|
|
|
|
 |
What is a wallet? A storage device with multiple compartments used to keep personal papers, forms of identification, pictures, cash, and other such items in one place.Wallets are generally made of leather or fabrics. Men's wallets are usually sized to fit in a pocket, while most women's designs are meant to be carried in a larger bag.
Let’s try something! Take out your wallet and open it. Is it organized or messy? Think about what’s going on in your life right now and look back at your wallet. Is the picture consistent? Now, locate your driver’s license. Have you found it yet? OK, what's the closest thing to your license? What does it touch now, or when your wallet is folded? Is it a picture of a loved one or money or your insurance card or a gym membership card or a video rental card or a business card or a credit card? Whatever is closest to it is usually closest to your heart. Knowing what’s in your wallet is one of the fastest ways to get to know yourself.
Why? Because, while clothes may seem to make the woman, the woman is the one who makes her own wallet. The clothes you're wearing show the world who you're attempting to be, or the image you’re trying to project. But, the contents of your wallet reflect and reveal who you really are. Unlike a job interview where the applicant has the opportunity to dress up and be on their best behavior; and unlike a resume, which can contain false or half-true information, a wallet carries with it no pretensions, no smoke screens, and nothing to deceive.By paying attention to the contents of your wallet and the way you’ve arranged its various compartments, you can discover what the most and least important things are to you, what you like and dislike, what interests you, and what, if anything, you do for fun. And the list could go on and on.
Now, look at the order in which your personables are arranged. I know you’re probably wondering…what does this have to do with my being a Woman of Destiny.But,for every natural concept, there is a spiritual parallel.
The wallet, in this setting, represents your mind and all its related factors. So, now the question is…What’s Is In Your Mind?
|
|
|
|
 |
Our mind is our thinking organ. Through the mind, we know, think, imagine, recollect, and understand. The intellectual power, rationality, wisdom, and intelligence of man all belong to the mind. The mind occupies a big part in a person's life because the mind directs their conduct the most. According to the Bible, the mind is a battlefield. This is something unique. In the mind, Satan and the evil spirits battle with the truth and also battle with the believer. Our will and our spirit are like a fortress which evil spirits try to attack and capture. Our mind is the field on which the battle takes place and from which the fortress is stormed and taken. The apostle Paul said, "For though we walk in flesh, we do not war according to flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful before Yahweh for the overthrowing of strongholds, as we overthrow reasonings and every high thing rising up against the knowledge of Yahweh, and take captive every thought unto the obedience of the Messiah" (2 Cor. 10:3-5). The apostle first told us about a war, and then he told us where this war is and what it is for. This war is completely related to the mind of man. The apostle likened the "reasonings" to the "enemy's stronghold." He considered the mind as a stronghold guarded by the enemy that must be "overthrown." He also considered that within this stronghold there are many "rebellious thoughts." The apostle had to overthrow the mind of man and imprison and "take captive" the "rebellious thoughts" in man's mind, so these thoughts would be brought completely unto the "obedience of the Messiah." From these verses we can see that the mind of man is a battlefield because this is where evil spirits war with Yahweh. After reading these verses and seeing how the authority of darkness is especially related to man's mind, we can see that the mind is the part of man which is most easily attacked by Satan. The authority of darkness cannot directly do anything to man's will, emotion, and body unless it has gained quite considerable ground in him already. The same is not true with the mind. Before we accepted the Messiah into our heart, our mind was the enemy's property; so he does not need any special permission or invitation from us before he can freely work in our mind. The apostle likens the mind to the enemy's "stronghold," as if to tell us how deeply rooted and firm the relationship between Satan with his evil spirits and the mind of man is. Therefore, Satan and his evil spirits can make your mind their stronghold and keep you a prisoner through your mind. They can put you under their authority by utilizing your mind. They also make use of your imprisoned mind to transmit poison to others, and cause them to rise up in rebellion against Yahweh. But one thing is certain: thoughts that lift themselves up against the knowledge of Yahweh are the strongholds of the enemy. We should know that a believer can receive a new life, a new heart, but not a new mind. Many believers have a new heart, but their head is old. The heart is full of love, but the mind does not have any discernment. Many are pure in their motive, but not so clear in the thoughts in their head. The mind is full of all kinds of mixture and very lacking in crucial, spiritual discernment. Many believers truly have a tender regard in their hearts for most of Yahweh's children, yet their minds are full of ideals, opinions, and goals. This happens because their minds have not been completely renewed.
Your mind does more damage to you than your heart! As a believer, you must differentiate between the renewing of the heart and the renewing of the mind. (Romans 12:1, 2.) Believers must know that a man can have the most intimate fellowship with Yahweh, and at the same time, the mind can unintentionally receive the suggestions and images of Satan, bringing that person’s conduct, speech, and judgment into error. Believers must realize that both their heart and mind must be renewed.
If your mind is not renewed, your life will not be balanced. Most teachings today emphasize a believer's spiritual life (the heart)—how one should love, be patient, humble, etc. These are surely very important, and nothing can substitute for these things. However, we should not think that these are sufficient to make up all the needs. They are important, but they do not include everything. It is equally important for a believer's mind to be renewed and enlarged and increased in strength so that it becomes strong. Otherwise, we will have an imbalanced life. The goal of Yahweh's salvation is not that we would continue to use the same mind that was defiled by sin. Yahweh wants our mind to be renewed in the same way that our spirit is renewed. We must not only glorify Yahweh in our living, but also with our mind. Believers forget that after they are saved, they should still pursue the full renewing of their mind. This results in their work being hindered. This is why the Bible emphatically tells the believers, "Be transformed by the renewing of the mind" thus resulting in spiritual mindedness. (Rom. 12:2).
To be spiritually minded is life --and that means eternal life. The opposite is to be materialistic or fleshly minded, and that is death --eternal death. Each of us has the choice of which mind to cultivate and of which way we walk in life.
|
|
|
|
 |
As Paul says, "If you live according to the flesh you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the (sinful) deeds of the body, you will live." (Rom 8:13)
Paul's letter to Philippi clearly characterizes spiritually minded people --what they are like, and how they think...
1. The spiritually minded are motivated by higher desires.
(A) Their desires are toward the Messiah, not self-ward (Php 2:2-5)
Immature people think selfishly, in the sense that the whole universe revolves around self. But the mature think outwardly and their lives revolve around others and around Yahweh.
2. The spiritually minded are guided by higher values.
(A) They don't have confidence in the status symbols of this world (Php 3:4-6)
The statement Paul makes may be culturally unfamiliar to us, but it boils down to this: Paul was following a materialistic path in his career. Although it was a religious career, he was pursuing it in a carnal way. But a great change came over Paul. He became willing to lose that worldly status in order to know and trust in Yahshua the Messiah.
(B) They think that to die is gain (Php 1:21)
Surely to die is to lose all that one possesses! What sort of a value system sees it as a gain to die? The answer is that while earthly things are all lost, the things of surpassing value are brought nearer by death, and Christians value these eternal things as "very far better" than any temporal earthly possessions they must leave behind.
3. The spiritually minded are saved by Yahweh's righteousness.
(A) They obediently work out their own salvation (Php 2:12-15)
They "shine as lights in the world". There are two mistakes regarding righteousness.
• The notion of merit points. This is the idea that the merit, which Yahweh recognizes in their righteousness, can somehow pile up to the point where they gain sufficient righteousness to be worthy of heaven.
• The notion of utter worthlessness. This is the belief that there is nothing people can do to help themselves gain eternal life, and their own good works are thus totally irrelevant.
It is true that we cannot merit our salvation, and we rely upon the righteousness of Yahshua who became the perfect sacrifice for us, and rose from the dead to empower us for eternal life (Php 3:9-11). But that doesn't mean we can neglect righteous works.
We must express our reliance upon Yahshua by doing his will. We could hardly express reliance upon Yahshua appropriately by being "crooked and perverse" like the generation among whom we live. While our "shining as lights" will not, by itself, merit our salvation, it is certainly essential to it, and we must be among those who "work out their own salvation" or else we shall forfeit it (Php 2:12).
(B) They rely on Yahweh's grace through faith (Php 3:9)
Keeping in mind the previous point, Christians do put their trust not in themselves, but in the power of the risen Yahshua.
(C) They follow the example of Yahshua(Php 2:5-13)
They try to transform their thinking into the mind of the Messiah, and reflect that thinking in living as the Messiah taught them to live, humbly, obediently, righteously, and as a servant.
4. The spiritually minded are strengthened by a Spiritual attitude
(A) Positive about the past (Php 3:13-14)
They have much in their past to disappoint them. But if Yahweh is able to no longer remember their sins, people must rid themselves of their guilt, "forgetting what lies behind..."
(B) Positive about the present (Php 4:11-13)
The phrase, "Content in whatever state I am" is not least among the slogans which Christians must adopt and live by.
(C) Positive about the future (Php 4:6-7)
The spiritually minded are "not anxious about anything" but through prayer with thanksgiving they lay up treasures for the future without fear.
|
|
|
|
How The Wallet Is Related to the Mind |
 |
So, how does all of this relate to your wallet? Look at your wallet again and see it as your mind.
#1-Look at the outside. Is it old and raggedy? Tattered and torn? Discolored and faded? When was the last time you bought a new wallet? Now think about your mind. Is your mind beat up with thoughts on how to get ahead in life? Or making more $$$? Has your prayer life become so raggedy that you are consumed with thoughts of sex or your desire for a husband, if you’re single? Or a better one if you’re married? And Yahweh forbid if you’re thinking about someone’s elses man!!! Did you read any of Yahweh's Word today, or yesterday or the day before to keep your mind renewed? Did you spend any quality time in Yahweh's presence? Or was your mind just on the issues of the day? Or did you just petition/beg Him for things and to get you out of situations? And then you stuffed Him back in the recess of your mind until you needed Him for the next task? Remember, your wallet is not kept in plain sight. It stays hidden within your purse. Whenever you need a credit card or some form of identification, you pull it out of its secret place, flash it and put back. Is this how you treat Yahweh and His Word? No one sees or knows your mind but you & Yahweh . Hmmmmmm???
#2- Now, look at your driver’s license again. What's the closest thing to your license? What does it touch now, or when your wallet is folded? Is it a picture of a loved one or money or your insurance card or a gym membership card or a video rental card or a business card or a credit card? Whatever is closest to it is usually closest to your heart. Discuss the significance of some of the items naturally & spiritually.
#3- Do you have receipts or credit cards slips filed in your wallet? Are they mostly for shopping or eating out or paying bills. This shows where your interests lie and what consumes your life. These are all external manisfestations and outward works. How often do we become so consumed with just showing and doing the “religious thing” because it’s expected or because it makes us feel better and yet we ignore the telltale signs in our hearts that something is wrong in our mind? Naturally,shopping, whether you can afford it or not, makes you feel better for that moment.Spiritually, doing the church thing makes you feel like you’ve done your duty. Naturally, eating out is easier than staying in and cooking. Spiritually, it’s easier to read a book by Prophetess Juanita Bynum or to watch a DVD by Bishop T.D. Jakes- something that’s already been prepared, than to get out your Bible and a concordance, or Bible dictionary and a notepad and do your own research into the Word of Yahweh .
#4- How are your cards and information arranged in your wallet compartments?
Example #1: If your library card, that is if you have one, is last or next-to-last in your wallet, you most likely don't visit the library much, and might as well not have the card at all.Which goes back to how much quantity / quality time do you actually read & study the Word in order to maintain a renewed mind.
Example #2: If your health insurance card is at the front of your wallet, you probably just recently visited a physician. And if that card is all beat up and not in very good shape, it is likely that your health is in a similar state.What kind of spiritual health are you in? Are there issues in your heart and mind that you’ve allow to build and fester, hoping it will all just go away?Is there still unforgiveness and bitterness towards individuals who wronged you because you feel justified to hold a grudge?
Example #3: A person's priorities are reflected in the order of the extreme items in their wallet. So if your credit card is first and your bank card is last, you are inclined to be a big spender of money that you may not have. If your library card is first and you credit card last, you value knowledge over material goods. Think about what’s most important to you in your life. What’s on your mind the majority of the time? Where does Yahweh fit into the scheme of things? You get the idea.
#5- Now, look at you driver’s license again. Who does it say that you are? Who does the picture look like? Will that ever change? I may change my hair color or style, or gain/loss some weight and wear different glasses, but I’m still Tonya. My last name and address have changed, but that doesn’t make me anyone else. I’m still Tonya Wynnette. And I have are several other pieces of identification which say the same thing. Spiritually, the Word of Yahweh is a constant. It never changes. There may be different translations, and it may come in different binders, but that doesn’t change who it says that you are!.
The Word says:
• You are made in the image of Yahweh(Col 3:10 Gen 1:26-27).
• Your name is written in the Book of Life (Php 4:3).
• You are one of the anointed and sealed (2Co 1:21-22 Eph 1:3-14).
• You are an heir of Yahweh with an inheritance in heaven (1Pe 1:4 Rom 8:17).
• You are of a chosen priesthood that is holy -can "offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Yahweh". We do this under the authority of the Messiah, our High Priest. (I Peter2:5,9)
• You are royal-can "proclaim the excellencies" of Yahweh and "his marvelous light". We do this under the authority of the Messiah, our King.
How do I establish and maintain a renewed mind? Philippians 4:8
The Relationship between Mind Renewal and the Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5: 22-23
Mind Renewal Promotes Bible Study, Prayer, and Worship
Mind renewal is not a substitute for the Scripture. The desire to be renewed in our minds must of necessity send us to the written word of Yahweh so that we may be conformed in every part. We desire to search out and discover, then experience the awe of contemplating the marvelous ways and acts of Yahweh.
Mind renewal is not possible separately from prayer. We need divine guidance and illumination so that we May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of the Messiah, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of Yahweh. Ephesians 3: 18-19
Mind renewal sends us to our knees privately and directs us to our church collectively so that we might occupy ourselves with the adoration of Yahweh, which is true worship.
Should a person declare that they are practicing mind renewal and they do not exhibit continued growth in the above three areas, they are not practicing Biblical mind renewal. True mind renewal cannot be accomplished apart from these three things being demonstrated in the believer's life.
|
|
|
|
 |
So, What’s In Your Wallet?
What’s In Your Mind?
|
|
|
|
Some Thought-Provoking Questions: |
 |
1. None of the things on the following list are bad or sinful in their proper place. Which of these good things would you rate as "very far better" than all the others?
• Family
• Money
• Career or business
• House, car, clothes, etc.
• To be a friend of Yahshua the Messiah
• Sports and hobbies
• Education
• Sex
• Food and health
• Church
2. What order of priority do you, personally, give to the items in the list above? (Not what you think you should give them, but what you do actually and honestly give them currently in your life, in terms of the time and attention you devote to them).
3. Which of the items would you value and desire so much that, in order to gain or keep it, you would be willing to forgo or lose any of the others if necessary?
4. One day you are going to die. What items on the list will be of value to you then?
|
|
|
|
 |
WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?
WHAT'S IN YOUR MIND? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|