Reading for January 28th 

Chapter 3 - Gritty Navigational Tools for Tough Times

Focus: Bottom of Page 15

“What controls our minds controls our perceptions, and what controls our perceptions becomes our reality. The 
Christian must allow God’s Word—not feelings, fear, frustration, cultural pressure, or circumstances—to control our minds.” pg. 18

One of Rev. Shane’s famous sayings is, “We’re all full of something, and we all leak.” Similarly, we’re all controlled by something, but is it Godly? The tough part is that we’re often the ones who have a say in this. We allow our minds to fall away from God’s word, descending into the never-ending negativity of fear, worry, anger, frustration, cultural pressure, sin, etc. We’ve probably all been guilty of this, so what do we do? 

“Get yourself under control.” Be of sober mind. In one of the more famous biblical blunders and sins, King David lost control of his mind. He lusted after Bathsheba, tried to hide his sin, then covered that sin with murder, and the mess of it all kept growing until the prophet Nathan confronted the wayward king. At every step of the King David had a choice to repent and turn away from his chosen path.

We have the similar choice. If you find your minds being controlled by something other than God’s word, perform an about face (repent) and turn the other direction. Get online and search for scriptures to help you with your burden. Ask a friend for prayer. Seek the Lord in solitude. Do something to take back control. And then, as Rev. Shane says, “Visualize success.”

Imagine a life of joy, free of worry and fear. Picture healthy relationships that point you towards the Lord. Plan out your next opportunity to ask forgiveness and thank someone for their grace. These are practical ways we can move out of a negative perception and into a positive reality. 

Since we’re still in the early parts of 2025, what is one way you would like to take control of your mind, allowing God’s word to guide you? 

We’re still working through 1 Peter 1! Keep at it. You’re doing excellent. We’ve almost made our way through the first 1/12th of the marathon. Each reading and devotion bring you closer to the finish line! 

https://tinyurl.com/linksforjanuary27th

God of grace and mercy we pray that you would help us to control our thoughts and emotions. Focus our minds on what is pure, righteous, and holy. Let us not give into worry, fear, or anxiety. We pray for clarity of mind in our decisions, relationships, and families. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.