Archive for the ‘Mind of Christ’ Category
Sunday, May 12th, 2013
Mind of Christ, May 12
… “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah–
”not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.
”For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
”None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.
”For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 8:8-13, www.solascriptura.com
Father, we see that the old covenant, based upon the promises to Israel if they obeyed the law (The Ten Commandments), was replaced by the new covenant. Why? You tell us that Israel did not continue in Your covenant. They sinned and You disregarded them. But thank you Father that was not the end, it was the beginning, for Israel and for all Gentiles. You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to live for us and teach us and He died for our sins.
Now every person lives under the new covenant, one in which You have placed Your truth upon our hearts. We no longer need to be taught by man, You are our teacher. We have equal opportunity and status before You. If we but acknowledge our sin to Jesus and ask for His Light to shine upon our hearts, You have promised to remember our sins no more. Thank You Father that the only sacrifice needed forever more, has been made. Atonement, perfect atonement, once and for all.
Help us this day to rejoice over the new covenant, one which permits us to have the mind of Christ, in us. In His precious and Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Egypt, God, Hebrews 8:8-13, Holy, Israel, Judah, Lord, Mind of Christ, New Covenant, old covenant, sins, The Ten Commandments
Posted in Christianity, Conscience, Mind of Christ, Religion | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013
Mind of Christ, April 16
Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
I John 2:24-28, www.solascriptura.com
Father, You tell us that “if” what we heard from the beginning, the new covenant written on our hearts, abides in us, You teach us all things. Father, let not our hearts be blinded by sinful actions and hardened for eternity. We pray that You do abide in us in a life-changing way and that Your presence, every moment, is a source of strength and light.
We know Father, that where Light abides, Your Light, there is no darkness. Help us today to turn to the Light in us, to seek to have You illuminate our paths and to comfort us in the midst of life’s inevitable trials. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: ashamed, children, deceive, eternal, Father, lie, Mind of Christ, Son, teach, true
Posted in Christianity, God's Children, Law of God, Mind of Christ, Providence of God, salvation | 9 Comments »
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Salvation, April 5
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah–
“not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.
“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Jeremiah 31:31-33, www.solascriptura.com
Father, this Old Testament prophecy signaled the coming of the Messiah, the One who would cause the relationship of every human being to change as it pertains to You. The Old Covenant was a promise to Israel, Your chosen people. It did not surprise You that they would fail to comply with Your commandments, but You, in Your mercy and grace, provided a solution, a Savior, Your only begotten Son, the Messiah, Jesus.
Father, Your prophet tells us that a New Covenant was coming, wherein all mankind would have Your laws written on their hearts and minds. Father, each of us are recipients of the New Covenant and we praise You for not requiring us to be redeemed by our adherence to the Law, something Israel could not do and something we are unable to do. The straight edge of the Law simply clarifies the extent of our sins.
Yes, we are still to obey the Law, but there is a new Law in place, wherein Your grace, and our faith in Jesus, leads us to want to obey You and this is the best part Father; Jesus not only paid for our sins but He said the Holy Spirit would come to comfort us, teach us and give us counsel after He was resurrected and taken to Your side. We do not depend upon our will and our strength nor are we asked to do so.
We are Your people Father and You are our God. Thank You just doesn’t quite cover the gratitude we feel. How can we adequately respond to the promise of eternal life? We know the answer, because Jesus told us: Love You with all of our heart, mind and soul and love our neighbor as ourselves. Help us do so, today. Amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project P.O.Box 302 Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: behold, Egypt, God, hearts, husband, Israel, Judah, law, Lord, minds, New Covenant, salvation
Posted in Christianity, Forgiven, God's Children, Law of God, Mind of Christ, Providence of God | 242 Comments »
Sunday, March 24th, 2013
Mind of Christ, March 24
… since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:1-8, www.solascriptura.com
Father, when we read of Peter’s life, prior to the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, he was quite a problem, not in things of faith, but in things of temperament. We too are ill-tempered at times but here we read the words of a Spirit filled Peter, a perfect example of a changed heart and an example of what You can do in the life of a person.
Peter says we need to be armed with the mind of Christ that we should not live the rest of our lives filled with the lust of men but instead we should serve the will of God. We know that when we decide to follow You, some people will think we are foolish if not crazy. Strengthen us to withstand the ridicule, expressed or implied, of our acquaintances.
Peter teaches that You, Jesus, preached to those who died before You were crucified and resurrected, those whose death was a result of judgment as unto a physical man, but that in their resurrection those who have accepted Your Spirit will live forever. Your word tells us the end is near. We know that with You Father, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.
Those who are suffering, especially, wait for Your redemption of their tired flesh but in any event, we who are able, must resolve to serve You this day and every day. Strengthen us to do so, we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: dissipation, drunkenness, flesh, Gentiles, God, idolatries, lewdness, lusts, Mind of Christ, revelries, sin, suffered
Posted in Christianity, Mind of Christ, Perseverance, Religion, Satan | 82 Comments »
Sunday, February 24th, 2013
Mind of Christ, February 24
… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…
Ephesians 1:4-5; 11, www.solascriptura.com
Father, in another place, Your Holy word says that You knew Jeremiah before he was in his mother’s womb. Here we learn that You chose us as well, having predestined us to adoption as Your children, enabled by the willing sacrifice of Jesus, to enter into Your presence.
Yet Father, we have choices. We have been given the power of volition. We are not puppets. How then Father, can we be predestined to be Your children? Thank You for teaching us that You are never surprised by anything we do, say or think because you are omniscient, knowing the beginning from the end. You see what is unseen, by us, You know what is unknown by us and what choices we will yet make.
Father, we earnestly pray that You will help us in what seems like an unending quest, punctuated by tests, permitted by You. If our journey seems uncertain, in terms of events and goals, we have assurance that all things work to the good for those that love You and obey You. Your grace is sufficient in all things. Give us comfort this day that You are present and that You care, constantly. Your love is made manifest in everything we see. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: adoption, Christ, counsel, foundation, Holy, inheritance, Jesus, love, mind, predestined, purpose, sons, world
Posted in Christianity, God's Children, Mind of Christ, Providence of God, salvation | 183 Comments »
Tuesday, January 29th, 2013
Mind of Christ, January 29 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power Ephesians 1:15-19, www.solascriptura.com Father, the words we have just read are now a part of us. Your word has invaded our hearts, whether by a small amount or in a life changing way. Your word is never able to be stamped void. It is alive and active, giving us discernment and hope or convicting us. We truly respect and treasure Your word. Father, we thank You for Paul’s ministry. He taught us how to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, who he refers to as saints. We do pray for each other, perhaps not as fervently or constantly as we should, but we know that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much. You hear the prayers of those that love You so we never speak in vain when we bring our needs and hopes to You. We pray, this day, that You will reveal to us Your wisdom, Your insight, into situations where we feel incompetent. Help us know that You know our circumstance, that Your thoughts toward us exceed number. What a wonderful truth. Help us respond, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen Bruce Caldwell The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O. Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Christ, Ephesians 1:15-19, faith, glory, God, Hope, inheritance, Lord, mind, power, saints, Spirit, thanks, wisdom
Posted in Christianity, Inspirtation, Mind of Christ, Providence of God, salvation, wisdom | 210 Comments »
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
Mind of Christ, January 2
…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19, www.solascriptura.com
Father, we feel weak and ineffective in our witness and in the circumstances of our lives, too often. We know that if we have needs that have not been declared to You or if we set out to do something in our own strength that we are leaving out the one variable that changes everything and that is You.
You tell us that we should be strengthened with might through Your Spirit. What a gracious command. You want Your strength, Your vision, Your courage to be ours.
This day, help us grasp the fact that Your love for us surpasses knowledge, it exceeds reason, given our sinful past. We do experience perfection, at times, but it is only when we feel Your Holy presence, guiding us, challenging us and rejoicing with us. Enrich us in every way that we might be a conduit of blessings in service to You. In Your Holy name we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Christ, faith, fullness, God, hearts, love, man, mind, saints, Spirit
Posted in Christianity, God's Gift, Holy Spirit, Mind of Christ, Revenge, faith | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 24th, 2012
Mind of Christ, December 24
“… know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalm 17:15, www.solascriptura.com
Lord and Father, what a wonderful promise. If we seek You we shall find You; but what is it to forsake You? When Jesus, do we abandon You, when do we leave You out of the moments of our life? We admit it is far too often. You tell us that You search our hearts and know the intents of our heart. Lord, we hide nothing because nothing can be hidden from You.
This day, help us know what it is to be like You, to have Your mind in us, Your Holy Spirit guiding us. We are, in a sense, blind about the events of the next few moments. But, You tell us Your Spirit, which knows all things, past and present, is with us if we but ask. We do ask, in all humility and contrition, for Your hand upon us and every member of our family on this Christmas Eve day. May Your Holy name be greatly praised, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: forsake, found, God, heart, Lord, loyal, Psalm 17:15, seek, serve
Posted in Christianity, Holy Spirit, Mind of Christ, faith, salvation | 8 Comments »
Saturday, November 10th, 2012
Mind of Christ, September, 10
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word.
I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me.
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:97-105, www.solascriptura.com
Jesus, we can say boldly that we have access to the mind of Christ and that You teach us all things we must know, things that exceed the wisdom of man. We look to our teachers for wisdom and you tell us that Your testimony to us exceeds that of our teachers and the “ancients”, those who lived before You. How can we not look to Your Holy Word for guidance, every day? For conveying such love toward us, we are eternally grateful.
We want to restrain our feet from pursuing evil but absent a personal relationship with You, we feel impotent and weak. Strengthen our resolve to serve You this day.
Help us commit to memory Your Holy words and teachings. Be a personal Light to us this day, guiding us in Your ways and executing Your will, with courage and humility. We seek to serve You better and better each day. In the Holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: ancients, commandments, enemies, evil, law, meditation, Mind of Christ, precepts, sweet, teachers, testimoies, wiser, words
Posted in Christianity, Law of God, Mind of Christ, Providence of God, Religion | 57 Comments »
Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
Mind of Christ, November 6
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 1:23, WWW.solascriptura.com
Father, when we pray that you will be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, we see here that we are claiming one of Your promises. If we but look to You, You will guide us with Your eye. May we look up and know that you are truly looking down upon us. Help us today to declare our dependence on You and to ask for Your leading in every event of our lives.
You do discipline us at times and we feel Your correction when our heart convicts us. We pray that You will forgive us and pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us afresh. You have promised us that You will make Your words known to us, that You will personally teach us. Such knowledge is too wonderful, too much to expect but absolutely true. Thank You Jesus for allowing us to have the thoughts of Your mind in us. Amen.
An annual memorial to a fallen warrior…(this day, who do you want to thank God for that has helped you?)
My uncle Bill, (George W. Stephens) died on this date at 87 years of age. His kindness to me was much needed when I was a youngster. He was a professional baseball player before serving in WW II. Injuries sustained in a battle on Okinawa left him 80% disabled. After dozens of surgeries he went on to be a professional baseball umpire.
I have never known a man whose friends loved him more. May our friends feel that way about us, I pray. May God give rest to a weary warrior this day. In heaven, we are neither young nor old, so Uncle Bill, you have prepared yourself for an eternity of exuberance and joy in a body made perfect. I await a wonderful reunion. Love forever,
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project, P.O.Box 302, Franklin TN 37064
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Tags: Mind of Christ, Spirit, teach
Posted in Christianity, Fidelity, God's Gift, Holy Spirit, Mind of Christ, Religion, faith | 56 Comments »