KEEP LOOKING UP
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Christ Jesus.” 1 Peter 1:13 ESV.
Theme: Prepare your mind and thoughts by centering them on the grace and hope provided through Jesus.
THE CALL TO HOLY LIVING
In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to prepare their minds for action. He urges believers to be active in exercising self-control and to put our hope in Jesus. He gives a gentle reminder that it is our responsibility to prepare our hearts and minds to be obedient to God so that we do not slip back into our old ways.
PREPARING THE MIND
When my alarm goes off in the morning, I spend the first moments of my day with God, thanking Him, praising Him, and just being in His presence – listening. I have coffee and read the Bible. I read a devotion and spend time talking with God about whatever is on my heart, followed by intercessory prayer. Although this is the routine I follow most days, it’s not about the order of things, but the longing I have to spend time with God. The peace I have when I draw close to Him and He draws close to me.
We can prepare our minds for action by spending quality time with God, reading and meditating on His Word, and memorizing Scripture. Seeking to know God more intimately and thinking deeply on His Word strengthens us and gives us the ability to take every thought captive. Practicing active prayer throughout the day keeps us focused on the true, pure, lovely, and excellent truths in God’s Word.
Make It Personal: Making a commitment to start your day nourishing your relationship with God is a beautiful place to start. By preparing your mind for action, you will be better prepared when the lies of the enemy attempt to flood your mind. When your mind is distracted by the things of the world, I encourage you to pause and take a few deep breaths, recalling the truths of God's Word. Keep looking up, remembering where your help comes from.
Pray: Heavenly Father, we seek Your help as we learn to prepare our minds for action. Give us wisdom as we read Your Word and seek a deeper relationship with You. Help us to meditate on Your Word and teach us how to live holy lives that honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Colossians 3:2, Isaiah 26:3
Weekly Memory Verse: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV