It's all in your mind

The most important struggles of our lives take place in our minds. Sin or holiness, disbelief or faith, fear or trust, mediocrity or commitment, all start in the mind. That's why, in the book of Romans, after 11 glorious chapters about the glory of the salvation God has accomplished for us, the first words out of Paul's mouth are "present your bodies as a reasoned [Grk: logikos, "of the mind"] sacrifice and be transformed by the renewing of your mind." That is why he also says to "take every thought captive to Christ."

It's all about worldview. What you think is what you are. What you think determines your attitudes, your actions, your character, your choices, your legacy, and your eternity. Ideas have eternal consequences. Take your mind captive. Train yourself to think God's thoughts after Him. Have the mind of Christ.

The power of a smile

I'm repeatedly amazed at the power of a smile. Over and over at work, at the park, at the mall, anywhere I go, I see downcast faces, and all it takes is eye contact and a smile, and the smiles become contagious. If God has redeemed you, let it show on the outside. There is a world of hurting hearts all around us. Start with a smile, and see where God takes it. Let others know there is hope, and there is joy, despite the shadowlands.

The beauty

Embrace the beauty. Pursue it, revel in it, and dive into it with all your heart. God has woven beauty and majesty everywhere. Even in the darkest hours, there is abundant reason to stand in awe of God, in amazement at what He has created, and in gratitude for what He has done and what He is still doing. Drink deeply from the fountain of delights. Open your eyes; it is perfect sunrises and sunsets every day; there is sunshine everywhere. God delights to give His children good, beautiful gifts. God cannot but bless His Son's beloved Bride.

A new song

Over the last six months, it seems like I've been constantly singing. Whether I'm in the car, in the shower, at the park, and even at work (as a low-level hum), the Lord has put an overwhelming desire to sing in my heart to Him and because of Him. It's such a delight to see His joy coming out spontaneously, almost all the time. And it is such a privilege to be able to sing together with other believers at church and in their homes.

We are here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and that joy, that delight, can't help but come out of our mouths. The overflow of our gratitude for our salvation is testimony that we are redeemed, and that we dance and sing, literally or figuratively, at all times, before the Lord. Praise God for lifting our hearts off of the world, ourselves, sin, and sorrow, onto the bigger picture, onto the Cross, onto glory, and onto His love and grace.