Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 5, 2012
“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
The human brain is not meant to operate at full capacity all of the time. The Lord never sleeps or slumbers, but the mind of mere mortals must. If thinking never turns off, like an idling car engine, it eventually runs out of gas. Creativity is crushed under the weight of worry or having to work out urgent issues. A mind requires rest, just like the body, soul and spirit. Thus, wise are those who take the time to rest their minds.
We are creatures of habit who have become addicted to the screens of modern society. Phones aggressively capture the attention of our eyes and ears. They only let go of their grip when they are turned off. Computers save us time, only to consume our time with unnecessary and needless information. Like an addict who needs another hit or drink, so we become inebriated with access to endless digital knowledge. Space age conveniences, like music and movies on demand, can demand our affections above the heart of God.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
How do we guard the mind from being governed by outside forces? How can we give our minds a break, so God can give us a break-through in our thinking? A good first step is to regularly free ourselves from being a slave to screens. Set up blocks of time when the computer, phone and television are turned off and ignored. Mental margin grows in a pared down schedule. Your trust in Jesus gives you permission not to be accessible.
Outdoor physical activity provides mental gymnastics that stimulate different areas of brain engagement. Hence, mental margin does not mean mindlessness. But it does require creating space where the Lord can be heard and people’s emotions can be felt. A full head has nothing to give, but one empty of self has capacity to know how to serve a loved one at their point of need. And above all else, allow the peace of God to guard your mind.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me how to rest in You, with my peace of mind from You.
Related Readings: Daniel 10:12; Mark 8:33; 12:30; Romans 15:5-6
Post/Tweet this today: Mental margin grows in a pared down schedule. #trust #calendar
Wisdomhunters.com is dedicated to Applying Unchanging Truth to a Changing World.
Comments are closed.
Thank you so much for speaking a blazing word for our time. Just last night, I told myself, the computer needs to be off at 9:00 p.m. We’ve gotta get this insidious emergence of mind and time invasion under control!!! Lord, help us make You our overwhelming priority!
I was referred to WisdomHunters by my Pastor. He is the most trustworthy, respectable, and knowledgeable Shepard of God I have ever known and I’m no spring chicken.
I was in need of further information, guidance, answers, etc.,
from the bible and he said this is one of the sights he recommended. I’m glad he did. Nearly every devotional sent is helpful, but I’m still waiting for the one/s that apply to adult children and parents. “Honor thy Father and Mother” and when they are married they are to leave their parents and clean to each other as one. OOOOKAAAAy!!! Does this apply only to the husband? Is the wife suppose to clean to her husband and not her parents as well? What does “Honor the Mother and Father” really mean? I’ve looked these things up and I can’t find anything that says what “honor” means. Do the adult children disappear out of your life after marriage and honor you by praying for you every night before they go to sleep? Or stop by and visit? Accuse you of emotional abuse? Treat the parents less then their church family? Feel obligated to return calls to mom or dad?????
There is so much more, but I think if an adult child of Christ is on the right path spiritually, but treats his mom like a manipulative monster because she asks him over for diner after his been to two churches that day and says I’m using food to see him and I should no better than to ask him to do that at last minute because his life is too busy. His words are damning, judgmental and painful. I will keep my distance at his request, but I want so badly to tell him that the way hes’ treating me is wrong. Not just because of the way it hurts me, but by God’s standards. Every time I try to explain what God says he refutes w/numbered scripture by memory. I have no defense. I should speak to the pastor, but my son’s wife is his Administrative Asst. and, well, I feel defenseless. Either way, if you have and devotionals that are based solely on the definition of God’s words/commandment, “Honor thy Father and Mother” and all that implies, you would be helping one very sad mom right now. Lastly,
the scripture, “a man shall leave his mother and father and cling to his wife”? I’m sorry for the misquote, but I think you know which one I mean. Define the meaning of this and how it applies to the wife as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m not expecting a miracle, but I am praying for your help. Blessings, Bobbi
Bobbi my heart goes out to you and your hurting heart. Here are a couple of devotionals that may give you some encouragement and direction. One is about a parent’s prayers for their child… https://www.wisdomhunters.com/2012/05/parental-prayers/
And the other is on Leave and Cleave…
https://www.wisdomhunters.com/2010/07/leave-and-cleave/
A servant for Jesus,
Boyd