Picking up right where we left off last week (you may go to http://graycollinsweeklywritings.blogspot.com/ if you are a little fuzzy on what was discussed.).
3rd) Attending church when the doors are open and being “In” the meeting. I am convinced that a firm commitment to the first two disciplines will more than likely produce a church going discipline. If your heart and mind is centered in the will of God you will have a “want-to” about you. You “want-to” go to church, and Bible study, revival meetings, camp meetings; nobody will have to twist your arm- it will be your heart’s desire. Why? Because in the center of all those meetings is the preaching, teaching, and worshipping of the one who brought you the “want-to”. That is Jesus. On top of that, you are blessed with the experience of aiding others to find the very savior that saved you. Bottom line is….if you got the “want-to” it won’t be a problem, you will be in church and you will be “In” the meeting. Going to church and being “In” the meeting is a “must have” discipline.
4th) The discipline of the mind, Satan works in the mind. He works on your mind. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) There is a lot that can go on in the privacy of our own minds; and I think that oftentimes, when sin is finally manifested in word or deed, it more than likely has spent some time in that persons mind. Therefore it behooves us to guard our minds. The scripture says “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) God help us to understand that from the time we wake in the morning to the time we lay down at night our minds are active and absorbing. Help us to look at, listen to, and surround ourselves with things that promote and give lenience to Godly thoughts. Furthermore, as still water in a clear spring, it can be very easy to stir up the silt and dirt; you can quickly muddy the water. So are minds easily become murky by the attractions of the world, and the cares of this life. For that good old children’s hymn still rings true.
“Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.”
The discipline of the mind is a “must have” discipline.
Clarity is so important; reading, praying, being active in church, having a clear, clean disciplined mind-keeps clarity in your spiritual life. It makes you “sensitive to the Spirit”, and to what God would have you to do. God help us all to follow the guiding hand of the Shepherd, for if we be the people, he will be the God.
Perhaps you agree? Disagree? Please send your thoughts to pgcollins65@gmail.com
