Focused Mind

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. Phil 4:8-9 (NASB) The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NASB) 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 1 Thess 5:16-19 (NASB) I woke up this morning with the struggle for my mind already begun. Focus during my time with the Lord was difficult, as was my prayer time. Today I am challenged to actively refocus continually throughout the day, disciplining my mind to stay focused on the things of my Lord. I am challenged to not let my mind wander to unnecessary things, and to make sure that even the mundane shows a focus on the things of the Spirit.

Truth

O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He wok walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Ps 15:1-2 Today I am challenged with truthfulness. I don't like to confess this, but I have followed the ways of the world in the area of truthfulness, not the ways of my God. I have allowed the world to determine what is the whole truth, and frequently that means being slightly less than truthful, twisting words to make myself look better, or speaking those "little white lies" that the world says are harmless. Today I am challenged to change my perspective of truth until I stand pure and truthful in God's eyes, not the world's.

Seeking Him

My goal will be to typically get this challenge up first thing in the morning - well, as soon as I finish my morning time with the Lord. As today was Saturday and our schedule is much more relaxed, I'm just now getting to posting. Thanks for your patience. The Lord had given Israel the Law. Moses was in the process of giving to the people the words of their God. He had just told them that the time would come when they would fall away from the Lord their God and be scattered, taken away by the pagan nations around them. Then he gave them a hope, a promise of what would happen after they'd been taken away into captivity... 29 "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. Deut 4:29 (NASB) I am challenged today to hold nothing back. I am challenged to seek Him with everything I am, asking Him to reveal the areas where I am seeking the things of this world instead. Where it is hard, where it is easy, where it is mundane, I will seek Him. I know this is not a one-day challenge but a life challenge. Lord, I long to seek You! 9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind ; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chron 28:9 (NASB)