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Wandering Minds

Luke 2:46
“Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”
Jesus was found in the temple actively participating in listening and asking questions. How often are we in the midst of a teaching but we allow our minds to dwell elsewhere? This happens far too often, even more so when we are being taught the Word of God. The trouble with wandering minds is that those who are teaching us have not any idea for all they see are focused eyes and opened Bibles. It seems odd that we would be distracted even while surrounded by the Lord’s people, but the enemy so often uses our thoughts to detour us from learning because if we are learning, we are growing and if we are growing, the enemy cannot have victory. Therefore, what better way to derail us than by using our weakly trained thoughts against us? But James 4:7-8 states, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” It takes a willing heart and mindful practice to redirect our thoughts back on Christ and though oftentimes we will find ourselves falling short, when we are in submission to the Lord, there is no thought we cannot overcome because He already has. But, we must remain clothed in His armor, for the closer we draw to God, the closer we are on the frontline with the enemy who will attempt to us away no matter the cost. Of course, there will be times of failure because we live in a fallen world but God says do not be deceived and walk in the Truth, for the Lord holds His Word in higher esteem than His name. 

Application
Today I will write, “Submit to God” on my arm as a reminder that I cannot serve two masters. 

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