This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”. A few months ago we took an in-depth look at Psalm 1. One of the things we learned was that for us to live our lives like “The Blessed Man” the psalmist describes, we must meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night. The more we meditate God’s Word, the more we literally program our minds to think like God. With everything going on in the world and in these United States, this is most certainly a time for us to think like God. Our minds should be SET on Him and His Word.
All week I have been sharing messages related to the current state of our nation and what we, as believers, should be thinking and doing right now. As we close out the week, I am led to share with you some of the closing words of Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi. The Apostle Paul said, “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4:8,9 MSG). In those two verses Paul gives two messages. First, Paul tells them (and us) what to think about. Second, Paul drives home the importance of having Godly leadership. As their leader, he urged them to consider and follow his example. I will discuss both of these points today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The Bible tells us to fill our minds by meditating on things that are: “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” This is truly a time when we need to obey this Word. Don’t allow your mind to get distracted or your soul to get infected by the despair you are hearing on the news. Meditate and meditate on God’s Word day and night.
2. When you meditate and medicate God’s Word you are able to remain focused, encouraged, and excited, regardless of negative rhetoric and shifting times.
3. When you fill your heart and mind with the things of God you can always see the silver lining. As a believer your outlook is never bleak, because your outcome is based on God and not this world.
4. There are no Lone Rangers in Christ. We all need a prophetic voice speaking to us.
a) Paul urged the believers who followed him to consider his life and to follow his example. He spoke prophetically into their lives. He emulated Christ before them.
b) People who are not hearing from God consistently are left with no other option but to live their lives based on what they see and hear in this world.
c) When you have a prophetic voice you have an alternative to what you are hearing and seeing in the earth. A God-given Pastor with a God-given vision can provide supernatural wisdom and leadership. These two things are critical right now. Those who don’t have someone who is hearing from heaven and speaking into their lives are running the risk of succumbing to the foolishness and fear of this current season.
d) When you have a relationship with God and you also have a spiritual covering who is speaking prophetic wisdom with divine confidence, you are able to live on earth as it is in heaven. You are in this world, but you are living as though you come from another place. You are getting your marching orders from heaven, so you get to experience heaven on earth, even when the world seems to be going crazy.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I refuse to get caught up in the foolishness and fear I hear in the world right now. I tune in to You daily. I am led of Your Spirit throughout the day. I submit to Godly leadership. I thank You for the prophetic voice You have given me in my Pastor. I hear from heaven directly and what I hear is confirmed through my man/woman of God. I meditate and medicate on Your Word day and night. I set my mind on things that are: “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Living this way I get to experience heaven on earth, regardless of what is going on in this world! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
