This is the manuscript for today’s radio program…

One of the things I think it important for C’ians to do is be thoughtful, reflective, seeking God to be wise. Our life is much more than being born… growing up… having a family… working… retiring & then dying. It is MUCH more! The C’ian’s life is to be all about glorifying God!

Our salvation is much more than just escaping eternal judgment, MUCH MORE. It is about actively participating in God’s eternal plan. It is about doing and being in such a way that pleases God. It is about recognizing that our life is effective as much, if not more, by the spiritual realm we cannot see!

For instance, do you remember in Daniel 10 where the answer to his prayers were hindered by demons in charge of Persia? Then do you also not remember what Paul wrote in Eph 6:12-13…

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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

If we neglect to u’stand the spiritual dynamic of our life… what God is doing… and the part we are to participate in it, we are not living wisely! Thus the purpose of today’s discussion…

At some time most all C’ians ask God to “bless” them… and God is determined to do that. The only thing is God’s definition of a blessing is 99% of the time different from ours. God’s blessing has to do with spiritual maturity, growth, holiness, & godliness. We prefer things that make life easier, more comfortable, and emotionally peaceful. As a result, God’s work & our expectation/desire are many times in conflict. It is only when we are on the same page with God that we experience what Paul did…

Phil 4:11 I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Phil 3:7 Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss b/c of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things & count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 & be found in him… 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection

Here Paul describes his main purpose in life. The reason for his existence and everything he did. Paul’s contentment was NOT tied to events… but what the events were accomplishing. He cared less about WHAT happened than WHY God brought it about.

That’s usually where our disconnect takes place! We don’t think in a heavenly manner. We don’t think as God would have us to. We think more with an earthly mindset than a heavenly one.

God is more concerned with us being conformed to Christ than our physical condition or material possessions! He is more connected to getting us ready for eternity than our working our immediate circumstances to give us temporary relief.

Now… since that is the case… at least from my perspective… I’d like to suggest a way of thinking that may be of some help. A way to process whatever you go through… OR someone you know is going through… so that we may be lights that shine in a dark world. Again note I said that this is a way of thinking… a way to process events from a Christian perspective.

Our goal is to u’stand life in light of God’s revelation, NOT u’stand God in light of life events.

Laying The Foundation For Godly Thinking

Ja 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Pr 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Mk 6:31 B/c so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Ro 8:28 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. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son

Thinking Biblically

Eph 1:11 (God) works all things after the counsel of His will…

Mt 11:28 Come to Me, all who are weary & heavy-laden, & I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Hearing this once won’t be enough. We need to drive it deep into our hearts, repeatedly. The more we meditate on Scripture AND take God at His Word… the more His peace will guard us. If you will go to my website (Name it), it is today’s blog so you can refer to it as often as you’d like.