How does it help us to keep our focus on the blessings we have, such as those listed in Ephesians 1: 1-14? If we continually exalt and ‘mind’ the problems or calamities around us, we will become overwhelmed, but also anxious, irritable, lose hope, and take our eyes off the answer… the Lord Jesus Christ. As we function as daughters, wives, parents, employees, and friends, it is vital to honestly and deeply be committed to keeping our mind and hearts safe from Satan’s tactics. Realize we are each precious in God’s sight, and to focus above, renewing our minds daily in sound doctrine from Romans-Philemon. What we choose to regularly mind becomes our reality and truth. The Word is our armor of protection, displacing Satan’s devices.
This is different from merely having a storehouse of Bible data. It’s important to learn sound doctrine, but not to just gain new nuggets, but develop new thinking, conviction, and the ability to apply it. How?
1) Read the Word with prayer and meditation daily.
2) Dwell (meditate) on these things, thinking about them to live.
3) Allow the Spirit to teach, leading us moment by moment in thoughts and decisions.
4) Purpose to put them into practice, applying then adjusting as needed.
This ongoing, lifelong process can make a profound difference in our spiritual walk. This is God’s renewal method for our minds and hearts, becoming our armor of defense to deal with this life. Slow down to allow time to become God aware, self-aware, and application oriented.
How is it that we so easily lose sight of the powerful abundance provided to us? Satan has set in motion a very wise, deceptive plan for the course of this world to keep unbelievers blind and inhibit saints from growing, walking by faith, and being ambassadors. We can be side-tracked, overwhelmed, discouraged, and taught lies about ourselves and many things, which promotes fear and a loss of hope, displacing what is important. For example, as we listen to or read the news, it becomes evident that there is little reported that is encouraging and most is tainted. It discourages and derails, robbing us of our determination to stay focused above.
Corrective Doctrine: List as many blessings as you can from Ephesians 1:1-14 with their benefits. Now, take a moment to realize how these have and can further impact you personally. Decide to displace your focus on things of this world with thankfulness for the many blessing you have been given. Brainstorm how you can make changes in your life to minimize the impact of this world and dwell on the glorious gospel of Christ and the love and grace provided us. Assess use of your time: reading, what you look at, your friends, and what you are minding through the day. Become aware of where you are in your thinking, but also your goals and where you want to be as a faithful sister in Christ.
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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