Romans 8:6 - Life, Peace, and the Trouble with Carnal Thinking

Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Paul wrote, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NKJV). That’s not just religious talk — it’s a reality check. What we set our minds on truly shapes our lives. And let’s be honest:  sometimes what we see in ourselves (and in the church) looks a lot more like carnality than spirituality.

You can spot the difference pretty quickly, though. Ever notice how some folks will go to a ball game in the pouring rain, but a drizzle on Sunday morning is enough to cancel worship? Or how we can feel “too sick” for church, but somehow well enough to drag ourselves to work Monday morning? That’s not dedication — that’s our priorities showing up.

Spirituality isn’t about checking a box or showing up when the weather’s nice. It’s about valuing God more than comfort, convenience, or culture. It’s about setting our minds on “things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

When we’re spiritually minded, we see worship not as optional but essential. We notice the brother or sister who’s drifting and reach out to restore them (Galatians 6:1). We understand our whole life is meant to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), not just an hour on Sunday.

The truth is, carnality always weakens the church and turns people away from Christ. But spirituality breathes life, strength, and peace into both our souls and our community. And here’s the best part: it’s not reserved for “super saints.” It grows in ordinary Christians who are willing to stay in God’s Word, pray, and walk daily in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Carnal thinking leaves us empty, but spiritual living fills us with life and peace. And honestly, who doesn’t want more of that?

Revelation 8:1-4 - God Values Our Prayers

Revelation 8:1-4
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

Prayer is often something we know we should do, but sometimes it gets pushed to the edges of our busy lives. Yet, in Revelation 8:1–4, we are given an encouraging glimpse into heaven that reminds us just how precious and powerful our prayers really are. John describes a moment of silence in heaven — "about the space of half an hour" (v. 1) — an unusual and dramatic pause in the middle of the opening of scrolls and unfolding judgments. This silence comes just before the next series of events in God's plan. But what happens during that silence? The prayers of the saints are presented before God!

An angel comes and stands at the altar, holding a golden censer. The air is filled with a sweet smell as he is given "much incense" to offer "with the prayers of all saints" (v. 3). This incense, and our prayers, rises up before God — "from the angel’s hand" — as a sweet offering. And – it’s not just to maintain heaven’s atmosphere. It’s not an afterthought. It’s central to the scene. Heaven quiets itself for the prayers of God’s people.

This image is powerful because it shows us our prayers matter in heaven. They rise up like incense—fragrant, meaningful, noticed. Not one of them is lost or ignored. God listens. And more than that, He responds. In the next verse (v. 5), we see the angel take fire from the altar, fill the censer, and cast it to the earth—symbolizing that God is taking action in response to those prayers.

Too often we think of prayer as something small. But in Revelation 8, we see it’s part of something much, much bigger. Our prayers are not only heard — they are part of God’s divine work in the world. The prayers of the saints are not passive; they are powerful!

So what does this mean for us?

It means we must never underestimate the importance of praying — both privately and with others. When we feel helpless, prayer is not the last resort; it is the first action of faith. When we feel unheard by the world, we are still heard in heaven. And when we wonder if our words are making a difference, Revelation reminds us that God receives them, values them, and moves through them.

So – be encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that even if the world doesn’t notice, heaven does. And never forget: your prayers go farther than you can imagine—all the way to the very throne of God.

Philippians 3:13-14 - Pressing Onward

Philippians 3:13-14

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

As I’ve gotten older, I sometimes feel like my most productive days are behind me. Maybe you’ve wondered the same about yourself. Yet the Bible reminds me that my journey of faith is a marathon, not a sprint. It doesn’t end until I step into eternity with Christ. Am I still reaching forward, or have I slowed my pace?

Like many older Christians, I sometimes feel the pull to slow down—physically and spiritually. But if I’m still breathing, God still has work for me. His purpose for my life doesn’t expire with age. Retirement in the world may mean stepping back, but in God’s kingdom, there’s no such thing as spiritual retirement. Caleb, at 85, declared in Joshua 14:10-12, “Now therefore, give me this mountain… As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me.” I may not have Caleb physical strength, but I can trust God to fulfill His promises, no matter my age.

The wisdom I have gathered is invaluable. Titus 2:3-5 calls older believers to mentor others, and Psalm 92:12-14 promises that the righteous will remain fruitful in every season. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or service, my contributions matter.

Though my physical energy may fade, God provides the strength to press forward. My limitations become opportunities for His power to shine. Isaiah 40:29-31 promises that “those who wait on the Lord… shall run and not be weary.” Trusting in God renews my strength to continue the journey.

My fellow believers are another source of strength. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds me of the value of companionship: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” Staying connected with the body of Christ provides encouragement and shared strength.

Finally, God’s Word is a powerful source of endurance. Spending time in Scripture equips me for life’s challenges and reminds me of His promises. Philippians 4:13 encourages me: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I will draw strength daily from God, His Word, and His people.

The impact I leave on others extends beyond what I can see. Leaving a legacy of faith means sharing God’s love and truth with future generations. Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall praise Your works to another.” When I share how God has worked in my life, I encourage others to trust in His faithfulness.

Investing in the next generation is vital. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or simple acts of love, my influence can inspire faith in those who come after me.

God calls me to press onward, no matter my age. I will let His strength sustain me, His purpose drive me, and His promises renew me. So I take a deep breath—my journey isn’t over—and the eternal prize awaits.