Freely Speaking Audio Devotion
Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.
Today, Karen Wardle shares her thoughts on how loving God with all your mind can fill you with joy.
Our scripture is found in Mark 12:30 ESV:
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND and with all your strength.”
Have you ever wondered what it means to be of one mind? How does being of one mind lead to joy in our Christian walk?
There is so much controversy between churches and Christians that I believe the focus turns from Christ our Savior to Church politics, leading to contention, conflict, and anger. These things are the opposite of the joy the Bible and Christ speak of. Paul exhorted the Philippine church to complete his joy by being of one mind.
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2 ESV).
We are like-minded and focused on the same things if we are of one mind. What do we focus on? God’s amazing redemptive plan, which began before time itself, is chronicled throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament with Christ’s death and resurrection. Anything that pulls our minds away from this is not of God.
Being of one mind isn’t always easy. The devil enjoys pulling people’s minds off course in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. It takes concentration and devotion to keep our minds on track and to filter out all the clutter of life and the age in which we live.
It’s essential to read God’s Word daily. We must have discipline to listen to worshipful music and other media that lift us instead of bringing us down. We must think about things that are holy and good.
We must surround ourselves with wholesome friends. We must love everyone, even if we disagree. We must love one another so that our joy may be complete.
We must always have our minds locked on our Savior, Jesus. Keeping our minds and thoughts on Jesus is the only way to experience peace and joy in our lives.
Friend, what do you do to keep your mind active on Christ? Do you experience joy when you keep your thoughts and mind pure? Perhaps you were once distracted by the things of this world; do you now know true peace and joy?
Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/