Today’s Encouragement is, “But he [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’” Matthew 16:23 ESV
Setting Your Mind –
Jesus rebuked Satan, who was whispering lies to Peter, because he was thinking only from a human perspective and not setting his mind on “the things of God.” The NLT says, “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
We do that, don’t we? We set our minds, eyes, and thoughts on the things of man, on this earthly reality. We think of and see the obstacles, problems, mountains, and giants before us and are intimidated, overwhelmed, and discouraged.
But, as believers, we have access to a totally different perspective, God’s! We can set our minds on the things of God.
Then, we will still see the earthly things and the realities of this life, but our minds can be set on, redirected to, and reminded of God’s truth! His existence, love for us, power, and promises!
Our minds are extraordinary, capable of flitting from one thought to another at lightning speed. And, as this verse demonstrates, our Enemy can creep into our minds with lies and darkness; but as God’s dearly loved people, we can reject his efforts, turn away from him and the things of this life, and set our minds, once again, on the things of God!
We can love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind! (Matthew 22:37)
Thank You, Father, for the wisdom of Your Word and for allowing us to choose to set our minds on You!
I Fix My Eyes On You
Tommy Walker
Today’s Encouragement 