Category Archives: Daily Scriptures
Your Mind is a Garden
Being a writer in this modern world often requires a certain amount of time spent on social media and the internet. I spend time reading articles, stories and news clips, as well as watching videos, gathering and researching information. And often, I find the content rewarding and uplifting.
However, there are times when it seems like most of what I see is negative, sad, hateful, disappointing, disgusting, or rude.
There have been certain news stories for instance, about people and events that are just so horrible that it is hard for my mind to conceive the reality of it. I find myself asking, “How could anyone do such a terrible thing”? I know the answer…because there is evil in the world. But knowing that does not make me feel any better.
Earlier this year, while I was gathering some information for an article I was working on, I read several stories that disturbed me deeply. Everywhere I looked, I found more bad news. With a seemingly constant bombardment of rancid content, I found myself being filled with hatred, disgust and contempt over the atrocities. The emotions going through my heart were so strong, I was physically shaking and began to feel quite sick.
I knew the feelings that I was experiencing were not good, and not according to God’s will. I know He doesn’t want for me to hate anyone. But with each story I read, each news clip and show I watched, I found it more difficult to let these negative emotions go. I decided I had to take a break for a while.
The main purpose of my writing is generally to encourage others and share hope through faith in Jesus, and sometimes a little humor to lift the spirits. In going back over the articles I had been writing, I could see a sourness in them that I knew was not what God wanted for me to share. By secular (worldly) standards, they were fine articles. But not by God’s standards. So I deleted them all.
As a result, I haven’t produced very much writing this summer. Like a drained battery, I needed to recharge myself, and my spirit.
I was reminded of what the bible says in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (AMP)
I have spent the majority of this summer working on yard improvement projects, and spirit improvements as well. In reading and studying the bible, and through much prayer, I have found new strength and vitality in my spirit, along with renewed joy.
Two verses in particular had a profound impact on my heart in regards to what had been going on in my spirit:
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 AMP)
But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; (Luke 21:34 AMP)
As I had been reading and watching negative stories, my thoughts became negative, and so did my heart. My writing (which comes from my heart) was also coming out negative.
I made an intentional change, a decision to “guard my heart”, in refraining from negative influences. In choosing to intentionally surround myself in positive and encouraging people, stories, songs and scriptures, my own spirit has become positive again.
It became very clear to me that what I allow into my mind (what I see and hear) has a very strong influence on my thoughts, which in turn, influences my heart. What is in my heart is what comes out of my mouth, (or written) what I share with others.
I’ve had to learn to not allow myself to be distracted by negative or ungodly images and postings. Sometimes that means scrolling past certain stories, pictures and videos. Sometimes it means turning the channel on the TV, or turning it off altogether. Sometimes it means closing the newspaper, and opening my bible.
It’s not that I’m trying to pretend that there is no evil in the world and that everything is fine. I know all too well bad things happen, evil does exist. But I can’t afford to let it infect my heart and suck all the joy and good things out of my spirit! I can choose what I look at and listen to, and I choose positive and encouraging things, and images that build love and hope.
What do you allow to influence your mind, and therefore your heart?
For parents, what do you allow to influence your children?
1 Samuel 15:22-23
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king.
(1 Samuel 15:22-23)
King Saul had disobeyed God and he lost God’s favor. Saul disobeyed God’s instructions because he was captivated by his own ambition and desires. When confronted by Samuel, Saul only gave excuses. He did part of what God had told him to, but he was not willing to be fully obedient. And God rejected him.
How many times are we like Saul? Maybe we find ourselves doing part of what God’s Word says to us, but not quite finishing the job of obedience. It is often our pride and our desire for accomplishment that leads us to hide behind half-truths and excuses. The instruction is clear . . . let the obedience be complete. As Samuel noted, the Lord delights more in obeying His voice than in all the burnt offerings we can give.
Father, thank You for Your Words of Truth! Guide me, and give me the faith & strength I need to obey You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Unceasing prayer brings the glory of God down. That doesn’t mean you’re not doing anything else. It means that just as you are always physically breathing in and out as you go about your day, you should always be spiritually in a conversation with God. Always talking: “Yes, Lord;” and “See that, Father?” and “Help me, God,” and always, always in an attitude of thankfulness.
Prayer brings us into a closer relationship with God, which is exactly where we need to be.
Father, continue to stir me toward a consistent attitude of prayer so that my sensitivity to immediate and momentary times for prayer is increased. Help me not only to pray without ceasing but to jump to special invitations to pray. Thank You for drawing near to me as I draw near to You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Psalms 18:2
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalms 18:2)
When I live my life in the presence of God, there is no need to fear anything. He is my protector, the One I can trust in every situation. – Amber
Exodus 25:6
“Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,” (Exodus 25:6 KJV)
If we run out of oil, the light goes out. We need to keep refilling with His Holy Word, so that we can continue to let His Holy Light shine through us out into the dark for all to see.
God bless,
Amber
Psalms 31:3
“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (Psalms 31:3)
We pray that this week you would experience the fruit of surrendering completely to the Spirit’s leading. Just as the Spirit told Philip to go and stand next to the Ethiopian’s chariot, we pray that you would be willing to be wherever the Spirit leads you. His burden is easy and his yoke is light, and we pray that you would experience the peace of accepting that yoke and walking with the Spirit this week. He is our rock & fortress, our strength & security. Let Him be your guide. In Jesus name, amen.
Revelation 21:23
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof“. (Revelation 21:23)
The Lamb as the light of heaven. Light in Scripture is the emblem of joy. Light is also the cause of beauty. No beauty is left when light is gone. Without light no radiance flashes from the sapphire, no beauty shines from the pearl.
Light is also the emblem of knowledge. In heaven our knowledge will be perfect, but the Lord Jesus Himself will be the fountain of it. All that puzzles us now will become plain to us in the light of the Lamb.
God’s Word has become my light. Without it, I live in darkness and cannot find my way. The bible tells us that “the Word was made flesh”, which is Jesus. He is the source of all joy, all beauty, all knowledge.
Proverbs 2:6
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
So much of my life was spent in learning. And learning is a good thing. But at one point, I began to question what I had been studying and was it of any value to anyone? I realized that there were more hours than I cared to think of, wasted in trivial garbage, stuff that didn’t help anyone. Useless stuff taking up space in my head. Then there were some things that could have been helpful, if I had actually done something with the knowledge.
When I began studying God’s Word, I soon realized that there is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Anyone can gain knowledge, but the wisdom to know how to use it and what to use it for can only come from God.
In a world where knowledge is growing in giant leaps, I pray that we will seek God’s wisdom in what to use this knowledge for. Amen!
Luke 18:16-17
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:16-17)
None are too little, too young, to be brought to Christ, who knows how to show kindness to those not capable of doing service to him. It is the mind of Christ, that little children should be brought to him. The promise is to us, and to our seed; therefore He will bid them welcome to him with us. And we must receive his kingdom as children, not by purchase, and must call it our Father’s gift. (Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)
Joshua 24:15
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD“. (Joshua 24:15)
Many times throughout our lives we will be given a choice between holding tight to our faith, or compromising. Which will you choose? Who will you follow? Many times people declare they will follow God…until it gets hard. And it will get hard. But in His grace, God gives us strength to perservere. If we choose His armor and go on, each step becomes a victory. Day by day, moment by moment, continue on in His name.
There is no other choice for me…I will follow Jesus all the rest of my days, and He will lead me Home!
Have an awesome day & God bless!
Faith, Hope & Miracles Ebook
Trials and Triumphs
Amber Lea
Faith, Hope & Miracles 