LOOK AWAY UNTO JESUS

Lesson 61

Whatever captures the eye, shall consume the mind and define your state of being.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God is giving us clear instructions regarding for victory in the face of adversity:

1) Keeping in mind that there is a cloud of witnesses, cheering us on from heaven’s balcony!

2) Laying aside every weight, and the sin which comes with the heavy burdens of worry, fear and strife. Simply give it to Jesus, trusting Him to work things out.

3) Acquiring patience while we are running the race towards the goal of the high calling in Christ. This means that we will endure our difficulties, with the faith and knowledge that God will give us the victory, bringing us into being seated with Christ in heavenly places from where we rule and reign with Him over the difficulties of life.

4) Getting our eyes focused on Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith; looking at him as our perfect example to rejoice in our victory even beforehand, enduring our difficulties with patience, with faith that God will give us the victory - being seated with Christ in heavenly places from where we rule and reign with Him over the difficulties of life. 

STRESS IS A THIEF!

Lesson 51  

Stress is the number one cause of so many illnesses today in our modern, fast-paced world. In other words, a thief!

But, in the Kingdom of God we can live in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. What a contrast to stress!

It is as simple as the choice to refocus your mind on the Lord, for then you will live in perfect peace. (Is.26:3)

Stress-free living is so easy, once you have entered into His rest. Knowing that worry will not change anything, neither trying to work it out with your limited mind, which cannot see the solution from God's point of view. So why worry and stress if it is an exercise of futility?

Simply hand over the issues that concern you into His mighty hand, putting your trust in Him to work out every detail of your life for your good. Again, peace and rest is the result. (Matt.11:28-30) Now you can worship Him in faith that He will make a way for you - even if there seems to be no way!

When your mind is at rest, your emotions are joyful and your body relaxes. What a beautiful place to live in the Kingdom culture!

Whatever you behold will become the vision from which you live

 Lesson 44
As you identify the negative pictures of people and situations that you carry in your consciousness, choose to get God’s picture of His intended purposes and shift your gaze to behold His vision by faith. Then call it forth until it manifests!

Shift your gaze from negative pictures to God’s vision, lifting your spirit into faith for His glory manifestation.

TRIUMPHING IN ALL SITUATIONS

Lesson 43

How glorious to triumph in all situations by the power of the Holy Spirit!

2 Corinthians 2:14 King James Version (KJV)

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

In our own power it is not possible, but in the power of the Spirit as we put our trust in the Lord, all things are possible! 

The prerequisite is: “Only believe!” Mark 9:23

Our faith will be tested, but it is when our mind is renewed in the sure knowledge that God’s Word is true. He is not a man that He should lie, so we can put our trust completely in Him - resting in Him to bring the victory about as we praise Him, rejoicing in His goodness and grace.

We will have to exercise patience, but that works for our good, causing us to become wrapped in Him, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-8 TPT

2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.

5 And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. 6 Just make sure you ask empowered by confident faith without doubting that you will receive. For the ambivalent person believes one minute and doubts the next. Being undecided makes you become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind. You’re up one minute and tossed down the next. 7–8 When you are half-hearted and wavering it leaves you unstable. Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you’re in that condition?

The Art of Living Free of Stress

Lesson 35

Stress starts in our mind and is usually instigated by fear of some kind. It always involves negative thinking, which quickly sets negative emotions in motion. Then it gets to the nervous system. The brain secretes adrenalin, which in turn releases toxins to the body. It also causes foggy thinking and we cannot make the right decisions as the soul dominates the spirit man.  

It is obvious that this is a very unproductive and undesirable state to be in, since it is detrimental to our whole being, steals our peace and joy, robbing us of quality of life.  It also affects everyone around us. 

There is hoever a simple remedy for it, yet seemingly the most difficult thing to do. 

It is simply stated in Philippians 4:6-7

”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When we become still in the presence of the Lord, handing over our worries, concerns and stress to the Lord in worshipful prayer, He takes over. It is basically an issue of trust and total dependence on Him. We need to realize that all our independent efforts will keep Him out of the picture and prolong our struggle with stress.

As we bring our requests to God by faith (taking our hands and minds off), He will take care of all our needs, giving us the ability and strength to endure until we see the breakthrough. Take note! It all starts in the mind! When our mind is focused on the fact that God gives us the strength to overcome every situation, it becomes easier not to allow our minds to engage with fear.

Thanksgiving is the result of faith that He will do what seems impossible to us!  And then, inexplicably, peace floods our souls, guarding our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!  It surely is an amazing, miraculous wonder!  

Practicing this instruction from the Lord as soon as we feel tense (which is a result of what we are thinking), we bring us into the habit of handing over everything to Him! It is "hands free” living in a constant state of peace so that we can enjoy our lives.

Make sure that your mind is “stayed” (focused) on the Lord in total trust and He will keep you in perfect peace. 

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep him in perfect peace,                                                                                                                             Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.