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?

John 3:1-3 - Nicodemus: From Darkness to Light

John 3:1-3
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Nicodemus is one of those fascinating figures we read of in the Gospel of John. He wasn’t a fisherman, tax collector, or ordinary person like many of Jesus’ other followers. He was a Pharisee—a respected religious teacher, an expert in Scripture, and a member of the Jewish ruling council. In other words, Nicodemus was the kind of man people looked up to for answers.

And yet, when we read of him coming to Jesus in John 3, he came at night. It is possible he didn’t want his colleagues to see him. Maybe he was afraid of what others would think. Or he simply wanted a private conversation with the teacher who was performing all of the miracles he was hearing about. Whatever the reason, John makes it clear that Nicodemus came to Jesus “in the dark.”

When he opened the conversation, Nicodemus sounded respectful: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.” But as Jesus often did, He immediately cut to the heart of the matter:  “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus was stunned. He thought Jesus meant a physical rebirth, and he couldn’t understand. Jesus was really saying, “You need a spiritual rebirth—from above, by water and the Spirit.”

This was shocking for a man like Nicodemus. His entire life was built on his study of the Scriptures, Jewish traditions of the Rabbis, and his careful obedience to the Law. But Jesus told him plainly:  Eternal life isn’t found in rules or knowledge. It comes only by being born again, born from above, through faith in the Son of God.

To make His point, Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the story in Numbers 21, when God told Moses to lift up a bronze serpent so that the dying Israelites who were snake-bitten could look at it and live. In a similar way, Jesus would be lifted up on the cross, and whoever looked to Him in faith would find eternal life. This is the context of the verse we all know so well: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16.

Nicodemus didn’t fully believe that night. But his journey didn’t end there. Later in John 7, he cautiously defended Jesus in front of his peers. And finally, after the crucifixion, Nicodemus brought a very costly gift of burial spices and helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus. That act was public, costly, and courageous. It was Nicodemus’ way of stepping out of the shadows and into the light.

His story reminds us that faith is often a journey. Some of us begin with curiosity, asking our own questions in the dark. Others cautiously defend Jesus but hesitate to commit fully. But in the end, real faith calls us to step boldly into the light, no matter the cost.

Nicodemus challenges us with one big question:  Are we still hiding in the dark, or are we ready to step into the light of Christ and be born from above?

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.

Matthew 6:7 - Prayer: Heartfelt, Not Hollow

 Matthew 6:7

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

Isn’t it funny how we sometimes slip into phrases in our prayers that, when you really listen to them, sound a bit...off? Like when someone prays, “...for the sick of the congregation.” And, if you’re half-asleep or maybe just prone to overthink things, it’s easy to picture a whole crowd of people who are just tired of everyone else! Or, consider the classic, “Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies,” even if the table’s spread with a pile of deep-fried, butter-soaked comfort food. There’s something endearing and a bit funny about the way these phrases become part of our “prayer routine.” But if we’re honest, these habits reveal exactly the kind of “vain repetitions” that Jesus warns against in Matthew 6:7.

In that verse, Jesus tells us, “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Essentially, He’s reminding us that prayer isn’t meant to be a long-winded ritual or a polished script, but an honest conversation with God. We don’t have to layer on fancy language or fill the silence with stock phrases to “get it right.” God isn’t judging our prayers on grammar or originality, but on sincerity. He just wants us to speak from the heart.

Now, when Jesus says “vain repetitions,” He’s not talking about the familiar phrases we say out of habit now and then. He’s talking about the kind of empty repetition that misses the point entirely — like a chant we might say just to check off a box. In His time, many religious groups believed that repeating the same phrases over and over (often in very elaborate language) somehow made their prayers more effective. Jesus’ message is that God isn’t impressed by the length or sophistication of our prayers. He’s interested in the authenticity behind them.

Think about it like talking with a close friend. Imagine if every time you met up, you said the same thing: “Thank you for your presence here today,” followed by some well-rehearsed phrases about “guiding your spirit” as they go about their day. Sounds funny, right? At some point, your friend would probably wonder if you were actually paying attention to them at all! The same goes for prayer. Jesus wants us to approach God with the kind of sincerity we’d bring to any real conversation. It’s less about the exact words we use and more about showing up with an open heart, speaking naturally, and really being there.

Right after this verse, Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer, which has all the essentials: honoring God, asking for what we need, seeking forgiveness, and asking for guidance. But, this isn’t a formula or a magic spell; it’s a framework for meaningful prayer. Jesus is showing us that prayer doesn’t need to be elaborate to be powerful. It’s about connection, not performance. In fact, He also cautions against “babbling like pagans,” reminding us that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Our goal in prayer isn’t to “inform” God but to grow closer to Him.

So, the next time we pray, maybe we don’t have to worry so much about getting the words just right. We can leave out the church-speak and just be real with God, letting Him know what’s on our minds. A bit of humor never hurts, either. After all, God knows us inside out; He knows when we’re sincere, and He knows when we’re just going through the motions. Jesus isn’t trying to put limits on how we pray — He’s giving us permission to keep it simple, heartfelt, and human.

In the end, what matters isn’t how we say it but that we mean it. Prayer is just us, connecting with a God who loves us, quirks, habits, and all. And maybe, by remembering that, we can worry less about impressing Him and focus more on just being ourselves.

Matthew 6:25-27 - Trusting God

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Jesus addresses one of our most common struggles: worry. His words remind us that God, the Creator of the universe, is also the sustainer of our lives. But — it is more than just a command to stop worrying — it is an invitation to trust. Worrying is not only unproductive, it is also unnecessary, and yet, how often do we let it rob us of our joy and peace?

Jesus addresses our daily concerns — what we will eat, drink, or wear. These are things we think about regularly. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of everyday life, but Jesus calls us to lift our eyes above these concerns and trust that God is in control of it all. We are not meant to figure everything out on our own or to spend our days in worry. We are called to trust.

Proverbs 3:5-6:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Birds don’t plant crops, harvest fields, or store food in barns, yet they are fed. This isn’t to say that birds don’t work — they search for food and build nests — but they do so without anxiety because God provides for them. Jesus uses this simple example to show that if God takes care of the birds, how much more will He care for us, His children?

Jesus asks us a simple rhetorical question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” His point is clear: worrying doesn’t solve problems, extend life, or bring any real benefit. In fact, it does the opposite — it drains our energy, clouds our judgment, and diminishes our faith.

When we replace worry with prayer, God promises us His peace — a peace that may not always make sense in human terms, but is deeply felt by those who trust in Him.

Philippians 4:6-7:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Jesus’ teaching doesn’t end with the command to stop worrying. He invites us to shift our focus. When we prioritize God’s kingdom and trust Him with our lives, He promises to take care of our needs. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, or that we won’t face difficulties. But it does mean we can face those challenges with the confidence that God is with us, providing for us along the way.

Matthew 6:33:  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

It’s easy to worry, thinking that our anxiety will somehow change the outcome of our circumstances. But Jesus invites us to lay down that burden and trust in His love and care. The next time worry begins to creep in, take a moment to look at the birds around you. Let them remind you of God’s faithfulness. If He cares for them, how much more does He care for you?

God knows our needs, so instead of trying to control the things we cannot, let’s rest in the truth that God — who is both our Creator and our Father — is more than able to take care of us. He asks us to trust Him, and when we do, we experience a peace and security that worry can never offer.

Psalm 55:22:  "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Genesis 39:20-21 - It's Not My Plan

Genesis 39:20-21

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

His life was not exactly going as he had envisioned it… Amid his dreams, Joseph saw himself at the center. Now, he was forgotten, in a cold dark place…

With turn after turn, everything seemed to constantly spiral downward -- seemingly getting worse with each turn. First his brothers had shunned and mocked him -- later, they sold him as a slave, after first toying with the idea of killing him. Then, after the indignity of being merchandise for slave traders, he was sold to the captain of Pharaoh's guard.

With concentration and discipline, Joseph finally felt himself begin to rise out of his plight. He had made a good impression on his master, and had begun to reap the rewards of keeping his nose clean!

But then -- the master’s randy wife got him into deep trouble -- and he was innocent!

As we read of Joseph here, he was in prison, and yet, he was again bubbling to the surface -- getting noticed by the warden -- being trusted with responsibilities not entrusted to other inmates. If we followed his story, we would see he eventually became second-in-command to all of Egypt!

How is this possible? Remember -- as Joseph’s life will attest to -- God was with him the whole time!

When his brothers assaulted him and threw him into the empty cistern, he surely had moments when he felt God had left him.  In prison, he might have thought, “Where is God?”  -- But, through it all, Joseph held on to his faith in God.

There are times in our own lives we have felt God has left us. Maybe you have even asked yourself the question, “Where is God?” when you felt like you were forgotten, and in a cold, dark place...

For Joseph, the prison was still prison -- the floor was just as cold -- the conditions were just as miserable -- but, after seeing the bigger picture of God’s plan, they were small concerns in comparison to the great things God accomplished.

A songwriter once wrote, “I never promised you a rose garden…,” and neither did God. But -- God has promised you much more that that -- He has promised eternal life to those who believe and obey Him.

Galatians 6:9:  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:28:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Luke 21:2-4 - Even the Smallest Amount

Luke 21:2-4
He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

He had been watching. Each one would come up and drop their gift into the collection box. A great deal was made about the sound each coin made as it hit bottom . . . a slight pause passed between each coin.

When a poor widow got her turn, the two coins she dropped in made very little noise -- and then she was gone.

Jesus called His disciples' attention to her -- it took her just a few seconds. If He hadn't pointed her out to them, they would have missed her . . . But He hadn't! He noticed her even before she came up to the box.

He noticed -- not the amount, but the portion she gave -- the intent behind it -- the sacrifice involved. He noticed she gave all she had!

To those behind her in line, she looked like a hindrance to their progress. "If that's all she was going to give . . . why did she bother?"

And yet -- to Jesus, she had given more than the rest of them!

How could this be?

It is a relationship -- one hundred percent is more than any part -- all is the limit. She had given the limit.

There is both encouragement and challenge here. It is not the amount, but the portion – it’s the relationship.

We might see others with more than we have, and see the large amounts they give -- hear each of their coins as it rings . . .

But -- Jesus says we can easily out give them -- if we give in relation to what we have been given.

Be comforted too! If given in the proper attitude and relationship, even the smallest gift -- even from the least of us -- is noticed!

Like the poor widow, if we are doing the right thing -- to the one that matters -- we will stand out from the crowd!

Luke 13:24-25 - The Party Is Inside!

Luke 13:24-25
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.'
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’"

When people get together, it can be enjoyable. A large group of people?  -- That’s called a party!

No one wants to be left out of the party. You don’t even have to know what the celebration is about to have fun! Some of us just want to be “where the action is” . . . whether we know what the "action" is or not.

Here, Jesus urged His followers to do all they could to enter through the narrow door. It would not be easy to pass through -- and once the door was closed -- it would stay closed.

Jesus used this story to suggest that heaven would not be an easy place to enter. It had only one door in . . . a narrow one at that!

It sort of sounds like the door on Noah’s ark . . .  Once that door closed, the best advice for those outside was to grab a good umbrella!

In the parable, some had hung around the house before the door had been closed. They mingled with everyone -- enjoyed the fellowship -- had a great time! They just didn’t pay attention, and never made the effort to go inside.

Now -- once the door closed, they wanted in too. They suddenly realized that the party had moved indoors -- and they were standing outside!

They knocked on the door – they pounded – they pleaded! They said, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets!"

Through the windows, they saw all the people having a great time . . . but they were on the wrong side of the glass!

Jesus brought the story’s meaning home to His listeners:  The time would come when those outside -- those who had seen the door, but never bothered to pass through it -- would see the party get better!

They would see the likes of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and a whole host of other “spiritual” celebrities -- but instead of being with them -- those outside would be thrown out!

Where will you be when the door is closed?

Remember this . . . the door is narrow, and not easily entered. If you have passed through it, you will know . . . It isn’t a door you pass through without your knowledge, effort, or understanding.

Don’t be one who just hangs around the crowd -- a kind of party crasher! 

You are invited to join the party too! So come on in . . . while you can!

Jude 1:3 - Beware of Change

JUDE 1:3
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.

Isn't it strange how things often never change? Jude's warning is as vital today as it was 2000 years ago. There is always a need to defend against change. Some areas of life need change . . .  Worshiping God needs no change. God wants us to worship Him as He directs.

Sometimes we step beyond our authority and try to make changes that make sense to us . . .  However, if the changes are not in line with what God wants, no matter what we might think, they will not be acceptable, or do us any good.

Jude's use of the word, "defend," also gives an insight into change . . .  It is something we must actively watch for and guard against. We sometimes make changes that we don't even realize we are making -- even those changes will not be acceptable.

Luke 2:5 - Joseph: A Good Father

LUKE 2:5
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

How little credit we give to Joseph. He had to be a man of great faith, discipline and love. In a time when such things were not acceptable, he was seen as a man who had had sex with a woman before they were married.

Now, at the time and location of this verse, most would have no idea, but back home in Bethlehem, I am sure many knew the dates of events, and doing the math, had a very suspicious thought about the morality of Joseph and Mary.

Joseph could have washed his hands of the whole "mess," and in fact had contemplated how he could leave Mary, and do it in a way that her reputation might not be trashed.

Had it not been for a visit from the angel, Jesus might have been from a broken home. Mary might have had to lead a much different life. Jesus might have been an only child.

However, Joseph was a man of faith and character. When he was presented with the whole situation, he was determined to do the right thing.

What would it be like for him -- knowing his first child was not his? Was it any consolation to him to know who the real father was?

Joseph apparently deserves more credit than we give him, for sure. Jesus followed in Joseph's steps as a carpenter, so He learned a skill from him. Joseph was also the one who modeled what a father was to Jesus. How many times did Jesus refer to God as a father, and yet maybe we were shown a part of that role being played by Joseph?

The role of the father is an important one.  I wish the world's men understood that role better.