Old Treasures on Tuesdays 👑
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2, NKJV).
This verse brings our attention to one of the amazing facets of human existence: the ability to direct our minds. God created us with this capacity, and He invites us to use it in a marvelous way. With His help, we are able to focus our attention spans on the realm that lasts forever.
However, concentrating on “those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (v. 1) often does not come easily. Instead, we find ourselves quickly distracted by the things down here on earth: what we are going to have for lunch, what to-do items we failed to accomplish yesterday, that one comment someone made on Facebook… it goes on and on. Our minds seem to have a mind of their own.
Holy Spirit wants to encourage us today. Learning to set our minds on heavenly realities – like everything else in our spiritual growth – is a process. It takes a long, long time. So, settle in for the long haul and, especially, be patient and kind with yourself on the journey.
A helpful way to approach this is to regard our thoughts as children. Kids, by nature, are all over the place. They need to be taught and trained to sit still and listen. We work with them over many years to guide them in their development towards this kind of maturity. We do not treat them harshly for what they cannot yet accomplish. In the same way, be gentle with yourself as you gradually train your thoughts to be orderly and focused.
With fondness, I’m remembering moments in our church services when a toddler would wander up to the front of the church during the preaching. No one yelled at the adorable tyke. Instead, his parent would collect him as quickly as possible with a little smile. We all watched affectionately. Instead of being angry, we were enjoying the youngster’s innocence and curious spirit. As this child grew, he learned not to interrupt moments like that.
When you are trying to pray and you get distracted, remember this. See your distracted thoughts like that little guy. Realize that Daddy God is not yelling at you. He’s not angry. Instead, He’s watching you with affection and joy. Simply collect your stray thought as quickly as possible. Return your focus to the things above. Don’t worry if you have to do this over and over again. As you work with your thought life patiently and persistently, your thoughts will slowly mature in their ability to focus for longer periods of time.
Here are some valuable descriptive phrases that show us what to do with our thoughts as we work towards training them:
I muse on the work of Your hands.”
(Ps. 143:5, NKJV)
Use these, my friend, and practice, practice, practice! Set aside time to fix your thoughts on heavenly realities. You will reap a harvest in your ability to focus, if you do not give up.
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Do you have any tips to share, that have helped you in developing your attention span for prayer and Bible study?
Feeding On Jesus 
bonjour ou bonsoir
A travers ce message, je t’envoie ma plus belle image,
Celle d’un sourire radieux qui réchauffe le cœur
Et fait briller le soleil même dans les jours les plus sombres
Le soir que les étoiles illuminent et réchauffe ta demeure
https://i.postimg.cc/g0rRYp10/bonsoir.gif
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Many blessings to you!
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful and insightful post. Your analogy of our thoughts being like children; it’s a great reminder that it’s okay to struggle with distractions. I often find myself getting sidetracked by everyday worries, so your encouragement to be patient with myself really resonates.
Focusing on heavenly things is definitely a process, and I appreciate the reminder that God is not frustrated with our wandering minds.
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I am smiling with joy to know that this encouraged you, my brother! Thank You, Holy Spirit 🙂
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Jennifer, resting in the Lord, appreciating Him, reading His word, worshipping Him helps me spend time with Him 🙏🏼
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Beautiful. My very favorite things to do too!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
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Amen. Jennifer, your testament offers a blessed journey into the Word. I appreciate emphasis on patience, gentleness, and kindness during my own journey of growth. One thing that helps my focus during time with prayer and reading the Word, has been using a consistent time to meet with God.
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That really is an absolutely essential principle, Richard. I am very glad you mentioned in as part of this vital conversation. (I am finally getting a chance to catch up with everything on here. It’s been a whole new level of NONSTOP for me since I started school in August, keep praying for me!)
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Jennifer, thank you for catching with this update. Are you teaching or attending classes? I’ve been busy myself with assisting my wife, Colleen, with the final preparations before submitting her book to the publisher. Merry Christmas!
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How exciting for Colleen! I love it that you have been assisting her with this, she must feel the love in that strongly.
To answer your question, I am a student again. I started a DMin program with Global Awakening Theological Seminary this last semester. It’s been amazing so far, and I am so grateful!
I hope you had a beautiful Christmas. Happy New Year and the richest of God’s blessings on you and yours for 2025!
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Love this post, as I find myself distracted more than before!
That verse Psalms 143:5 … just saw myself in it and all that my creator is accomplishing in me & in us even in the midst of all our day to day distractions.
As I remember the days past, he causes me to meditate on all his works he has done around me and I stop to consider( ponder, muse) at all he is accomplishing in my life ( His masterpiece )!
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Yes, your life and your heart and all that you are, His masterpiece, dear Susan! I am so glad that this piece was a blessing to you. Sending you so much love and wishes for a beautiful, Merry Christmas! (I am finally getting a chance to catch up with everything on here. It’s been a whole new level of NONSTOP for me since I started school in August, keep praying for me!)
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Love this post! It certainly does take practice. This is part of our call to self-control. The mind is part of our self. A key step for me was reading and journaling the word often. This helped when I was somewhere and needed to recall a verse to help me.
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Journaling what God is showing you really is an extremely life giving and helpful practice, I am so glad that you are able to do that! And thank you, truly, for sharing such an important thought here in this conversation. It really blesses me. (I am finally getting a chance to catch up with everything on here. It’s been a whole new level of NONSTOP for me since I started school in August, keep praying for me!)
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Will do that, Jennifer. I just finished my Master’s in July. I do fully understand. The social media platforms are demanding. Keep your head up and keep sharing.
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