Calling in the next play

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

In the game of football each team enters into a “huddle” prior to the beginning of the next play. The huddle is the place where the strategy for the next play is disseminated to the players on the field. The play is actually called by a coach on the sidelines, but is communicated by the quarterback or on field defensive leader. The coach has chosen the play being communicated based of his observations of both his team and the other team’s strategy during the previous plays.

The coaching staff has taken great care in crafting plays for nearly any situation encountered on the field. There are plays for long yardage situations, goal line situations and limited time on the clock. Based on the play that is sent in, each player knows his specific role and duty in the next series of play.

This is a reminder of God’s work in our lives:

John 16:13 (NASB)
13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

God disseminates guidance to us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us through scripture, circumstances and those who surround us. The Holy Spirit operates only by what He hears from the mouth of God. It is these things that the Holy Spirit then communicates to us. This guidance is to prepare us for what is getting ready to take place in our lives. Because God sees the whole of our lives, we can place complete confidence in all that the Holy Spirit reveals to us.

Today you may find yourself up against difficult challenges and shifting circumstances. Listen close, because God is sending you the play that will guide your steps in the days to come. He has the whole field in view and His strategy is flawless. Once your direction is clear, focus on the flawless execution of what you have received.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Power of the Mind

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

We all have some understanding of the power of the mind. Words like “positive mental attitude” and “stinking thinking” are part of our working vocabulary. Our mind is the center of influence for much of what goes on in our lives. With our thoughts, we can harness great strength that leads us through the most difficult of circumstances. Sadly, we can also latch on to thoughts of negativity and depravity that lead us into dark places and actions that are detrimental to not only ourselves, but also to those around us.

In fact we find that sin has a pattern that starts in the mind. A passing thought becomes a lingering thought. As the mind dwells on that lingering thought, the thought develops into a plan. From the plan the mind develops a method of execution. From that method of execution, the body takes action.

God has given us the formula for harnessing the power of the mind for His purposes in our lives. This formula is a roadmap for bringing about His glory in each of our lives:

Philippians 4:8 (NASB)
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, let your mind dwell on these things.

The truth of the matter is simple: “Where your thoughts are, your actions will soon follow.” When we think on these things that are listed for us in Philippians 4; we can also see the outcome. These types of thoughts taking residence in our minds produce truth, honor, righteousness, purity, beauty, integrity, excellence and proper perspective upon God and His role in our lives. These things are transforming in nature and they radiate outward, visible to all who are influenced by our lives.

Today I encourage you to take note of the thoughts that enter your mind. Examine the places your mind seems to dwell. Take captive those thoughts that do not fit the profile of Philippians 4, and give them no dominion in your mind. Flood your mind with the thoughts listed above and watch the radiance of God emanate from your life.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl