Word for the day: “The faith leadership mindset.”
Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Beloved Leaders,
Much of our lives are connected to how we think about ourselves and the situations we have experienced. Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.” I’m inclined to agree with this leadership insight.
EMBRACING OUR LIVES ALIGNED IN AND WITH GOD.
The Christian life is not merely intellectual assertions or a list of religious tenets. It internalizes the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord is now transforming our lives, even while you read today’s message!
As we look at Christ through the infallible lens of God’s Word, the Bible, we are reminded that his way is upside-down (or rather right-side-up) from the way of this world. Jesus did not work his way to the top; he started at the top, as God himself, and yet chose to humble himself for the sake of his people.
THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE AND CAN BECOME A BATTLEGROUND.
The life that God wants us to live as people of God and having integrity puts us at odds with Satan. The Bible never tells us to attack the forces of evil because we are not equipped to fight in the supernatural world. Instead, we are called to protect ourselves from the attack.
The good news is the Lord does not leave us defenseless against the enemy of our souls (Ephesians 6:18). It is a great challenge today with mental illness at exponential proportions in our world. When people are battered and broken in life, it is almost impossible for them to connect with the Lord. So, the reality is whatever gets your mind will ultimately get you.
We must learn how to strengthen, protect, and guard our minds as the Lord exhorts us in today’s message, but also read (Colossians 3). Monitoring our thoughts can be difficult because, many times, ideas come in bunches, and we can get overwhelmed to the point that we act out without thinking about them first. I’ve given in many times on the battlefield of my mind and have lost many battles. So, if you have lost many battles like me, always remember that we are scheduled to win the war with Jesus (Colossians 2:15).
LEARNING HOW TO CONNECT WITH GOD WHEN THE BATTLE IN YOUR MIND IS HAPPENING.
Here was a self-made man: Jesus, who is due all glory and honor, made himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, took on himself the role of a servant. How sad and ironic that most of us spend all our energy in life striving to do the exact opposite. This is compelling why Jesus, from the outset, told those who admired him that they would have to deny themselves to become his disciples.
Yet so many people of God want to claim discipleship without sacrifice, self-denial, and humility. Selflessness produces discipline and connects us to God in a powerful way.
With this humble Christ-like mindset, we reject any thoughts that do not align with the Word of God, and Christ prevents us from being overwhelmed while ensuring nothing harms us. We can become defenseless if we don’t engage in the battle and stay on alert. Jesus is the point of reference always, and he blocks the enemy’s entry into our mind as we monitor our thoughts according to the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
We'll have victory as we manage our thoughts and trust in Jesus. In the Lord we don’t have to plot and plan to make it to the top, life in the Lord has us already seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Quote James Baker Jr.: “Don’t forget to pour into yourself today or as soon as possible. It’s your responsibility.”
POINT TO PONDER
Beloved, in this season of post Lent “Let this mind be in you, may you internalize the reality of who Christ is, of how he lived, and of what His purpose is for you. It’s amazing to read the ultimate interdependence Jesus had on the Father to do the will of God.
Do you need to learn more about the mind as related to God?
What did you read today that challenges you?
How does today’s message benefit you?
Have you submitted your mind and thoughts to the Lord?
Do you struggle to connect with God as you process your thoughts?
I’d love to connect with you and help you in your journey of leadership and life. You can write me at GraceandTruthleadership@gmail.com!
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in April 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Sonja McRae, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link below to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,