Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Psalm 146:3-5, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.”

Has someone ever broken their promise to you that you admired due to their position? The psalm writer of Psalm 146 portrays influential people making false promises they cannot supply or fulfill. They are an inadequate protector, defender, shield, and redeemer. Yet Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, the Messiah, our LORD and Savior. He brings hope and help to those in need.

We need to choose Jesus Christ to be our supreme influencer. Have you ever had a time in your life where it could only be explained as God did that? I have had several. Remind yourself of those past provisions of blessings you received undeservedly. Yet God did that for you because He loves and cares about you. There is hope because He will supply all of your needs because He is your great shepherd, as David declared in Psalm 23:1 and said that he “lacked nothing.”

Need real help? Trust God to do mighty things as David prayed in Psalm 60:11, “Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.” Maybe you are frustrated with your circumstances or inconsistencies in others. We have Psalm 33:10-11 to reassure us as it says, “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts their schemes. But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” When you wonder if there is anyone you can really trust, remember your Creator, the great I AM, as it states in Psalm 71:5a, “O LORD, you alone are my hope.” Seek His counsel.

Your life is a testimony of what God has done in your life. Place your confidence in Him. Powerful people will come and go, but you have God as your helper. He will give you all you need, and here is where and who your hope rests in despite any powerful person– “The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” Psalm 145:13b.

Listen to Jon Reddick – What A Love (Official Lyric Video).

Matthew 6: 27, 33-34, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NIV

Have you been worrying about anything recently? Excessive worrying and chronic stress can cause a multitude of health issues. We have all been there and me included. It has been documented and is considered a scientific fact that excessive worrying can affect the heart, blood vessels, muscle tightness, digestive problems, and cause headaches. One source reported a higher risk of diseases and even diabetes, can be brought on by excessive worrying. The prefrontal cortex of the brain is where logical thinking and decision making happen. But when anxiety kicks in staying calm may be more difficult. The body’s nervous system will then release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (perhaps this could contribute to my high cholesterol). These hormones can cause physical reactions such as muscle tension, fast heartbeat, and other health problems. Yet God’s Word provides comfort and reassurance that we are not alone in our concerns. God is concerned about our well-being, so how can we, instead of carrying our burden, better commit our needs to Him and leave them there for Him to handle?

Matthew 5-7 is called the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught the disciples that what matters is faithful obedience to God from the heart, which leads to genuine love for God and others and transforms lives. In Matt. 6:25-34, Jesus taught against worrying because it stems from a lack of faith and trust in God’s provisional care. God wants us to give it to Him – cast it onto Him (1 Peter 5:7), because He is our divine caregiver who created us. He promises to uphold us and sustain us.

• “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
• “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22.

David Guzik states in his Blue Letter Commentary of Matthew 6:25, “We are to be concerned with the right things; the ultimate issues of life – and we then leave the management (and the worry) over material things with our heavenly Father. . . Worrying accomplishes nothing; we can add nothing to our lives by worrying. There may be greater sins than worry, but there are none more self-defeating and useless.” Think about it, worrying cannot change the future or one’s circumstances.

Instead, hold tight to Scripture verses that give direction, wisdom, comfort, and direction as you seek to be free from undue concern about a trying and seemingly impossible situation. Seek after God as He will never ignore those who depend upon Him (Matt. 6:28-30). Look closely at verse 33 in Matt. 6. Did Jesus just tell them to stop worrying? No, He told them to replace worry (fear) with concern for the kingdom of God. Worrying can be a habit and must be replaced with a more excellent habit or passion for finding out the will of God and a commitment to align with His purpose first and totally. We need to rest in fellowship with our lovingly heavenly Father. The choice is up to us, taking one day at a time and growing in our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior. Worry and anxiety is one’s enemy. Instead, thank God for today. Thank Him for His goodness. Focus on Him instead of the problem or the mistake you have made. Say, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6:10). Then you will experience God’s peace (Philippians 4:7), one day at a time.

Listen to Danny Gokey – Only For A Moment (Lyrics).

1 Peter 4:7, “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.”

Everyone, no matter who they are, is saying more and more, “We are living in unprecedented times.” Historically, there have always been times of crisis. Now, we have new issues in our world, and in my business, we are telling our customers, “We are living in unprecedented times. So now is not the time to panic.” We see in Scripture warnings about unprecedented times, and therefore, we should watch and be ready for Christ’s return. I like how the Amplified Bible states 1 Peter 4:7: “The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him].” We are living in “end times” right before our eyes; therefore, we need to be diligent in praying for others and investing our time and talents where they will make an eternal difference.

Matthew 24:42-44 declares, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. . . because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 also declares, “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” We are to use good judgment and stay calm with a spirit of prayer, in light of Christ’s return. “Prayer sharpens our awareness so that we are able to be more discerning. It gives us genuine hope and confidence in Christ in the midst of confusion. When you’re panicking, you’re not praying. When you’re reacting, you’re not trusting in your sovereign God.” Chuck Swindoll’s New Testament Insights, 1 Peter 4:7, page 218.

We all need to spend more time in prayer, especially myself. The following verses emphasize this:

• Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18.
• Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2.
• Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
• Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:5-6.
• The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7.

We all face anxiety from time to time. Nobody is exempt. You don’t have to be an expert in everything you do or understand everything you need to grow your business or opportunities before you. Pressures will surround us, competitors will attack us, and your supply chain will challenge you, especially during these unprecedented times. It all comes back to our hearts and trust in the LORD – not just on Sundays. We all must be willing to be used by God in whatever His purpose is for us to do in our life for God’s glory. It often takes the tough times to cause us to long for heaven. Stay balanced and focused on Christ’s return. Ask God to make you of benefit just where He has placed you. Then pray for the people around you. Be watchful. Be thankful. Stay balanced and focused on His return.

Listen to Somebody Prayed (Lyrics) – Crowder.

Ephesians 4:23-24, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.”

The Holy Spirit empowers and transforms those who are Christians, exalts Christ, provides knowledge and application of the Scriptures, guides us into truth, helps us grow in holiness, and enables believers to live out their faith. We read in John 14:26, Amplified Bible: “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, intercessor – Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf]. He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.”

 Do you sometimes have problems with your thoughts and attitudes when challenged, or something goes wrong? I do. It can be as simple as my printer or computer not working or something that went wrong in my job that was out of my control. It is a continual process of not giving in to one’s feelings and emotions when under stress. Instead, we all need to head in a new direction and use the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit will give us instead.

The prophet Isaiah recorded the LORD saying in Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT: “My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” So often we have our preconceived cookie cutter solutions. But since God is sovereign, we need to strive to fit into His plan and purposes and pray for discernment in the right reactions and words we speak for every challenging unpleasant encounter that we face. He is faithful and good. As we talk things over with God, we need to ask Him what His thoughts are about the predicament, and what He sees and knows that we can’t see, and that His will be done instead.

At the end of the day, Christ is all that matters because He lives in us (Col. 3:11). He knows and will work in ways we did not expect or imagine. He always knows best. So today, instead of stewing and fretting when encountering problems, “Instead, let the Spirit renew (my) thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” Ephe. 4:23-24. How will that look now?

Listen to NEEDTOBREATHE – “I’ve Got A Story (feat. Tori Kelly)”

Philippians 2:12-13, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Despite difficult circumstances, Paul was such a strong Christian who maintained joy in the Lord no matter what he was dealing with. He stated in Philip. 1:19, the Holy Spirit would be helping him as the people in the church prayed for him. It was due to their prayers for Paul that those prayers, along with the Holy Spirit, helped Paul see his difficulties in prison through new eyes. He didn’t then resent accepting his current situation, that of being in prison. Paul is a lesson and example of how God wants us to serve him faithfully and joyfully wherever we are until he decides it is time to move on to his next service assignment.

Paul’s entire letter to the Christian church in Philippi always focused on sacrificial love and humility. He taught that they must have the same attitude Christ Jesus had (2:5). Throughout chapter two, Paul is teaching about having the attitude of Christ and what that looks like.

Joseph’s dream came to pass, and his vision is described in Genesis 37:5-7, where his brothers bowed down to him in his dream. They eventually did (Gen. 42:6), but it didn’t happen until after he was thrown into a pit and tossed into prison. Then we have Abraham, who finally received the promise after he patiently endured (Heb. 6:15). He waited 25 years from when God promised him a son, and Isaac was born. Through our faith and patience, we believers can receive the promises of God he has for us, but it may take a while. Patience often brings rewards.

The question is, are we (am I) learning that what we (I) really want, that what we (I) truly desire, is God’s will? Or do we allow ourselves to be side-tracked from our own irritations and frustrations? It takes a submitted mind to put into practice 1 Cor. 15:58, which declares, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the LORD [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” AMP. There it is. That is how to “work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 12:13. It involves God’s grace and moral effort in our Christian life.

Listen to We Are Messengers – A Thousand Times featuring Cochren & Co. (Official Lyric Video).

Romans 5:1-3, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Exercising our faith in Christ is a life-long necessity and learning experience. Even though we have been made right in God’s sight – justified by our faith in Christ positionally, we keep growing in our faith, which is called progressive sanctification, which is a continuous process throughout our lifetime.

Paul always had hope. He never had uncertainty in his faith in Christ despite being put in jail unjustly. The words “problems and trials” are used in the NLT. The ESV uses the word “sufferings.” The NKJV uses the word “tribulations.” Regardless, this doesn’t refer to minor inconveniences. Paul knew this better than anyone. Problems and tribulations fall on both the saved and unsaved (Matt. 5:45). So perhaps God wants to teach us how to be a light before our co-workers, friends, or family when we are undergoing these situations.

“Most every Christian wants to develop character and have more hope. These qualities spring out of perseverance, which comes through tribulation. We may wish to have better character and more hope without starting with tribulation, but that isn’t God’s pattern and plan.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary. David Guzik. Don’t we all wish God would just sprinkle us with character, hope, and perseverance? But that is not how it works. It takes a deep awareness of God’s love for us, which will then give us hope when undergoing trials, as He is doing His finishing work on us (process of progressive sanctification). Paul was a prime example as he very well knew about difficulties.

“Tribulations” or thlipsis in Greek, means “crushings” – a word that describes the process of crushing an olive with heavy rocks in order to extract oil. Paul says we glory not only in what we’re going to be, or who we are positionally, but also in the tribulations which happen constantly.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, page 912. It is during those times I realize I am nothing. How about you? At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ experienced “thlipsis” – crushing – the place of the olive press when He sweat significant drops of blood for our sins and submitted to God the Father (Matthew 20:39-42) on the cross. What has God been extracting in your life recently? Think about that the next time you reach for that bottle of olive oil and relate it to your character, hope, and perseverance being developed by our holy and just and loving God for greater purposes you don’t even know about right now. He knows the whole story. Trust Him.

Listen to Mix – Hallelujah, (Official Music Video) – Charly Perry.

Matthew 5:22, “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” NLT

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother [some manuscripts insert without cause] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ESV

I have asked myself this week if I think like Christ does or how I can better think like He does. Jesus pointed out in Matthew 5 six ways to think like Christ. One was where Jesus interprets the law against murder and the sin of anger and hatred in verses 21-22 where Jesus brings the law of Moses, back to the intentions of the heart. “Barclay, commenting on the specific ancient Greek word translated angry: “So Jesus forbids forever the anger which broods, the anger which will not forget, the anger which refuses to be pacified, the anger which seeks revenge.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik.

When God has shown us such great mercy, why is it so easy to fall into the temptation of anger when someone breaks a promise, offends us, or doesn’t fall in line with the values we hold dear, the temptation of anger mightily roars in arrogant contempt? I admit I am guilty. Yet Jesus pulled the disciples aside and warned them about the sin of anger and other temptations in the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5. It was a code of ethics and standard of conduct for all believers to live by Jesus’ words.

Did you ever consider purposefully not choosing an angry response to someone, that God will bless you for that? James 2:10;12-13 warns us, “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” As Christians, we are saved by faith, through God’s free gift of grace, not by keeping any law. But we also are required to obey Christ. So James is teaching, understanding, and appreciating God’s mercy He has shown toward us with forgiveness is essential. Matthew 6:14 & 15 warns us, “For if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” We all are ordinary sinners in need of God’s forgiveness.

“We should be just as concerned about our attitudes that people don’t see as about our actions that are seen by all.” Life Application Study Bible NLT, note. Matthew 5:20.

God sees our hearts. He knows our thoughts and attitudes. God, may your thoughts be my thoughts today (Isaiah 55:8).

Listen to Matthew West – Unashamed (Music Video).

Psalm 15:2, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.”

David gives us a description in Psalm 15 of the requirements of living a blameless life and being morally upright in having close fellowship intimately with God through Jesus Christ. Reflecting on God’s standards in my daily life and remembering I am a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) should affect my words because words are powerful, David states in Psalm 15. When treated unjustly and unfairly, it would be good to read over again Psalm 15 because David states what those who lead blameless lives do no matter what:

• Controls their speech – speaking the truth but refusing to slander. Verse 3.
• Keeping promises. Verse 3 & 4.
• Keep your word. Be truthful, have a blameless character, and righteous conduct. Verses 2-3.
• Righteousness should be shown in one’s character when being amongst difficult people. Verses 4-5a.
• Use your money wisely in a way that honors God. Don’t let money be an idol. Verse 5.

God cares and knows about the situations in our lives and when we question His ability to handle circumstances beyond our control (Jeremiah 23:23-24) He is close at hand and cares. Reviewing the attributes of God will help us remember God and His Word are sufficient for every need we have before us. Some of His attributes to remember are: God’s holy wrath, mercy, holiness, omnipotence (having unlimited power-all powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipresence (capable of being everywhere at the same time). I need to remember and dwell on these more often in striving to live a blameless life before others.

God has no limits. Remember, you are a citizen of Heaven. What you believe, what I believe in the gospel of Christ, should affect our (my) reactions to my (our) current circumstances, good or bad. God knows our motives and actions. God is greater than our feelings because He knows everything and has holy wrath, mercy, holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He is more than capable of working out our frustrations as the Psalms are filled with godly people who cried out to God with the same feelings, you may be experiencing right now. Stand firm in God’s presence – He is right beside you.

Proverbs 22:11 states “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” Don’t get sidetracked because “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13. “The greatest weapon against the Devil is a godly life.” Warren Wiersbe. Consistency is the key.

Listen to Casting Crowns – Desert Road (Official Music Video)

Psalm 3:5; 8, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. Victory comes from you O LORD. May you bless your people.”

When I get out of bed each morning, I have an app on my iPhone connected to our bed that gives me my SleepIQ score that I check to see the results. It tells me the following: 1) How many minutes it took to fall asleep; 2) Restless sleep minutes; 3) Restful sleep hours and minutes; 4) Bed exit time. Then, the bio signals of heart rate, heart rate variability, and breath rate are presented. This morning, it says that my restful sleep was right around my average and is great for my well-being and overall sleep health. But it cannot know what external circumstances disturb my sleep when the ratings show it has gone below my average. Sleep does not come quickly during trials and times of crisis. We have David, in Psalm 3, who was running for his life and had a crisis. His son Absalom led a conspiracy of traitors that was growing in momentum against him (2 Sam. 15:12). Many said God would not help him. However, David believed in God’s presence (doctrine of God’s omnipresence) and that God was a shield around him (Ps.3:3). Therefore David’s confidence was not shaken that God would give him a blessing, that he would be aware of His presence, and that God would protect him despite 10,000 enemies that may have been surrounding him (verse 6). As David declared in Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

The assurance of God’s watchful care and protection over David gave him a restful sleep. He knew that God was in control and left the destiny of God’s kingdom to God. No obstacle would prevent the all-powerful (omnipotent) God from accomplishing His purposes and divine will. God is in control of all things as Isaiah 14:27 declares,” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has spoken – who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him!”

When carrying a heavy burden and you rest your head on your pillow, remember Genesis 18:13 and Jeremiah 32:27, “Is anything too hard for God?” Nothing is too complicated for God. Matthew 19:26 states, “With God all things are possible.” Paul teaches us in Ephesians 3:20 that “God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”

God has made us in such a way that gives us mental abilities and persuasive power capabilities to produce results with His guidance. Still, the use of that power has to be in ways pleasing to God. It brings glory to His character for others to see in our single-mindedness and humble-minded faith that Christ is our source of power and guide no matter what. He will develop our character to be more Christ-like through our growth of self-discipline and obedience to God’s Word, so our light shines brightly for His glory. So, sleep well tonight, my friend. The LORD is watching over you. God is omnipotent, which means all-powerful, and He has no restraining limits on what He can do even when we sleep at night. He is right beside you (omnipresent). He will bring the needed victory, which will come in the end.

Listen to I Believe (Charity Gayle) Lyric Video.

Psalm 103:2, Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

I have a gift box on our mantel that contains written answers to prayers I have recorded on 3 X 5 cards that God has answered. I just added another card to the box this past week, not wanting to forget the good things God has done for me. The purpose is to have reminders of past blessings of answers to prayers God has provided, so I don’t forget them whenever I am tempted to be discouraged or distraught as life happens. When I feel like nothing is going right, I open this box and read the cards of past and present blessings; therefore, God has more to offer me in the future as well. Psalm 103 is a psalm of praise to God, written by David, describing God’s great love for us and what God is really like.

David lists reasons in Psalm 103, to praise God because of his repentance and received forgiveness. Which ones would you identify with the most?

1. Forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Verse 3.
2. Redeems us from death. Verse 4.
3. Crowns us with love and tender mercies. Verse 4.
4. Fills our life with good things. Verse 5.
5. Gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. Verse 6.
6. Merciful and gracious. Verse 8.
7. Compassionate and merciful. Verse 8.
8. Slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Verse 8.
9. He does not punish us for all our sins, does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. Verse 10.
10. Steadfast love – unfailing love. Verse 11.
11. Removes our sins as far as the East is from the West. Verse 12.
12. He knows how weak we are because He knows we were formed from dust. Verse 14.
13. The steadfast love of the LORD remains forever. Verse 17 (2^nd statement of this of the character of God).

Psalm 11:4-5, is another verse that is good to remember when discouraged, which says, “But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.” We have a lot of violence throughout the world today, but God sees and examines it all. Their day of punishment is coming because God has said it so. God sees it all and examines it all.

When you feel distraught and discouraged, take a break and read over the list in Psalm 103 of what to praise God for and read it out loud to yourself. May you then say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT. Yes, never forget the good things God has done for you. God sees it all and knows you better than you know yourself. Bless and praise his holy name! Psalm 103:1.

Listen to Leanna Crawford – Every Day Here. Music Video.