NO MORE!

Monday morning started off good until I went downstairs. I heard a noise coming from the direction of my freezer. When I went to investigate, it had been left open. How could this be? Suddenly, I remembered I had cleaned out some old food the night before.

As I checked the remaining food, my joy began to deteriorate. Fortunately, I only lost about a third of what remained. Then my thoughts began to turn inward.

“You should have made sure you closed the freezer door.”

“Look at how much food you’ve wasted.”

“Look at the money you’ve wasted.”

 “You should have done better.”

“When will you learn?”

I was anxiously pacing the floor. An old mind-set was activating. The self-condemnation was building. Worry and fear were not far behind. My focus had turned inward and the victim mentality was forging ahead.

Suddenly, I yelled out, “NO MORE!” as I sensed God moving within me to implement a new plan of attack. I need to ‘change my mind’ now. I refuse to become self-absorbed. I’ve had enough of the enemy’s frame of mind. My focus must be on God and His Provision. Ok Lord, where should I begin?

These three actions burst into my mind: I’m going to praise, I’m going to pray and I’m going to pass out some food.

Praise- My heart and hands flew upward to where all true blessing come.

I began praising God for who he was to me. Next, my thoughts turned to what Christ had done on the cross and who I was in Him. These thoughts allowed the spirit of boldness to shine forth. Last, I remembered how God had helped me previously so I knew He would help me right now. Joy began to shine forth in my soul.

Prayer- I aliened my will with God’s so His power could work on my behalf. I ask for wisdom, protection and alertness to ungodly thoughts. Thankfully worry and fear drain away. A plan of action for planting seeds formed and more joy flooded my soul.

Pass out some food- I knew of several families that would appreciate some free meat to help them stretch their tight food budgets. I made a list and began calling. When a friend would answer the phone, I started off with, “Have I got a deal for you!” By the day’s end, I noticed an enduring joy stabilizing my soul. The transformation of an old mind-set had begun.

  

Where is your mind-set when everyday challenges strike? Is your focus on God or turned inward to self-condemnation? We all have mind-sets, which need to change? These misguided thought-patterns are how we cope when life challenges us. They force us to focus on our abilities instead of on God’s power.

Today, ask God to alert you to worldly self-condemning mind-sets. Then, choose the Christ-centered transformation process. Renewing your mind will stop the worry and fear. Then, peace and joy will spring forth to soothe your soul.

The mind of sinful man is death,

but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

Casting down imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

  

Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with when is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

Just a footnote 9/25: I have already received seed blessings from two very unexpected sources. Thanks God from whom all blessings flow.