A Divided Mind is a Divided Life

You have heard the saying, “Give me your undivided attention”. That is said when there is an important statement going to be said. 

In this day of so much information coming our way, we are divided more than ever.

Have you ever sat to read something and before you know it your mind has wondered to something else? Or have you been listening to someone talk and it reminded you of something else you may need to do?

It like when we are watching something and a few minutes later a commercial comes on and breaks the scene up and now you are thinking about that subject. Then the thing you were watching comes back on and then you are thinking of that. It’s broken up thoughts and broken up attention. 

Even as I write this my mind starts to wander onto other subjects. We have a world of opinion, ideas of how things should be, and so many activities going on we can’t sit still for even a few minutes.

Silence is something that even makes us uncomfortable. 

Our thoughts are broken up so we can’t even complete a project all the way though without interruption. 

Even as I went to my computer Bible gateway to get the scripture I am going to use next there on the screen was at least 3 advertisement along with the search button. A divided attention as I was looking for this scripture:

Proverbs 4:20-22

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Attend – to incline & bend down, pay attention to my words. Diligently listen to them. 

Give full attention to God’s word. 

In one of Derek Prince’s book he writes: “we have almost cultivated the practice of listening to two different things at one time. We suffer from a disease which could be called “divided attention”

The Bible tells us to take heed to what we hear and how we hear. 

Mark 4:24

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear…

Luke 8:18

18 Take heed therefore how ye hear… 

Take heed: Take in consideration, pay attention to, please note, bear in mind, etc…

What we hear and how we hear it is important to our walk with God. 

You see most of us get sidetracked from what God is wanting to do in us and through us. We have a divided attention. Our attention span is short and our focus is divided. 

The enemy knows if he can get you to focus on your circumstances you will not succeed. Therefore he is always putting things in your path to distract you. 

Take heed what you hear & how you hear… 

Sometimes we hear things the way we want to. Partly because we only hear in part.  Distraction, opinions, & other things interfere. We only hear in part because we are only listening in part. Sometimes we have other things going on that we think are more important or are pressing in our lives. Our thoughts are divided and our focus is divided. 

We get sidetracked very easy. It is one of the devises of the enemy. 

Luke 8:14 (the cares of life choke the word you have heard.)

James 1:8 (Amp) a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

Undivided attention can lead to being double minded which is having in the mind opposite or opposing views. Also to be inconsistent and vacillating. 

I used to think multitasking was a good things. Sometimes it is but not where the word, prayer. & fellowship with God is concerned. 

Jesus would go alone into the mountain to be alone with His Father and pray. 

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 1:35

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].

Luke 5:16

Proverbs 4:20-22

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

We all want life & health, here is the answer. 

Matthew Henry:

The reason why we must thus make much of the words of wisdom is because they will be both food and physic to us, like the tree of life, Rev. 22:2; Ezek. 47:12. Those that seek and find them, find and keep them, shall find in them, (1.) Food: For they are life unto those that find them, Prov. 4:22. As the spiritual life was begun by the word as the instrument of it, so by the same word it is still nourished and maintained. We could not live without it; we may by faith live upon it. (2.) Physic. They are health to all their flesh, to the whole man, both body and soul; they help to keep both in good plight. They are health to all flesh, so the LXX. There is enough to cure all the diseases of this distempered world. They are a medicine to all their flesh (so the word is), to all their corruptions, for they are called flesh, to all their grievances, which are as thorns in the flesh. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all our spiritual maladies.

2 Timothy 3:16-17Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

¹⁶ Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error anddiscipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

¹⁷ So that the man of God may be complete andproficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew Henry:

If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. [4.] There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.

I think he said it well, “love our bibles and keep them closer than ever” for in them you will find the issues of life and health.

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Cornelius – “A Certain Man”

In our lives there are people who are are mentors or people who we look up to. People who have lived a life that we want to live up to. Examples in the Bible of an individual that walks by faith and lives what he believes. 

In Acts 10 there is a certain man. A man that stands out in his class of people. Cornelius was an officer of the army of considerable rank and figure, a centurion. This is important because this man was a Gentile. At that time to share the true Gospel with anyone else but a Jew was unheard of. This was a mystery and surprise to the apostles. 

Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band…

I love that he was of the band called The Italian Band. Part of my family are Italian. I am so thankful that God allowed the Gospel to be preached to Cornelius and those like me. 

He was a devout man. He had very good character. Not an idolater, not a worshipper of false gods or images. Nor did he allow himself in any of those immoralities to which the greater part of the gentile world was given up to. He made a decision to serve God. He surrender to God’s will & ways. His mind, will, actions, & emotions surrendered and was devoted to God. 

He feared God. Not fearful, but revered God. Looks to Him & His sovereignty, surrenders to His ways in awe. Received instructions willingly, faithfully and his priority is to have a relationship with God. Not only did he fear God but brought his household in to that same relationship. His life touched all those that were around him. He made a difference in their lives because of the way he lived his. 

Proverbs 1:7 (AMP)

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];

But arrogant [a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

He was a very charitable man, He Gave Much… Matt. 6:1-3 Do unto God, 2 Cor. 9:6 Sow bountifully, 2 Cor 9:7 be a cheerful giver. 

Matthew Henry: Wherever the fear of God rules in the hear, it will appear both in the works of charity and of piety, and neither will excuse us from the other. 

He was much in Prayer. Why pray – The sovereignty of God – He is supreme. 2 Pet 3:9 He is not slack, He is long-suffering, & God changes not. God’s character should cause us to pray. He is compassionate, long-suffering, loving, merciful, good, tender, gracious are just a few of God’s characters that causes us to pray and believe Him as Cornelius did. 

Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, charity, prayer, etc… will prevail in a persons life as it did in Cornelius. His prayers and alms went up to God as a memorial to him. 

1 Peter 2:12(AMP)

Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

He had a good reputation. It’s not easy to get a good reputation & to keep it. There is always someone who doesn’t like what you do & who you are. HCSB – He had a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation. They would vouch for him. 

I love the Newsboys song, Cornelius: (this is pieces of the song)

“Cornelius”

And every generation’s got

The fearless few who can’t be bought

They don’t take polls or look around

They act on truth, and then they stand their ground

Cornelius

Core-strong like a centurion

I wanna be Cornelius

Core-strong like a centurion

I wanna be Cornelius

His kneel is real

His kneel is real

My prayer is that we all would walk out our lives with the same dedication to God as Cornelius. That we would be real in a world that thrives on being fake. They do everything to cover up who they really are. Let’s be people of prayer, of good character, fear God, and walk in the truth God has revealed to us. 

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“If I were the devil, I would tell you…”

So many of us have felt lack in our lives. We have felt we are not good enough. Mainly because we focus on our weaknesses and what we used to be. We focus on others and what they have or what they have accomplished that we have not. 

If I were the devil I would Tell you:

You are not good enough

You are not special like others

You are not going to get answered prayers like others

You are not smart enough

You are not going to have favor with God anymore

You are not blessed like others

You are not going to get over your past

You are not going to have a future

You are not going to have hope

You are not going to have everything God has for you

He is under the curse and he wants you to share in that curse. He is a lier and the father of it. (John 8:44)

We complain and then we get overwhelmed. Then when we get overwhelmed we lose spiritual vision. When we lose spiritual vision we start to agree with the devil. (Pastor Carter Conlon)

The enemy will point out all of your failures, all the areas you have fallen short, & he will get you so focused on all things that are NOT. 

He will do everything to get you to agree with him. Don’t agree with your enemy. God doesn’t agree with him. He has provided a way to be free of the voices of the enemy. It is time to start agreeing with God and not the devil. You are not washed up. Because of what Jesus did at the Cross we are not what we used to be. We do have a future and a hope. 

Philippians 4:8 King James Version (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Here are just a few things to meditate on:

You are a partaker of the Divine Nature…YOU ARE IN CHRIST…

In Christ, I am:

God’s child, for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.

(1 Peter 1:23).

Forgiven of all my sins and washed in the blood

(Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 1:9)

A New Creature

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

(1 Corinthians 6:19)

Delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom.

(Colossians 1:13)

Redeemed from the curse of the law

(1 Peter 1:18,19 Galatians 3:13)

A Saint

(Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1)

Blessed

(Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Galatians 3:9)

The Head and not the tail

(Deuteronomy 20:13)

Holy and without blame before Him in love.

(1 Peter 1:1, Ephesians 1:4)

Victorious

(Revelation 21:7)

Set Free

(John 8:31-33)

Strong in the Lord.

(Ephesians 6:10)

Dead to sin

(Romans 6:2,11; 1 Peter 2:24)

More than a conqueror

(Romans 8:37)

Joint heir with Christ

(Romans 8:17)

Complete in Him.

(Colossians 2:10)

Crucified with Christ

(Galatians 2:20)

Alive with Christ

(Ephesians 2:5)

Reconciled to God

(2 Corinthians 5:18)

Free from Condemnation

(Romans 8:1)

Firmly rooted, built up, established in the faith and overflowing with gratitude.

(Colossians 2:7)

Born of God, and the evil one does not touch me.

(1 John 5:18)

The Righteousness of God

(2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)

Chosen

(1 Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9)

The Apple of My Father’s Eye

(Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8)

Healed by the stripes of Jesus.

(1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6)

Being changed into His image

(2 Corinthians 3:18; Philiippians 1:6)

Raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places.

(Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6)

Beloved of God

(Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Established to the end

(Colossians 1:8)

One in Christ

(John 17:21-23)

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What does The Lord Require of You?

What does The Lord Require of You?

There are so many things that are clamoring for our time. So many non essential things come into our lives and we have a choice to make. What will be do with our days? But what does God want us to do? 

Micah 6:8  (KJV)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8  (AMP)

He has told you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),

And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?

1. Do Justly – be honest, to be honorable, to be aware how we are acting towards others, ourselves, & toward God.  Acts 24:16 I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God & Men. 
2. Love Mercy – undeserved forgiveness. We love to receive mercy from God, but we have a hard time extending that mercy to others. Matthew 21:18-35 we can see the importance of forgiveness. How dare I if I have been forgiven of the Lord, not show that same forgiveness to others. Be you merciful, as your Father is merciful, Luke 6:36
3. Walk Humbly – walk devoting yourself to the purpose of knowing God & evaluating myself to see if I am walking humbly before God. 

Matthew Henry: We must, in the whole course of our conversation, conform ourselves to the will of God, keep up our communion with God, and study to approve ourselves to him in our integrity; and this we must do humbly (submitting our understandings to the truths of God and our will to his precepts and providences); we must humble ourselves to walk with God (so the margin reads it); every thought within us must be brought down, to be brought into obedience to God, if we would walk comfortably with him. This is that which God requires, and without which the most costly services are vain oblations; this is more than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV)

Character of the New Man

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

This was adapted from the teaching of my husband Len Paxton. For other free teaching Click Here

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Who Told You That You Were Naked?

Who told you that you were naked?

Many time we fail or we have fallen short of who we should be. The accuser daily is condemning us. We hear a voice say, “You are lost”, or “You are not worthy”. When you listen to the voice it drains you of your joy. It drains you of your excitement of life. You go through your day without expression of God’s love for you and others. You allow the little things angry you or upset you. He tells you that you are naked. You can’t get back to God’s love. You went to far. You keep doing the same wrong over and over, now you went too far. HE IS A LIAR. The Victory has been won.

BUT God has redeem you from this condemnation. Jesus came and won the victory and has covered you with His blood.

Adam & Eve walked with God in the garden daily. But when they disobeyed him and ate of the tree their eyes were open to things they weren’t meant to see or experience.

Genesis 3:8-15 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden… They hid themselves from the presence of God… God said where are you? Adam said I heard the sound of You and hid myself, I was afraid because I was naked. God said, Who told you that you were naked?

Fast forward to Jesus. When He came and died on The Cross for us our fellowship with God was restored. We are covered by His blood.

He has won the victory. Jesus is the head of the church and we are his body. Just as in a race when the head crosses the finish line, the race is won. Jesus has cross that line and is now seated at the right hand of God. I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

Who told you that you were naked?

Revelation 12:10 … for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night.

God has provided a way to combat these accusations, Jesus!

Romans 8:1 [ Escape from Bondage ] Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you were not forgiven or can’t be forgiven.

When you accept Jesus and what he did at The Cross you are cleansed & forgiven. Walk in that promise.

1 John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

Who told you that you were naked? Who told yo that you were a slave to sin. You are redeemed. Walk in that promise.

Ephesians 1:7 – “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Colossians 1:13 – “He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

John 8:36 – “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you can’t go to God for all your needs? You have access.

Romans 5:2 – “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Hebrews 10:19-22 – “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.”

You told you that you were naked? You told you that you were unloved?

John 3:16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16).

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).

I am greatly loved by God (Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4).

You told you that you were naked? You told you that you couldn’t be healed?

When Jesus shed His blood He became our Passover Lamb. We must apply His blood to the door posts of our hearts and claim the healing provided through His atoning blood. The atonement brings spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental healing.

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and With His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3-5).

Exodus 15:26 – “I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians (the world) for I, the Lord, am your healer.”

Who told you that you were naked? Who told you that you were not clothed?

We are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus

As believers in Christ, there is a great exchange that has taken place. One of the things exchanged is our sin for Jesus’ own righteousness. Let’s take a look at a few scriptures:

Romans 3:22, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

Romans 5:17, “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

Jesus received what we deserved (punishment for our sins), and He gave us His righteousness in exchange!

We daily walk in the victory Jesus supplied for us. We have not arrived yet. We have been changed, we are being changed, and we will be changed.

Don’t let the accuser tell you that you are naked. He is a liar. You may have sinned and fallen short, yes indeed you have, BUT God has provided His only son so you can walk daily in newness of life. You are a victor in life. The enemy lies to you and tells you not to keep trying, just quit, you can’t make it, you have nothing in you that will provide you strength. HE IS  A LIAR!

Get up my friend. Walk in the victory provide you. Because He has provided all for you and the victory is won already. Don’t look at who you are outside of that victory. What you do is not what gave you the victory and is not what keeps that victory. Praise God it is not us that keeps us in the midst of challenges. It is Jesus and what He has done. THE VICTORY is won. Praise God.

Father help us to see these promises. Help us to fight the good fight of faith. It is Jesus who came so that we can have life and life more abundantly. Remind us daily that we are loved. Also, that we are forgiven and we can come to  you. That you desire us to look to you, not this world or ourselves. We are nothing without you. Oh Father when the voices come and are loud reveal yourself to us and quiet our hearts. Give us ears to hear. In Jesus Name, Amen!

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“Today I need strength”

So many wake up and pray this, “Father give me strength for today”. They have been tired out by the days before and need rest from the trials and burdens of life. God is so faithful. Not only does He promise strength for the day, but He promises strength for everyday.

Deuteronomy 33:25 … as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

As you live today, He will provide strength for the whole day. What ever you may face, He has already provided for the day.

Matthew Henry: “Thou shalt be strong and bright, as iron and brass.” The continuance of their strength and vigor: As thy days, so shall thy strength be. Many paraphrase it thus, “The strength of thy old age shall be like that of thy youth; thou shalt not feel a decay, nor be the worse for the wearing, but shalt renew thy youth; as if not thy shoes only, but thy bones, were iron and brass.” The day is often in scripture put for the events of the day; and, taking it so here, it is a promise that God would graciously support them under their trials and troubles, whatever they were. And so it is a promise sure to all the spiritual seed of Abraham, that God will wisely proportion their graces and comforts to the services and sufferings he calls them out to. Have they work appointed them? They shall have strength to do it. Have they burdens appointed them? They shall have strength to bear them; and never be tempted above that they are able. Faithful is he that has thus promised, and hath caused us to hope in this promise.

There are many scriptures that encourage us for our days ahead.

Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP)

The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my [a]high places [of challenge and responsibility].

I love these words, source of courage, My invincible army, spiritual confidence…

We must daily remember that He is our source. We must look to Him, not our circumstances or our own strength. Our strength will weaken if we continually look to ourselves. Draw your strength from Him.

Ephesians 6:10(AMP)

…be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (AMP)

So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

I am truly able, I am truly powerful, when I draw from God’s strength. Vs. 9 says “for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” His strength, His Grace, for today, you can trust Him.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

A very present help. Today, what ever you need He is there NOW. TODAY.

One of my favorite verses is:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP)

It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,

Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning;

Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Every morning is new. God will provide you strength for today. His mercies and loving kindness is new today. He wants you to trust Him for today. You can’t change yesterday or do anything about tomorrow. You can only live one day at a time.

Hebrews 4:16 (AMP)

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

Just at the right moment He will come. He is never late. He is always on time. Call on Him today. You will find His amazing Grace come upon you.

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