Passage of the Day:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever, 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection:
I attended a family reunion last month. While at the Charlotte airport, I began people watching. Ninety percent of the travelers were either captivated by their phones or memorized by music playing on their ear buds and headphones. You can’t compete with conversations, content on the internet or easily accessible games. If Christians don’t have a set time to study the Bible, pray and spend time with fellow believers, captivated minds will quench the desires of the Holy Spirit to draw closer to the Lord.
Prayerful Action:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:2.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
Early on in His ministry, Jesus found that waking up before anyone else, Mark 1:35, set the tone for each day. Jesus led by example, fulfilling the words of the apostle Paul above. If you can’t find or don’t have a quiet place, start eliminating the things of this world that are captivating your mind. This may include getting rid of the television from your bedroom, turning off the radio or television or purging your home from tempting possessions. If you take the words above seriously, renewing your mind with the Bible, prayer and worship will guide you toward God’s will for your life. This is how you start breaking free from loving lust more than the Lord.
Song of the Day:
Sometimes we all need individuals who challenge us in life. When your mind is captivated by the world, you need an accountable partner to point out your flaws and shortcomings. May the lyrics of Nice Guy inspire you to flee from the lusts of this world.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 