Tag Archives: Mind

Three Common Temptations Based on Three Basic Human Needs

26 February 2013

5 Comments

Embrace Your Identity in Christ: You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9) – You are worthy (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Embrace Your Identity in Christ: You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9) – You are worthy (1 Corinthians 6:11)

As God’s children, knowing who we are in Christ is essential for our spiritual success. If we don’t know the Truth, God’s Word, we won’t know God or ourselves, which can result in spiritual damage. We find Jesus tempted by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11. Although He is God, He was led by the Spirit to be tempted with the same three temptations common to man. In addition, Jesus models for us three basic human needs that can help us understand ourselves in relationship to God.

Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV):

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
 and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

Let’s review:

  • Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit
  • He fasted, then he was tempted
  • He knew who He was and was sure of His relationship with His Father
  • He knew the Truth, word of God, and used it to defeat the tempter

As we can see, Jesus was tempted with the same temptations we face today. We are not alone in our struggles. Although He is God, He understands us because He experienced it Himself. Hebrews 2:17 says, “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” (NIV) Don’t you just love that? He did it for us. He did it for you!

Let’s look at the three common temptations and how these are rooted in three basic human needs:

  1. Primitive Level – Human Need to Trust

Tempter says, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Truth says, “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

This temptation is rooted at the primitive level; the human need to trust. The first thing the tempter mentions is bread. How we love our food! But it goes beyond the belly. We are like infants in great need to be taken care of. It’s about being able to attach to someone who we trust and feel safe. We long to be able to trust others, but with imperfect relationships come feelings of disappointment.

Unfortunately, we tend to view God from that same tainted lens. That’s where the tempter comes in and brings in fear masked by worry. We worry about what we will eat, wear and how we will pay next month’s mortgage, etc. You see, we are hard wired for survival. If we go back to the beginning, Adam and Eve took matters into their own hands. They did not trust God. They jumped the gun and began wandering in the Ifs… We know the results – separation from God.

Trust God: God will provide your basic needs (Philippians 4:19) – Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35)

  1. Relational Level – Human Need for Love

Tempter says, If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
 and they will lift you up in their hands,
 so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Truth says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.” – Deuteronomy 6:16 (NIV)

In this second temptation, the tempter brings about our need for relationship – to be loved. God created us for relationship with Him and others. It’s interesting that Satan would tempt Jesus’ knowledge of who God is. You see, if we don’t know God, we don’t know ourselves. In this temptation, we find that when there is relationship with God, there is a sense of safety. Safety is built on trust. Trust is built on relationship.

Jesus knew God; he knew that God was trustworthy, so there was no need to test God’s character. Why? Because His relationship was built on love! God loved His Son. Jesus had a relationship with His Father. Therefore, He did not need to please others nor please His own pride by tempting God.

Receive God’s Love: God loves you (John 3:16) – He will protect you (2 Samuel 22:3-4)

  1. Core Level – Human Need for Identity

Tempter says, “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Truth says, “Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.” – Deuteronomy 6:13 (NIV)

The last temptation deals with our core need for identity. Notice how the tempter uses the word “if” in all his statements. He tries to confuse us by instilling doubt about our identity in Christ. As humans we are in a quest to understand who we are, what we were created for and for our purpose in life. It is so vital for us to Biblically define our beliefs about God, self and others. We cannot be defined without Christ. Being rooted in Christ means knowing the fear of God, which is the motivation for all decisions.  Not knowing our true identity will lead to self-indulgence, search for power, bowing down to idols, which leaves us with a false sense of identity.

Embrace Your Identity in Christ: You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9) – You are worthy (1 Corinthians 6:11)

I do pray that after reading this your eyes may be opened to see the importance of knowing that the tempter is out to deceive, but that you are a conqueror because of Christ. Remember, the tempter always has a secondary plan or gain that leads us toward destruction. In order to gain, we have to give a part of ourselves. Is that worth it? After everything that Christ done for us will we allow these temptations to lure us in? I pray we keep our focus on Christ. He will give us the daily strength to endure and defeat the tempter. But we have to believe who we are in Christ. If you doubt your identity, practice believing God’s truth by reading and meditating on it daily. With time, it will become rooted in your mind, heart and soul.

(Listen to God’s I am Promises here)

Rest in His Word: Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • List two ways you have been tempted in each of the three categories.
  • How have you tried to defeat the temptation?

The Link Between Thoughts and Feelings

4 June 2012

4 Comments

How you PERCEIVE the words and actions of others will determine your response. What you THINK about a situation or someone will influence how you FEEL.

“For the Holy Spirit knows that a thing has only such meaning and value for a man as he assigns to it in his thoughts.” – Martin Luther

Every thought (positive or negative) leads to an action (behavior). No act is done without first having a thought. Our first example of this concept is found in Genesis 1. We find that God created the heavens and the earth, but it had no form. We can conclude that as God’s Spirit hovered over the surface, He was thinking about His master plan. Then He spoke, “Let there be light,” which resulted in action – “and there was light.”

Here, God is showing us that He doesn’t just do things, but He thinks about them. He plans them out. He doesn’t just react out of nowhere. Have you ever considered how your thoughts are impacting what you do or how you feel? It all starts in your mind.  Thoughts impact your life; they affect your attitudes, your fears and worries, how you speak to others and yourself, your outlook of life, how you behave with others, and how you feel.

How you PERCEIVE the words and actions of others will determine your response. What you THINK about a situation or someone will influence how you FEEL. When I use the word perceive, I want you to imagine yourself wearing a pair of glasses. Now, every time you hear or see something, that information enters through your glasses and filters through your brain… you begin thinking about the situation and come up with an interpretation as well as a feeling. This occurs unconsciously and instantly. The problem occurs when our glasses get dirty and we misinterpret the situation, which then leads to yucky feelings. Here’s an example of the process:

  • Situation: After a long day at work, where you helped your office move boxes and equipment, you arrive home to find muddy footprints (your son’s and his dog’s) on your cream colored carpet.
  • Thoughts: I’ve told him a thousand times not to let the dog in the house. My kids don’t obey me. I must be a terrible mother. If I can’t get this right, I must be a failure. I can’t do this any longer.
  • Feelings: Sadness, hopelessness, anger, etc.
  • Actions/Behaviors: Screaming, raising voice, crying or withdrawing.

So, if we begin with a negative thought, we will end up with unhelpful behaviors and feelings. We’ll discuss more on how to begin changing the thoughts and taking them captive, but for now, review these two important truths found in God’s word:

  1. My THOUGHTS impact my BEHAVIORS and FEELINGS

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

  1. I am RESPONSIBLE for my thoughts – I am in CHARGE of my thoughts

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Remember, it’s about your view (lens). Let’s take responsibility for one’s thoughts, feelings and actions! Click here for worksheet (The Link Between Thoughts and Feelings)

Rest in His Word: Romans 8:5

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • What have you been thinking about?
  • Have you noticed how your thoughts impact your feelings? If not, notice that this week. Log your thoughts and the accompanying feelings.
  • Bring your thoughts to God and share them. Ask Him to begin renewing your mind. 

Click here for similar topics:

Is Meditation for Christians?

31 May 2012

1 Comment

When we are in the presence of God – there is ALWAYS change!

 

I find it interesting the many Christians steer away from the word meditation. Most believe that meditation is a new age word that signifies sitting to a yoga pose. Far from this image, God tells us to meditate on His Word “day and night” – Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3. We have gone so far as to reject this wonderful practice given to us by God, which has great spiritual, physical and mental health benefits: clearing the mind, calming the body and syncs our Spirit with God Himself. It truly is a time to energize the soul.

 

So, what does it look like to meditate on God’s word? I’m going to give you one way (Verse Meditation), but there are many varieties – it’s all a matter of preference. This is just a guide.

  1. Sit in a quiet place – Sitting comfortably on the couch is fine.
  2. Have your Bible ready – Open your Bible to a verse you would like to focus on.
  3. Begin with prayer – Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you insight.
  4. Read the verse – Read the verse out loud slowly… do this at least three times…
  5. Take deep breaths – As you continue reading the verse, take a deep breath in and out slowly… notice how your body slows down… invite the Holy Spirit to calm your soul… continue taking deep breaths in and out focusing on your breath and the verse…
  6. Repeat the verse – Now, try repeating the verse as you continue breathing in and out slowly… don’t worry about doing this perfect… just focus on God’s Word… which word stands out? Repeat it… notice how that feels in your body… continue doing this until you feel ready to stop
  7. Journal – You can journal as God gives you insight or toward the end – it’s up to you. Maybe the Lord reminds you of another verse and so writing it down will allow you to go to it after you are done.

If you can incorporate this to your daily life, be assured you will feel more energized, less irritable and definitely more open to hearing God’s voice. I encourage you to take at least 10 minutes daily to start and see what happens. You can incorporate this to your daily devotions and prayer time or change things up a bit. The point here is to meditate (contemplate, absorb) God’s Word, which “is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) 

When we are in the presence of God – there is ALWAYS change!

Rest in His Word: Psalm 104:34

“My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.” (KJV) 

Heart Checkup:

  • What’s your definition of meditation?
  • Why do you think it’s important?
  • What barriers stand in the way of making time to meditate?
  • Can you think of other ways you can meditate on God’s word?

Click here for similar topics:

Cleaning our Inner WardrobePart1

Cleaning Our Inner Wardrobe: Four Essential Areas – Part 1

Featured
Cleaning Our Inner Wardrobe - Two Essential Areas:(1) Heart & (2) Mind

Cleaning Our Inner Wardrobe – Two Essential Areas:
(1) Heart & (2) Mind

How does one begin the process of clearing our inner wardrobes? I’ve separated them into four areas to help you understand the importance of each, but the work must be done in all categories in order to see the full benefits. They operate together, but you may notice that you feel stronger in some areas, while weaker in others. Daily evaluations of these four areas is crucial for our overall growth, so take a close look and make a plan of how you can proceed. Don’t be hard on yourself. Instead, be assured that this is a lifelong process in which we all strive for growth.

Due to the material, I am going to divide this post into two parts. I really want you to think about the first two and meditate what that means for you. Then, I will present the other two areas that need cleaning.

FIRST ESSENTIAL AREA: Cleanse your HEART – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV) 

Before you begin any process, you need to pray for God’s help and guidance. This means admitting that you need God’s help! You can’t do it alone. Next, acknowledge there’s an inner problem; this is crucial to the healing process. This means that you understand that change is needed and that you are willing to take the necessary steps for growth. It’s not enough to be aware that there’s a problem. You have to take it further – commit to making the necessary changes. Leave the rest to God.

  • Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Confess the state of your heart. Humble yourself before the Lord and share you inner thoughts. This means admitting the inward and outward offenses against yourself and others. Bring them to light. Bring them to the Lord. He’ll understand… Literally make a list your offenses and present them to the Lord. There’s something powerful when we take the time to put things into print, when our eyes see our rubbish and we share them with God. Granted, God already knows ALL, but it’s about being honest with yourself and the Lord – this is genuine relationship.

  • Psalm 32:3-5 – “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 
For day and night your hand was heavy on me; 
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. 
I said, ‘I will confess 
my transgressions to the LORD.’ 
And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (NIV)

Share your plans with someone you trust. This allows for some accountability and also a sense of community. Partner with someone for prayer, Bible study and wise counsel. Remember that we are the body of Christ – let other’s be there for you. You will bless someone else when they see your growth. When we share our battles with others, I believe it keeps us honest. This means, you will be challenged to examine your true intentions. Are you ready for that?

  • Philippians 2:14 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing”
SECOND ESSENTIAL AREA: Discipline your MIND – “So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)

What we contemplate in our minds will impact our heart attitude and results in outward behaviors. Matthew 15:18 – “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.” (NLT)

It’s unfortunate, but the statistics from a 2010 survey found that Americans watch more television than any other leisure activity. Here’s what they found:

  • *“On an average day, individuals age 15 and over spent half of their leisure time watching TV. (Data are from the 2010 survey).”
  • * “Individuals age 75 and over spent more of their leisure time watching TV, reading, and relaxing and thinking than individuals ages 15 to 19. The younger age group spent more of its leisure time socializing, engaging in sports and exercise, playing games and using the computer for leisure. (Data are from the 2010 survey).”


As we can see, our society places more value on television, phone apps, movies, etc. than on their personal and spiritual wellbeing. That is a problem! Here is where you need to be honest and ask yourself, “Where am I spending most of my time?” Are you cultivating your relationship with God on a daily basis or is your value on watching movies or connecting with your friends on Facebook? Sorry, but I have to be honest here. We put too much effort in other things and neglect our spiritual life. Where are your thoughts? Are they in the things of God or the world?

  • Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (NLT)

Now, let’s identify the current state of your inner wardrobe. Name the pieces that are damaging your wardrobe. In other words, identify those things that are getting in the way of having a clear and focused mind on what’s important. Be specific. For example: too much television, addictions, chronic worrying, past traumas/emotional injuries, unforgiveness and insecurities.

Now, name the lies you have believed since childhood. This is a tough one for many of us. Part of us just wants to move on and never look back. That’s part of the problem. Let’s acknowledge the pain, identify what we can do about it and hold on to God’s truth for us. What are some examples of those lies? Here they are a few:

  • I don’t deserve love
  • I am a failure
  • I am worthless
  • I am different (don’t belong)
  • I am insignificant

BE TRANSFORMED by replacing the lies with God’s Truth! Now that you’ve identified the lies, search for what God says about you – His Truth! Below are a couple of examples of how you can use God’s word to replace those lies:

  • Lie: I don’t deserve love
  • Truth: I am loveable. God loved me so much that he sent his Son as a sacrifice for my sins. – 1 John 4:10
  • Lie: I am worthless
  • Truth:  I am Worthy. God chose me and appointed me to go and bear fruit. – John 15:16
  • Lie: I am different (I don’t belong)
  • Truth: I belong to God. I am not a stranger or a foreigner; I am a citizen along with God’s holy people. I am a member of God’s family. – Ephesians 2:19

Identifying God’s truths is an important part of taking those thoughts captive. God’s word calls us to be different than the world. This means we have to take certain measures to protect ourselves. So, protect your mind by changing the way you think! Practice daily. It may help to use index cards to write down these truths and memorize them. When the insecurities or lies creep up, crush them with God’s word!

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NIV)

Are you ready to begin the process of cleaning your inner wardrobe? If anyone has ever told you that it doesn’t have to be hard let me tell you that they are setting you up for failure. Yes, this is difficult work. You are not just cleaning your closet – you are cleaning your spiritual closet. But remember, you “can do all this through him who gives” you strength – Philippians 4:13 – God believes in you!

Stay tuned for part 2 – Cleaning our Body and Spirit!

Rest in His Word: Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Heart Checkup:

  • What’s been getting in the way of being honest with God?
  • What have my eyes been seeing? What have my ears been hearing? How are these getting in the way of hearing God’s voice?
  • What can I change today? Choose one thing and work on it. Then move on to another…

*Graphs and Quotes taken from: United States Department of Labor – http://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/LEISURE.HTM

The Voice Within

18 February 2011

3 Comments

Believe what God says about you; He loves you and believes in your potential. He created you for a purpose – to Glorify Him!

When I ask others to write about a life experience or a devotional to share with others, I get a blank stare as if I’ve asked them to jump off a building. It’s as if they’re in shock and become paralyzed. Some of the responses are the following: “I don’t know what to say,” “I’m not a good writer,” or “Nobody will want to read what I have to say.”

These statements are all false beliefs of ourselves, which we accept as truths. There are 365 days in a year and out of those days there’s gotta be something that you learned which can benefit and bless others. We all have something to say, something to express, and we all have a story to tell. Your voice matters.

Some individuals are unable to share their thoughts and feelings for fear of rejection or disappointment. Some have learned since childhood that their feelings are not valid, therefore, they shutdown emotionally from the world and miss out on having deep connections with others.

Are you walking around fearing the Goliaths around you? Don’t believe the lies that you can’t do it, that you are not good enough, that you are not loved, that you will never amount to anything or that you are a failure. Instead believe what God says about you; He loves you and believes in your potential. He created you for a purpose – to Glorify Him!

Sometimes the biggest Goliath is your own mind! Ruminating on negatives thoughts, worries and holding onto the; should haves, could haves, and would haves of life drain you and don’t let you move into the future. The Lord wants you to have a life in abundance, looking ahead into the promised land vs. a life of redundance, focused on past hurts and sense of failure.

Find the voice within you… what does God have to say about your life? What is it that you would like to share with others? Believe in God’s word and the truth that you are His Child! Loved beyond measure! The apple of His eye! If He is calling out to you, won’t you listen to the Voice of Truth? Casting Crowns says it beautifully:

“But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says ‘do not be afraid!’
and the Voice of truth says ‘this is for My glory’
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth”

Rest in His Word: Psalm 33:4

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • What Goliaths am I facing today?
  • What lies have I believed about who I am?
  • What truths does God say about me in His word?

Imperfectly Perfect

23 May 2010

5 Comments

In this life, count on being disappointed because we live in an imperfect world, with imperfect people. Yes, count yourself in.

Striving for excellence and having high standards can help us achieve goals in life or they can become obstacles in the way of our happiness. The problem arises when we confuse striving for excellence to being perfectionists. I encountered this at the beginning of the year when my husband gave me a beautiful ring for our ten year anniversary.

We were in Barcelona, Spain, celebrating our anniversary, when my husband gives me the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. It was shiny and beautiful. After a while of admiring it (ok, scrutinizing it), I noticed two diamonds were different from the rest. Mmm, I thought. This is out of place. I wonder if he noticed or if this is part of the design. So, very casually I mention it to him. Of course… it was a flaw in the design.

The first thing we do when we arrive home is take it back to the jeweler. Well, this process was very long to say the least. Every time they said the ring was ready, we would have to leave it due to other problems. We sent the ring back a total of three times. It took about three months total to get the ring back – it was never fixed due to my perfect standards. I remember thinking to myself, why does it bother me so much that this ring is not fixed?

Then, I realized that I was putting too much attention to this ring because it signified a lot for me. I mean, 10 years of marriage is a great milestone. But after much thinking, it hit me! My marriage has not been perfect, so why should my ring be perfect? Wow… I was trying to have a perfect ring to make up for the imperfect marriage. So now, I call it my imperfectly perfect ring. And it is a constant reminder to not focus on the outward appearance, which will fade, but on the true intentions, significance, and inner beauty that this ring signifies for our marriage.

Yes, you read right – my marriage has flaws. It is a work in progress. You see, sometimes we want to change things or people to accommodate to our standards and expectations. In this life, count on being disappointed because we live in an imperfect world, with imperfect people. Yes, count yourself in. Do you put so much pressure on yourself to meet high standards, later on influencing the way you think about yourself or others? If you answered yes, you may be striving for perfectionism, which leads to unhappiness and feeling unfulfilled.

The good news is that in God’s eyes we are perfect. Because of our union with Christ, we are declared Not Guilty – this is an unchangeable truth for those who believe in Jesus (Colossians 2:8-10). As we trust in Him, we grow and mature spiritually – this is changeable as it depends on our daily walk – but we are growing toward perfection (Philippians 3:12). Finally, when we arrive to His eternal Kingdom, we will be made completely perfect (Philippians 3:20, 21).

Rest in His Word: Matthew 5:48

“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Heart Checkup:

  • What does it mean for us to be perfect like God our Father?
  • Do you have very HIGH expectation of yourself or very LOW expectations?
  • From where or whom did you learn those expectations from?
  • What do you think God will say about the expectations you have set for yourself?