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17 (NASB)
What needs to be done,
is for God word,
to do a complete overhaul
of our thoughts:
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
All people are sinners,
and one of the sins that afflicts us
is:
me-ism, myself, ego, etc.
We need to be continually on guard about this,
because our thought life, is often around this issue
of me first,
then maybe,
others and God.
How often do we offer up thoughts of,
praise and thanksgiving to the Lord?
Or how we can help others?
12 For the ministry of this service
is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints,
but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Many think that we can carry this,
'guarding our hearts and minds',
to the point of becoming
extreme legalistic 'fanatics'.
I seriously doubt,
that in this day and age,
that is really much of a problem!
I often think, that just the cultural phenomenon
of endless 'selfies',
makes it pretty clear,
we would have a loooooong way to go
to ever have that be a worry
( IF ever)!
Do we see many broken hearts because of their self- centered-ness
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart,
God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (NASB)
When we guard our hearts and minds, we refuse to be conformed
by the world's culture.
There are so many things the world says
is 'JUST'
entertainment:
Sexually explicit movies,
with violence, swearing, drugs and alcohol are presented as normal,
music with the same
( its JUST entertainment)
and sexy outfits ( what there is of them)
etc. etc.
It is hard to be considered a stuffy, stodgy, uptight, fuddy- dud, etc.
However, it may be part of being a 'living sacrifice':
I appeal to you therefore, brothers,
by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship
Romans 12:1
Who do we want to please?
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
Also
16 Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)
Seriously, how much time do we spend in God's Word, the Bible
and how much time in worldly entertainment?
What are we really saturating our minds with?
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 1, 2021 13:41:58 GMT -5
Thank you as always Cindy!
Oh I agree, the 'trick'
in the tree of knowledge
of Good
Was the
EVIL
It often 'seems' to me
that many wonderful inventions, technology, etc.
Are very good and helpful to mankind
but......
They also often, have the potential
for evil, sometimes great evil.
So knowledge can be great
and
evil.....
because it has been,
like you said,
corrupted
and on our own,
we cannot discern pure truth
We need God's word,
and we need to guard our minds.
I did not sleep well last night, so I am not sure if I am making much if any sense LOL
I did have a couple of nights of fairly good sleep
but that was then sigh LOL
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 2, 2021 11:14:11 GMT -5
Going to re-post this :)
As you posted and beat me to it, so it way up high again LOL
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
I mentioned yesterday, how some Christians
know they are 'free'
and they don't want to become legalistic fanatics, etc.
always 'guarding their hearts and minds,
Or....
So they say.
But I think, there might be a lot of times,
when we want to have a 'little fun'....
just a 'little' risque movie,
just some 'harmless' flirting at work,
listen to some music with some cursing
etc. etc.
In other words, we want a little of
our will
( even IF.... it's a tiny bit of sin).
And yet, Jesus, who was about to
pay the equivalent of eternity in Hell
for million or billions of humans,
said this:
39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed,
saying, “My Father,
if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless,
not as I will,
but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39
This should give us a different perspective
when we want to listen to the world
say to us:
"Lighten up,
have a 'little' fun!
Guarding your heart and mind
is such a tedious job"!!
Are we actually guilty of
loving the world?
15 Do not love the world
or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
Perhaps we think we can be okay,
with just a 'little' dinky amount of darkness,
after all,
it is exciting,
and gets one heart thumping......
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?
Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
Or.....
are you the exception?
Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
Proverbs 6:27
Instead,
when we commit,
to guarding our hearts and minds
and not look for exceptions:
2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh
no longer for human lusts,
but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:2
By guarding our hearts and minds
we cultivate keeping our minds and hearts
to becoming more like Jesus:
6 For who has known the mind of the Lord,
that he will instruct Him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Not guarding our hearts and minds
is slipping into the world,
and even ,
into the devil's lies.
It certainly does not cultivate the mind of Christ!
We would like to think,
there is some sort of 'neutral' ground....
where we can let down our hair,
relax a bit,
but not really be sinning.
But that is a lie,
there is no middle ground!
We are in a spiritual war, and ever bit of your mind,
heart, soul, spirit etc. is being fought for.
That mirage of middle ground,
is really,
just a perfect plain,
for the devil to rope you in!
That is why you have to be on 'guard'
8 Be of sober spirit,
be on the alert.
Your adversary,
the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Do we want to be a little tiny bit in the world
to somehow be able to boast
a smidge?
14 But far be it from me to boast,
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
Perhaps we fear we will be considered a:
nerd,
a dork,
awkward,
a bumbling oaf,
weirdo goofball,
dweeb,
etc.
And so what?
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people,
or of God?
Or am I striving to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
We are seeking true transformation
that comes from filling our hearts and minds with God's word,
and guarding against lies and worldly junk/sin.
We don't want to dabble a toe in the world, and its lusts
we wish to escape it, this is NOT our home.
12 Instructing us to
deny ungodliness
and worldly desires
and to live sensibly,
righteously,
and in a godly manner
in the present age,
Titus 2:12
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Feb 2, 2021 11:52:31 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
Solomon gave this advise to his son
(too bad, Solomon didn't follow his own advise)
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keeping your heart,
can also be your emotions,
and likewise, it can mean your thoughts.
Like this for an example:
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every intention of
the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5 ( ESV)
Instead of our own thoughts,
we want to cultivate God's thoughts:
7 Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9 ( NASB)
And this
How precious also are Your thoughts
for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17 (NASB)
What needs to be done,
is for God word,
to do a complete overhaul
of our thoughts:
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
All people are sinners,
and one of the sins that afflicts us
is:
me-ism, myself, ego, etc.
We need to be continually on guard about this,
because our thought life, is often around this issue
of me first,
then maybe,
others and God.
How often do we offer up thoughts of,
praise and thanksgiving to the Lord?
Or how we can help others?
12 For the ministry of this service
is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints,
but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Many think that we can carry this,
'guarding our hearts and minds',
to the point of becoming
extreme legalistic 'fanatics'.
I seriously doubt,
that in this day and age,
that is really much of a problem!
I often think, that just the cultural phenomenon
of endless 'selfies',
makes it pretty clear,
we would have a loooooong way to go
to ever have that be a worry
( IF ever)!
Do we see many broken hearts because of their self- centered-ness
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart,
God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (NASB)
When we guard our hearts and minds, we refuse to be conformed
by the world's culture.
There are so many things the world says
is 'JUST'
entertainment:
Sexually explicit movies,
with violence, swearing, drugs and alcohol are presented as normal,
music with the same
( its JUST entertainment)
and sexy outfits ( what there is of them)
etc. etc.
It is hard to be considered a stuffy, stodgy, uptight, fuddy- dud, etc.
However, it may be part of being a 'living sacrifice':
I appeal to you therefore, brothers,
by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship
Romans 12:1
Who do we want to please?
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
Also
16 Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)
Seriously, how much time do we spend in God's Word, the Bible
and how much time in worldly entertainment?
What are we really saturating our minds with?
Done for Today
You said: "Many think that we can carry this, 'guarding our hearts and minds',
to the point of becoming extreme legalistic 'fanatics'." Sadly even many people who consider themselves Christians think that way. You may even hear them say, "We shouldn't be so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good". I've tried to figure out how someone could be so heavenly minded that they wouldn't be any earthly good, and I can't come up with anything. At first I thought that if someone did nothing but study scripture all day, then they wouldn't be any earthly good because they wouldn't interact with other people or tell anyone about Jesus. But that's impossible because anyone who spends a lot of time in God's Word begins to get anxious to talk to others about Jesus, or help others understand the Bible, etc. I think instead that people who say things like that are simply trying to find a way to make their sins look legitimate. For example, those who insist there's nothing wrong with looking at porn, or reading fiction romances full of explicit sex scenes. Then there's the person who insists that reading fiction that includes all kinds of magic, or witchcraft, or other types of psychic phenomena is perfectly ok for Christians. Sorry, anything that's been condemned by God as being evil is not ok to read (or watch) for entertainment (or anything else). I was once one of those who thought it was ok to read that kind of stuff, until the Lord convicted me about it. However, for the Lord to convict someone that something is a sin, that person must first be saved and then must have a heart that strongly desires to follow Jesus and do His will, even when it's something that's the opposite of their own will and desires. When I heard other people saying it was a sin to read those kind of science fiction/fantasy books, although I didn't agree with them, I did take it to the Lord and ask Him to show me if it was wrong. He then reminded me of what He wants us to have in our minds and what He doesn't want in them, and I had to put those books away for good. You asked: "Do we see many broken hearts because of their self- centered-ness?" The answer is, "very few". But we do see a lot of broken hearts over being caught in a sin or wrong doing. Sadly they are broken hearted over the wrong thing, but in today's world they are able to fool many people.
You asked: "Who do we want to please?" which is an excellent question we should all ask ourselves regularly. In the past it's been fairly easy to answer that question and say we seek to please God, because no one could say it wasn't true. But now it's getting to the point where people are going to be able to look right through us and know for sure just who it is we really serve. For most people the answer will be, "themselves." Barbara also gave a great measuring stick that will serve us well when we try to examine ourselves to see if we're really saved or not. "Seriously, how much time do we spend in God's Word, the Bible and how much time in worldly entertainment? What are we really saturating our minds with?" When asked who or what they put first in their life, (think the first commandment) almost everyone who considers themselves a Christian will automatically, without any thought whatsoever say, "God". But others who live with them know how much time they spend in prayer and Bible study daily and how much time they spend watching TV or reading books. That's what convicted me originally too. I had to admit that I spent a lot more time on TV and reading fiction then I did in prayer and Bible study. Since I realized that though, I confessed my sin, asking forgiveness and began to really put God first in my heart and mind. I now spend more time in prayer and Bible study then I do on the TV and fiction books, and it's made a HUGE difference in my life. I used to worry a lot, and now it's very rare and when it does happen, I'm able to instantly stop it. I'm almost always filled with God's peace, love, joy and hope. I also know beyond any doubt that I'm saved. Not because of some feeling or experience, but because of what God's Word says. God wants us all to have His peace, love, joy and hope (and more) but most folks aren't interested because they'd have to give up their sins.
Thank you as always Cindy!
Oh I agree, the 'trick'
in the tree of knowledge
of Good
Was the
EVIL
It often 'seems' to me
that many wonderful inventions, technology, etc.
Are very good and helpful to mankind
but......
They also often, have the potential
for evil, sometimes great evil.
So knowledge can be great
and
evil.....
because it has been,
like you said,
corrupted
and on our own,
we cannot discern pure truth
We need God's word,
and we need to guard our minds.
I did not sleep well last night, so I am not sure if I am making much if any sense LOL
I did have a couple of nights of fairly good sleep
but that was then sigh LOL
 Her eyes got wide, her mouth opened and the next thing I knew she was jumping out of her chair, saying, "Wow, NOW I get it!!! That makes so much sense!!!" And I knew she really did understand and I'm sure the Lord must have been so proud of her! (and probably laughing with joy over her exuberance too!)
You made plenty of sense hon! I hope you sleep better tonight! |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 2, 2021 12:47:31 GMT -5
As always,
thank you.......
soooooooooo much,
for you superb additional info,
and comments :)
And, LOL
you beat me to posting ...again
haha
Sooooooo.....
I am re-posting today's
as it is waaaay up high....again. :)
|
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 2, 2021 12:48:02 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
I mentioned yesterday, how some Christians
know they are 'free'
and they don't want to become legalistic fanatics, etc.
always 'guarding their hearts and minds,
Or....
So they say.
But I think, there might be a lot of times,
when we want to have a 'little fun'....
just a 'little' risque movie,
just some 'harmless' flirting at work,
listen to some music with some cursing
etc. etc.
In other words, we want a little of
our will
( even IF.... it's a tiny bit of sin).
And yet, Jesus, who was about to
pay the equivalent of eternity in Hell
for million or billions of humans,
said this:
39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed,
saying, “My Father,
if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless,
not as I will,
but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39
This should give us a different perspective
when we want to listen to the world
say to us:
"Lighten up,
have a 'little' fun!
Guarding your heart and mind
is such a tedious job"!!
Are we actually guilty of
loving the world?
15 Do not love the world
or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
Perhaps we think we can be okay,
with just a 'little' dinky amount of darkness,
after all,
it is exciting,
and gets one heart thumping......
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?
Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
Or.....
are you the exception?
Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
Proverbs 6:27
Instead,
when we commit,
to guarding our hearts and minds
and not look for exceptions:
2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh
no longer for human lusts,
but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:2
By guarding our hearts and minds
we cultivate keeping our minds and hearts
to becoming more like Jesus:
6 For who has known the mind of the Lord,
that he will instruct Him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Not guarding our hearts and minds
is slipping into the world,
and even ,
into the devil's lies.
It certainly does not cultivate the mind of Christ!
We would like to think,
there is some sort of 'neutral' ground....
where we can let down our hair,
relax a bit,
but not really be sinning.
But that is a lie,
there is no middle ground!
We are in a spiritual war, and ever bit of your mind,
heart, soul, spirit etc. is being fought for.
That mirage of middle ground,
is really,
just a perfect plain,
for the devil to rope you in!
That is why you have to be on 'guard'
8 Be of sober spirit,
be on the alert.
Your adversary,
the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Do we want to be a little tiny bit in the world
to somehow be able to boast
a smidge?
14 But far be it from me to boast,
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
Perhaps we fear we will be considered a:
nerd,
a dork,
awkward,
a bumbling oaf,
weirdo goofball,
dweeb,
etc.
And so what?
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people,
or of God?
Or am I striving to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
We are seeking true transformation
that comes from filling our hearts and minds with God's word,
and guarding against lies and worldly junk/sin.
We don't want to dabble a toe in the world, and its lusts
we wish to escape it, this is NOT our home.
12 Instructing us to
deny ungodliness
and worldly desires
and to live sensibly,
righteously,
and in a godly manner
in the present age,
Titus 2:12
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Feb 3, 2021 11:07:09 GMT -5
As always,
thank you.......
soooooooooo much,
for you superb additional info,
and comments :)
And, LOL
you beat me to posting ...again
haha
Sooooooo.....
I am re-posting today's
as it is waaaay up high....again. :)
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
I mentioned yesterday, how some Christians
know they are 'free'
and they don't want to become legalistic fanatics, etc.
always 'guarding their hearts and minds,
Or....
So they say.
But I think, there might be a lot of times,
when we want to have a 'little fun'....
just a 'little' risque movie,
just some 'harmless' flirting at work,
listen to some music with some cursing
etc. etc.
In other words, we want a little of
our will
( even IF.... it's a tiny bit of sin).
And yet, Jesus, who was about to
pay the equivalent of eternity in Hell
for million or billions of humans,
said this:
39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed,
saying, “My Father,
if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless,
not as I will,
but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39
This should give us a different perspective
when we want to listen to the world
say to us:
"Lighten up,
have a 'little' fun!
Guarding your heart and mind
is such a tedious job"!!
Are we actually guilty of
loving the world?
15 Do not love the world
or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
Perhaps we think we can be okay,
with just a 'little' dinky amount of darkness,
after all,
it is exciting,
and gets one heart thumping......
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?
Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
Or.....
are you the exception?
Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
Proverbs 6:27
Instead,
when we commit,
to guarding our hearts and minds
and not look for exceptions:
2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh
no longer for human lusts,
but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:2
By guarding our hearts and minds
we cultivate keeping our minds and hearts
to becoming more like Jesus:
6 For who has known the mind of the Lord,
that he will instruct Him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Not guarding our hearts and minds
is slipping into the world,
and even ,
into the devil's lies.
It certainly does not cultivate the mind of Christ!
We would like to think,
there is some sort of 'neutral' ground....
where we can let down our hair,
relax a bit,
but not really be sinning.
But that is a lie,
there is no middle ground!
We are in a spiritual war, and ever bit of your mind,
heart, soul, spirit etc. is being fought for.
That mirage of middle ground,
is really,
just a perfect plain,
for the devil to rope you in!
That is why you have to be on 'guard'
8 Be of sober spirit,
be on the alert.
Your adversary,
the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Do we want to be a little tiny bit in the world
to somehow be able to boast
a smidge?
14 But far be it from me to boast,
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
Perhaps we fear we will be considered a:
nerd,
a dork,
awkward,
a bumbling oaf,
weirdo goofball,
dweeb,
etc.
And so what?
10 For am I now seeking the favor of people,
or of God?
Or am I striving to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
We are seeking true transformation
that comes from filling our hearts and minds with God's word,
and guarding against lies and worldly junk/sin.
We don't want to dabble a toe in the world, and its lusts
we wish to escape it, this is NOT our home.
12 Instructing us to
deny ungodliness
and worldly desires
and to live sensibly,
righteously,
and in a godly manner
in the present age,
Titus 2:12
Done for Today
 You know, it's really amazing how everything in the Bible starts making even more sense when you realize what happened in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned and understood evil. It's like blinders fall off of our eyes and we can see more then ever before. I say that because knowing what happened, enabled me to see this world and all that goes on in it as the illusion it really is. What is "real" is part of the unseen realm right now, and what we see and experience here and think it's real, is actually only temporary and mostly an illusion... just like the fruit seeming to be good to eat was only an illusion. So Adam and Eve traded what was real, what was good, and what was true, for illusion, evil and falsehood. Immediately there was a loss of innocence, glory and a sense of guilt and shame. They even lost their desire for fellowship with God, which they had thoroughly enjoyed before they sinned. But that fellowship was broken by their guilt, fear and shame. Before their sin, they loved and served God and each other before themselves but afterward instead of being God centered and then other centered, they became self centered, and so everything was turned on it's head. Because of their sin, we know good, but only as an ideal; we know evil far more intimately.
I realized too that God wasn't making up rules to take away our happiness, but was instead giving us laws that would enable us to finally be able to enter paradise again. But He knew we couldn't keep those laws so He sent Jesus to do it for us! Yet just by looking at our reaction to God's laws, you would think He was torturing us and demanding far, far too much from us! Mostly though, I guess I began to understand at a much deeper level how evil I really am. I can never thank and praise God enough for all He has shown me and taught me. And He is still teaching me every day, including right here in our Bible studies. Yes, He teaches me from many of the things you write too! Thank you for your love for the Lord and His Word and for being willing to talk about His Word with me!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 3, 2021 11:54:48 GMT -5
Your comments were just wonderful!
So many people, thinking and believing the 'illusion(s)' is/are 'real'.
I can't but help think,
that video games are 'mostly',
(for this next generation coming up)
an 'illusion upgrade',
and
this 'pandemic'...
with nothing else for kids to do, nowhere to go,
seals,
traps,
and imprisons,kids,
into living in the video world illusion.
It's like another added layer of illusions.
but then, so are movies, TV, you tube gamers, etc. etc.
but I really was hit by you statement:
"we know good,
but only as an ideal;
we know evil
far more intimately.
That is sooooooooooo true and so profound! WOW!!!
About does it ever come up with family?
Rarely.....
Sometimes, when it does, I am for a short while
encouraged
but then.....
The illusions of this world, which are ( or 'seem' to be)
chains of steel, iron, concrete etc.
They 'seem' so strong
and the family so bound by so any illusions....
I sometimes sink back into discouragement and/or depression.
Take Hossanah's fiance, ( Brian)
his son....Rylan
Sooooo last semester
Rylan managed straight F's
Why....???
Does he have a minimal IQ?
noooooo
And then, this semester,
he for the first week or two
'seemed' to be doing better....
But no
he is back to 4 F's and a B in music.
Yesterday....he didn't even bother showing up on zoom classes at all
Why?
He did video games instead.
Can't they disable you tube,
and video games
Why........ no, they cannot!
Because.......
teachers have the kids watch you tube etc.
as part of class.......
Whenever I go over there, all 4 kids have their noses buried in electronics.
( I am beginning to think, they are becoming part electronics!!!)
They 'hear' me come in
and say:
"Hi Grandma"
But noses do not come up out of whatever electronic they are on.
Talk to them?
hardly....
Once or twice
I asked them to put whatever electronic they are on
on pause
so I could talk to them....
You would think, I asked them to cut off their arm
or to jump into a fire!
The other problem is I am really really tired
and hurting
and yes, somewhat discouraged
Still,
there are moments,
when I see God at work
and
I Thank Him sooooooo much.
One little EMP
in the future from God
or
a blinding light, like Paul got.....
hummmmm?
And yet, they all are always ready for church!
Rylan, was a half and hour early last Sunday!!!
He helps out a young man, named Michael
with the kindergarten to 2nd grade
Sunday school class.
I mentioned maybe Rylan would like to see all the tables set up for missions etc.
last Sunday
But he declined,
saying:
"No, I can't,
because Michael really needs me!!!
we are getting at least 10 new kids for Sunday school today"
( that was 10 more children on top of the ones they always already have).
That is good news in and of itself eh! :)
So that was one of those 'up' moments LOL
Maybe, I am more down today, because of way less sleep,
last night sigh!
But what you wrote, was super super great!
Thank you!!!! :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 3, 2021 12:25:06 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I've been thinking a bit about your excellent comments!
How Satan is a master of illusions,
and the devil was able to convince Adam and Eve
the forbidden tree's fruit,
was something,
it was not.
To this day, there is something so appealing about
being an:
'expert',
a genius,
a PHD,
etc.
But God's word says this:
17 so that Christ
may dwell in your hearts
through faith;
and that you,
being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend
with all the saints
what is the width and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
Ephesians 3:17-19
It is not that we are to be brainless idiots,
But,
we really do,
have to guard our hearts and minds.....
and keep out
the evil and sinful thoughts and emotions....
instead, fill them with the knowledge of God.
Some of what God says about knowledge:
1............we know that we all have knowledge.
Knowledge makes one conceited,
but love edifies people.
1 Corinthians 8:1
and
2 If I have the gift of prophecy
and know all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so as to remove mountains,
but do not have love,
I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
Plus, there is the
knowledge and arguments,
we must fight against....
'knowledge' ( so called)
Many theories etc. labeled knowledge
and/or
facts
are just illusions.
Their main purpose in reality is to be
against the knowledge of God.
There is a LOT of that going around!:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Instead we want to stand firm on truth
( stand firm... like a soldier, a warrior, a guard)
14 Stand firm therefore,
having belted your waist with truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:14
As Christians, do we really want to be,
as much like our Savior,
Jesus as possible?
If so,
does it make sense,
that we put:
fluff, fantasy ( Illusions),
and/or filth,
in our minds and hearts?
We are adding to our goal,
of being like Jesus?
2 Beloved, now we are children of God,
and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.
We know that when He appears,
we will be like Him,
because we will see Him just as He is.
1 John 3:2
Would not this be a better path:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
and
6 the one who says that he remains in Him ought,
himself also, walk just as He ( Jesus) walked.
1 John 2:6
and this also:
18 But we all, with unveiled faces,
looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed
into the same image from glory to glory,
just as from the Lord, ....
2 Corinthians 3:18
An insult ,I have often heard,
thrown at Christians is:
that they are
'narrow minded'.
Well, sadly,
I wonder if
we often do NOT live up
to that scornful insult?
Perhaps, we are not nearly
'narrow minded', enough?
Perhaps, we are waaaay tooooo
'open minded'
and let in all sorts of trash,
into our minds and hearts?
13 “Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide
and the way is broad
that leads to destruction,
and there are many who enter through it.
Matthew 7:13
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 4, 2021 10:11:30 GMT -5
Going to move this down again LOL
As you posted yet again, before me.
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
As Christians we don't want to be 'conformed to this world
but rather
'transformed....
and how?
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, .....(part a of verse 2)
Romans 12:2
I think part of 'transforming'
from the world
is to guard against being conformed to it.
1 In You, Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be put to shame;
Psalms 31:1
I also think, that part ,
of being 'ashamed'
could be ,
for our Lord to find our hearts and minds
more filled with the world, than with Him.
Where could refuge be?
In God's word, the Bible.
King David also said this:
6 I hate those who devote themselves to worthless idols,
But I trust in the Lord.
Psalms 31:6
It is my opinion that idols are not just made of wood, or stone etc.
but are the many many things,
the people of the world chase after.
As Christians we trust in God,
He is sovereign,
we don't want to trust in the 'World'.
We trust in the Bible
because:
1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him not even one thing
came into being
that has come into being.
John 1:1-3
The world and the ruler of the world,
will continue throughout our life,
to try to shape us,
into it's image....
However, It won't succeed
because God's Word,
( as we fill our minds and hearts daily with it,
will change and transform us, from the inside).
5 Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to
sexual immorality,
impurity,
passion,
evil desire,
and greed,
which amounts to idolatry.
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming
upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked,
when you were living in them.
Colossians 3:5-7
How much peace, love etc.,
do we really see in the world?
In business, I often see, greed, and 'dog eat dog' etc. kind of attitudes.
In politics, I see anger, accusations, confusions, etc.
In much entertainment, I see lust, horror, anti-Christianity etc etc etc.
In academia, and science etc. I see pride, arrogance,
and so on, and on.
All things to guard against!
In God word, I see ( and want to cultivate):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Instead, this is our desire,
rather than conformity to the world:
6 For I am confident of this very thing,
that He ( God) who began a good work
among you will complete it
by the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Even if, we guard our hearts and minds,
we must not think,
its a 'magic formula',
and that every thing in this life will go smoothly
and wonderfully...
Often, this will be the case:
10 After you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
And thus, we can also when troubles assail us
do this:
7 having cast all your anxiety on Him,
because He ( God) cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Because we know and are assured,
having guarded our hearts and mind
and kept our mind on Jesus,
that:
28 And we know that
God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
That is NOT saying,
all things ARE good,
but in time,
God will cause, even the bad,
to work out
for good.
However, if you do not guard your hearts and mind,
and are not in the Word, daily,
you may not find it easy to trust this.
In fact, you may have forgotten it,
or
you may not have even read it....
being that, you are
'too busy' in the world.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Feb 4, 2021 10:40:56 GMT -5
Your comments were just wonderful!
So many people, thinking and believing the 'illusion(s)' is/are 'real'.
I can't but help think,
that video games are 'mostly',
(for this next generation coming up)
an 'illusion upgrade',
and
this 'pandemic'...
with nothing else for kids to do, nowhere to go,
seals,
traps,
and imprisons,kids,
into living in the video world illusion.
It's like another added layer of illusions.
but then, so are movies, TV, you tube gamers, etc. etc.
but I really was hit by you statement:
"we know good,
but only as an ideal;
we know evil
far more intimately.
That is sooooooooooo true and so profound! WOW!!!
About does it ever come up with family?
Rarely.....
Sometimes, when it does, I am for a short while
encouraged
but then.....
The illusions of this world, which are ( or 'seem' to be)
chains of steel, iron, concrete etc.
They 'seem' so strong
and the family so bound by so any illusions....
I sometimes sink back into discouragement and/or depression.
Take Hossanah's fiance, ( Brian)
his son....Rylan
Sooooo last semester
Rylan managed straight F's
Why....???
Does he have a minimal IQ?
noooooo
And then, this semester,
he for the first week or two
'seemed' to be doing better....
But no
he is back to 4 F's and a B in music.
Yesterday....he didn't even bother showing up on zoom classes at all
Why?
He did video games instead.
Can't they disable you tube,
and video games
Why........ no, they cannot!
Because.......
teachers have the kids watch you tube etc.
as part of class.......
Whenever I go over there, all 4 kids have their noses buried in electronics.
( I am beginning to think, they are becoming part electronics!!!)
They 'hear' me come in
and say:
"Hi Grandma"
But noses do not come up out of whatever electronic they are on.
Talk to them?
hardly....
Once or twice
I asked them to put whatever electronic they are on
on pause
so I could talk to them....
You would think, I asked them to cut off their arm
or to jump into a fire!
The other problem is I am really really tired
and hurting
and yes, somewhat discouraged
Still,
there are moments,
when I see God at work
and
I Thank Him sooooooo much.
One little EMP
in the future from God
or
a blinding light, like Paul got.....
hummmmm?
And yet, they all are always ready for church!
Rylan, was a half and hour early last Sunday!!!
He helps out a young man, named Michael
with the kindergarten to 2nd grade
Sunday school class.
I mentioned maybe Rylan would like to see all the tables set up for missions etc.
last Sunday
But he declined,
saying:
"No, I can't,
because Michael really needs me!!!
we are getting at least 10 new kids for Sunday school today"
( that was 10 more children on top of the ones they always already have).
That is good news in and of itself eh! :)
So that was one of those 'up' moments LOL
Maybe, I am more down today, because of way less sleep,
last night sigh!
But what you wrote, was super super great!
Thank you!!!! :)
Don't allow yourself to become discouraged hon. All that does is allow Satan to win in our lives. Some people can't understand it when I say that I no longer get depressed or sad about my oldest daughter and middle son who rarely speak to me and haven't really had much to do with me for the last 20 years. I love them as much as I ever did, and would gladly give my life to help them or to save them, but I won't allow Satan to get me down. God is in control, not Satan and not even my kids, although they may think they are. God is allowing this to happen, and therefore I can be absolutely sure that He will use it for my good. And in fact, I can actually see now that He has been using it to make me more like Jesus, and I'm sure He will continue to do so. I don't know if He will allow me to know for sure if they've been saved before I die, but I trust Him, so I know that the instant they will let Him into their hearts, that He will save them. I used to think they were saved, in fact I was sure they were; but a year or two ago I saw and heard some things that caused all the puzzle pieces to fit together, and I realized that they had never been saved at all. They may know about Him, but they don't have a personal relationship with Him.
Aside from the fact that I know He has been and will continue to use this for good for me, I also know that He will do what is best for them as well. (and of course I pray for them too).
It would be quite easy for either of us to start looking at what we think are bad things and get depressed, but that's not what the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to realize that this is all an illusion. We are saved, and our job is to pray for our loved ones and whenever the opportunity arises to speak about Him to them, to take it; otherwise our main job is to simply show them by how we live our own life what it means to be saved by Jesus. But first we have to know what it means to be saved by Jesus, and for that, we just have to look at the fruit of the spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
It's amazing how often the first three are shown in the Bible, and how often they're listed together. These are the things that God is working in our lives, and what we are kind of "on display" to show others, so they will want what we have. It's when we are at peace when the world is worried or scared, or have joy in our hearts when the world thinks we should be sad or depressed, or when we show love rather then hate, forgiveness rather then revenge, that really makes people want what we have. But we tend to think that we persuade people just by our words when it's our life they constantly look at. We're to trust God to work in their hearts, remembering that He is the one who saves them and not us. I realize that it seems like it takes forever, specially when we constantly are praying for their salvation or whatever, but God wants us to trust Him and wants us to know that He will act when it's the perfect time for each of them, not when we want Him to or when we think the time is perfect.
So please don't allow yourself to get down because of the illusions of this world. It's normal to want our loved ones to see the truth like we do, but it must wait for the right time. Because we know the Lord, and know how much He loves us and that He loves to give us good and perfect gifts, we can rejoice even though they aren't yet saved, because we can know that our loving God will one day save them if they give Him even the tiniest thought. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) When you start feel down, think about what you know about the Lord, His love for you, etc and that should cause you to shake off any doldrums. If not, then put on some praise and worship music and worship God along with it. You can't worship God and be down at the same time! 
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Post by Cindy on Feb 4, 2021 10:43:58 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I've been thinking a bit about your excellent comments!
How Satan is a master of illusions,
and the devil was able to convince Adam and Eve
the forbidden tree's fruit,
was something,
it was not.
To this day, there is something so appealing about
being an:
'expert',
a genius,
a PHD,
etc.
But God's word says this:
17 so that Christ
may dwell in your hearts
through faith;
and that you,
being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend
with all the saints
what is the width and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
Ephesians 3:17-19
It is not that we are to be brainless idiots,
But,
we really do,
have to guard our hearts and minds.....
and keep out
the evil and sinful thoughts and emotions....
instead, fill them with the knowledge of God.
Some of what God says about knowledge:
1............we know that we all have knowledge.
Knowledge makes one conceited,
but love edifies people.
1 Corinthians 8:1
and
2 If I have the gift of prophecy
and know all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith
so as to remove mountains,
but do not have love,
I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
Plus, there is the
knowledge and arguments,
we must fight against....
'knowledge' ( so called)
Many theories etc. labeled knowledge
and/or
facts
are just illusions.
Their main purpose in reality is to be
against the knowledge of God.
There is a LOT of that going around!:
5 We are destroying arguments
and all arrogance
raised against the knowledge of God,
and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Instead we want to stand firm on truth
( stand firm... like a soldier, a warrior, a guard)
14 Stand firm therefore,
having belted your waist with truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:14
As Christians, do we really want to be,
as much like our Savior,
Jesus as possible?
If so,
does it make sense,
that we put:
fluff, fantasy ( Illusions),
and/or filth,
in our minds and hearts?
We are adding to our goal,
of being like Jesus?
2 Beloved, now we are children of God,
and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.
We know that when He appears,
we will be like Him,
because we will see Him just as He is.
1 John 3:2
Would not this be a better path:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
and
6 the one who says that he remains in Him ought,
himself also, walk just as He ( Jesus) walked.
1 John 2:6
and this also:
18 But we all, with unveiled faces,
looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed
into the same image from glory to glory,
just as from the Lord, ....
2 Corinthians 3:18
An insult ,I have often heard,
thrown at Christians is:
that they are
'narrow minded'.
Well, sadly,
I wonder if
we often do NOT live up
to that scornful insult?
Perhaps, we are not nearly
'narrow minded', enough?
Perhaps, we are waaaay tooooo
'open minded'
and let in all sorts of trash,
into our minds and hearts?
13 “Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide
and the way is broad
that leads to destruction,
and there are many who enter through it.
Matthew 7:13
Done for Today
I thought you said you were done with this though and were going on to another one..... |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 4, 2021 11:39:08 GMT -5
awwwww thank you again!!!!!!
I really needed that uplifting Truth!
I do sometimes fall into thinking:
I
am not doing enough...
When in truth,
It is God
and in
HIS
Timing.
HA, no I was not quite done
rather....
today's post, is the last day of this topic :)
But....... as you posted, before me,
yet again.... :)
I will re-post it.now
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Feb 4, 2021 11:47:01 GMT -5
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
As Christians we don't want to be 'conformed to this world
but rather
'transformed....
and how?
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, .....(part a of verse 2)
Romans 12:2
I think part of 'transforming'
from the world
is to guard against being conformed to it.
1 In You, Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be put to shame;
Psalms 31:1
I also think, that part ,
of being 'ashamed'
could be ,
for our Lord to find our hearts and minds
more filled with the world, than with Him.
Where could refuge be?
In God's word, the Bible.
King David also said this:
6 I hate those who devote themselves to worthless idols,
But I trust in the Lord.
Psalms 31:6
It is my opinion that idols are not just made of wood, or stone etc.
but are the many many things,
the people of the world chase after.
As Christians we trust in God,
He is sovereign,
we don't want to trust in the 'World'.
We trust in the Bible
because:
1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him not even one thing
came into being
that has come into being.
John 1:1-3
The world and the ruler of the world,
will continue throughout our life,
to try to shape us,
into it's image....
However, It won't succeed
because God's Word,
( as we fill our minds and hearts daily with it,
will change and transform us, from the inside).
5 Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to
sexual immorality,
impurity,
passion,
evil desire,
and greed,
which amounts to idolatry.
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming
upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked,
when you were living in them.
Colossians 3:5-7
How much peace, love etc.,
do we really see in the world?
In business, I often see, greed, and 'dog eat dog' etc. kind of attitudes.
In politics, I see anger, accusations, confusions, etc.
In much entertainment, I see lust, horror, anti-Christianity etc etc etc.
In academia, and science etc. I see pride, arrogance,
and so on, and on.
All things to guard against!
In God word, I see ( and want to cultivate):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Instead, this is our desire,
rather than conformity to the world:
6 For I am confident of this very thing,
that He ( God) who began a good work
among you will complete it
by the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Even if, we guard our hearts and minds,
we must not think,
its a 'magic formula',
and that every thing in this life will go smoothly
and wonderfully...
Often, this will be the case:
10 After you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
And thus, we can also when troubles assail us
do this:
7 having cast all your anxiety on Him,
because He ( God) cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Because we know and are assured,
having guarded our hearts and mind
and kept our mind on Jesus,
that:
28 And we know that
God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
That is NOT saying,
all things ARE good,
but in time,
God will cause, even the bad,
to work out
for good.
However, if you do not guard your hearts and mind,
and are not in the Word, daily,
you may not find it easy to trust this.
In fact, you may have 'forgotten' it,
or
you may not have even read it....
being that,
you are
'too busy'
in the world.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Feb 5, 2021 11:22:58 GMT -5
awwwww thank you again!!!!!!
I really needed that uplifting Truth!
I do sometimes fall into thinking:
I
am not doing enough...
When in truth,
It is God
and in
HIS
Timing.
HA, no I was not quite done
rather....
today's post, is the last day of this topic :)
But....... as you posted, before me,
yet again.... :)
I will re-post it.now
Are we supposed to guard our minds or our hearts or both?
I will be looking at Philippians 4:7
( and other verses)
7 And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
As Christians we don't want to be 'conformed to this world
but rather
'transformed....
and how?
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, .....(part a of verse 2)
Romans 12:2
I think part of 'transforming'
from the world
is to guard against being conformed to it.
1 In You, Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be put to shame;
Psalms 31:1
I also think, that part ,
of being 'ashamed'
could be ,
for our Lord to find our hearts and minds
more filled with the world, than with Him.
Where could refuge be?
In God's word, the Bible.
King David also said this:
6 I hate those who devote themselves to worthless idols,
But I trust in the Lord.
Psalms 31:6
It is my opinion that idols are not just made of wood, or stone etc.
but are the many many things,
the people of the world chase after.
As Christians we trust in God,
He is sovereign,
we don't want to trust in the 'World'.
We trust in the Bible
because:
1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him not even one thing
came into being
that has come into being.
John 1:1-3
The world and the ruler of the world,
will continue throughout our life,
to try to shape us,
into it's image....
However, It won't succeed
because God's Word,
( as we fill our minds and hearts daily with it,
will change and transform us, from the inside).
5 Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to
sexual immorality,
impurity,
passion,
evil desire,
and greed,
which amounts to idolatry.
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming
upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked,
when you were living in them.
Colossians 3:5-7
How much peace, love etc.,
do we really see in the world?
In business, I often see, greed, and 'dog eat dog' etc. kind of attitudes.
In politics, I see anger, accusations, confusions, etc.
In much entertainment, I see lust, horror, anti-Christianity etc etc etc.
In academia, and science etc. I see pride, arrogance,
and so on, and on.
All things to guard against!
In God word, I see ( and want to cultivate):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Instead, this is our desire,
rather than conformity to the world:
6 For I am confident of this very thing,
that He ( God) who began a good work
among you will complete it
by the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Even if, we guard our hearts and minds,
we must not think,
its a 'magic formula',
and that every thing in this life will go smoothly
and wonderfully...
Often, this will be the case:
10 After you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
And thus, we can also when troubles assail us
do this:
7 having cast all your anxiety on Him,
because He ( God) cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Because we know and are assured,
having guarded our hearts and mind
and kept our mind on Jesus,
that:
28 And we know that
God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
That is NOT saying,
all things ARE good,
but in time,
God will cause, even the bad,
to work out
for good.
However, if you do not guard your hearts and mind,
and are not in the Word, daily,
you may not find it easy to trust this.
In fact, you may have 'forgotten' it,
or
you may not have even read it....
being that,
you are
'too busy'
in the world.
Done for Today
I would like to point out one thing though concerning a passage you posted, because the NASB doesn't translate it as well as the other ones do; at least not in my opinion lol Let me post it in the NIV version. The underlined part is the part I don't care for in the NASB.
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (Colossians 3:5–8) To be fair, here's how the NASB translates the first verse:
NASB95 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
As you can see, they are both saying the same thing, (just coming at it from different directions) but I think it's easier to know how to apply it to our life when we see it in the NIV or other versions. I've heard people say before that they have tried and tried to put a certain sin to death, but sooner or later it keeps coming back; so they feel like they've failed and even wonder if they're really saved. But the way the NIV words it, they realize that putting a sin to death is something they will have to do over and over again until sin is done away with when we get to heaven.
 You've done great!
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Her eyes got wide, her mouth opened and the next thing I knew she was jumping out of her chair, saying, "Wow, NOW I get it!!! That makes so much sense!!!" And I knew she really did understand and I'm sure the Lord must have been so proud of her! (and probably laughing with joy over her exuberance too!)
!!
