Be God-Minded
We are living in unique times and facing some critical challenges due to the Coronavirus. It’s also interesting how we are currently studying about winning the battle for our minds. In the midst of a crisis that is evoking such fear and uncertainty we understand that all starts in our minds.
It’s certainly a wise call for us to be thinking of one another and caring for one another. But it’s also a time for us to become more GOD-MINDED, if we want to have the mind of Christ. The first step to having the mind of Christ, which we shared last week, is to THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS. We walked people through how to deal specifically with depression based on Psalm 143:3-10.
The second step is to BE GOD-MINDED.
Isaiah 26:3
(NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You ...
(NLT) You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
In a relationship, it’s impossible to have full fellowship with anyone without having your mind focused on that individual. If you are travelling in the car and someone is talking to you, but your mind is somewhere else, you are not really having fellowship with them because you are not giving them your full attention.
Jesus had continual fellowship with His heavenly Father. We have a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, it would be logical to say, the thoughts of a person functioning in the mind of Christ would be on God and all his mighty works (Psalm 143:5). The psalmist David spoke frequently about meditating on God, His goodness, His works and ways. It’s tremendously uplifting to think on the goodness of God and all the marvelous works of His hands! Meditating on God and His and works will need to become a regular part of your thought life if you want to experience victory.
It’s God’s will that we be in close fellowship with Him. That is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to come after he ascended back to heaven:
John 16:7 (AMP) But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
Nothing is closer to you than your thoughts. So by filling your mind with the Lord and bringing Him into your consciousness through fellowship with Him, you will then experience His peace. He is always with us, but we need think of Him and be aware of His presence.
Pastor Barry Risto
Psalm 63:5-6 (NLT)
You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Psalm 77:12 (NLT)
They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
Psalm 119:15 (NLT)
I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
Psalm 143:5 (NLT)
I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Isaiah 23:3; Psalm 63:5-6; 77:12; 119:15; 143:5
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of March into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Isaiah 26:3 – Lord, help me to trust in You at all times in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Isaiah 26:3 – Jesus, take over my vulnerabilities that impedes my trust in You.
Isaiah 26:3 – Father, despite my vulnerabilities, keep me in perfect peace.
Isaiah 26:3 – Lord, as I trust in You keep me in perfect peace in Jesus’ name.
Isaiah 26:3 – Jehovah, let my thought(s) be fixed on You in all things. (pray this seriously)
Isaiah 26: 3 – God Almighty, pull down and break every strong hold over my thought(s) and my thought-processes in Jesus’ name.
Lord, break every stronghold over the thought(s) and thought-processes of my household in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Isaiah 26:3 – Lord, as I focus on You keep me in perfect peace in Jesus’ name
Jehovah as my household focuses on You keep them in perfect peace in Jesus’ name.
I declare in Jesus’ name that my mind is fixed on Jehovah and His greatness.
Jehovah Shalom, surround us (myself, household & church) with Your peace during these challenging times. (mention them)
Psalm 63:6 – Father help me to meditate on Your word at all times.
Psalm 77:12 – Adonai, help me to reflect on Your goodness to me and my household in the past and present. (mention them)
Psalm 119:15 – Like the psalmist, I will study Your word and reflect on Your ways.
Father, cause my household and church to study Your word at all times.
Psalm 143: Jehovah, help me to remember my miracles of the past in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 57:11 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, “Be exalted, O God above the heavens, and let Your glory shine over all the earth in Jesus’ name”. (pray this seriously)
Pray for God’s protection against the coronavirus in our land and nations. (pray this seriously)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am
Teaching & Prayer Conference Call at 8:00 pm
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#