The Mind Set On Things Above
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
We are instructed to renew our minds, but in today's busy world, finding stillness and focusing on the things of God can seem like a near-impossible task. Constant noise—notifications, conversations, commotion—surrounds us and can sometimes be overwhelming. However, with just a little effort, we can still find peaceful solitude amid all the noise. Making time for stillness is essential to cultivating peace in our lives, whether it's a five-minute stroll with God outdoors or just sitting indoors and meditating on scripture. Though life can be chaotic at times, don't forget about seeking things above wherever possible; these moments of solitude and quiet are incredibly powerful. Make sure you make some intentional space each day where you focus exclusively on eternal truths—it makes a tremendous difference.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
The battle for the mind will take commitment and planning. The rise of smartphones and social media networks has profoundly affected our brains, making it difficult for us to focus and concentrate on one task. In the era of information overload, our attention spans are constantly pulled in different directions. Social media networks use algorithms that target specific user interests with tailored content that is highly addictive. This “attention economy” has been heavily criticized for manipulating users’ brain functions by exploiting their emotions and desires.
"In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word."
Psalm 119:14-16
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word."
Psalm 119:14-16
The battle for our minds is of utmost importance, and the way we fill them will be decisive - the things of God or the things of this world? Reading scripture has a powerful transformative effect on how we think and view our lives, bringing into focus what matters most. The Bible tells us that meditating on it day and night can change our perspectives, allowing us to see through heavenly lenses instead of earthly ones. Scripture contains truth and wisdom that shapes our perceptions, helping us discern good from evil in a fallen world. Spending time reading God's word daily can give us the strength to resist temptation and make difficult decisions, encouraging us to choose the things of God over those of this world. Join The Orchard as we read the New Testament in 2023.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5
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Happy New Year!He Will Save His People From Their SinsMy Beloved SonTemptation And MinistryThe SermonLeaving, Lying, Limits, Love, Largesse, and The Lord's PrayerTreasure, Anxiety, and JudgmentAstonishing AuthorityStorms, Demons, and HealingJesus Is CompassionateHis Eye Is On The SparrowSwords, Rewards, and MessengersThe Lord of the SabbathBlasphemy, Bad Trees, Signs, and FamilyStories, Sowers, and SoilsParables, Hidden Treasure, and RejectionFame, Food, Fear, Faith, and FringeReal Issues And The Power Of GodDying To Find LifeLike The SunChildren, Temptation, Sheep, And ForgivenessMarriage, Kids, And MoneyTo Serve And Give His Life
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The ArrivalStories That StingQuestion TrapsHidden Motives And LamentThe End...?UnexpectedReady?Punishment, The Plot, And PerfumeTreachery, Passover, and The CupBetrayal, Injustice, And DenialThe Field Of Blood And The GovernorCrucifixion And DeathAll AuthorityMark—The Beginning Of The GospelHealing, Preaching, And The Forgiveness Of SinEating With Tax Collectors, Fasting, The Sabbath, And An Escape BoatThe Twelve, Blasphemy, Family, And A ParableParables And PowerA Different Kind Of StormPower Had Gone Out
March
Death, Hunger, And MiraclesCommandment Or TraditionDo You Not Yet Understand?The Christ And A Glimpse Of His GloryUnbelief, Confusion, And SinDivorce, Children, And PossessionsTo Give His Life As A RansomHosannaThe Rejected Stone, Taxes, And The Great CommandmentDestruction And The EndNo One Knows, An Anointing, And A Promise To BetrayPassover And GethsemaneThe Kiss, Arrest, And DenialPilate, Simon, And The CrucifixionDeath, Burial, Resurrection, And What\'s NextTheophilus And A Visit From GabrielMary And The MagnificatBenedictusThe Arrival And The ShepherdsSimeon, Anna, And The SpiritFruits Keeping With Repentance And BaptismThe Wilderness, Nazareth, And CapernaumSimon's Mother-In-Law, Fishing, A Leper, And Sins
April
Tax Collectors, Fasting, Sabbath Controversies, And The TwelveWhy Do You Call Me Lord, Lord?Jesus Marveled, A Raised Son, And QuestionsA Sinful Woman And A ParableObeying The Word, A Storm, And DemonsTwelve Years, Twelve Apostles, And SpeculationGreater, Costly, And GloryNot Getting It, The Cost, And AppointedWoes, Neighbors, And What Is NecessaryHelp Us Pray And A Divided Kingdom?Signs, Lights, And WoesHypocrisy, Fear, A Fool, And AnxietyParables, Division, And The TimesWarnings, A Daughter Of Abraham, And Jerusalem, JerusalemA Son Or An Ox, Parties, And DiscipleshipLost ThingsThe Dishonest Manager, The Law, And Anguish In This FlameMillstones And Mustard SeedsPersistent Prayer, Humility, A Childlike Faith, And The Rich RulerEverything That Is Written, A Blind Beggar, And A Wee Little Man
May
A Parable, A Colt, A Prophecy, And A CleansingAuthority, Wicked Tenants, And TaxesThings To Beware Of And WidowsDestruction, Persecution, The Son Of Man, And WatchingThe Plot, Betrayal, Lord's Supper, And Inappropriate BehaviorPrediction, Fulfillment, Agony, Betrayal, And DenialMistreated, Taken Before The Council, Pilate, Herod, And Delivered To Be CrucifiedCrucifixion, Death, And BurialHe Is Not HereDisbelieved For JoyIn The Beginning…The Lamb Of God And A WeddingZeal, What's Inside, And Born AgainHe Must Increase
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