F.O.C.U.S

 

                                                                              

Free Your Mind:  Study after study shows the benefits of meditation.  Websters dictionary defines meditation as “the engaging in a mental exercise for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness”.  So many times when we encounter challenges it is so easy to become overwhelmed and to feel inadequate or inept to deal with the challenges.  It’s easy to panic and overreact, both of which typically further complicate the original challenge. Oftentimes, however, that’s exactly what we do.

For example, how many times have you been offended by someone -- whether by the tone of one’s voice, the words spoken, a look given?  I imagine most of us can recall a relatively recent event.  How did you respond?  Did you        respond immediately and in a way that you later regretted or did you count to 10?  The idea of counting to 10 before responding simply allows time to focus, to Free your mind of the original thoughts you had regarding your response and to allow you to respond in a more appropriate manner. 

Yet, in spite of all the daily challenges we face, we often neglect taking time to Free our minds.  Whether morning, noon, or night, or at all three times, we each would benefit by taking time to Free our minds.  Romans 8:6 tells us; “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”   During the times we face challenges, do we look for help from within or from above?  Do we turn those burdens over to God or take them on ourselves?  Taking the time to Free your mind and to focus on the Spirit allows for peace in the time of storm.  

Application: Discuss an occasion where someone offended you and how you could’ve responded better. Take time to meditate on things above, to free your mind, and to turn those challenges over to God.

Prayer Request_______________________________________________________________________

 

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