Renewal of the Mind (& Neuroplasticity) – THE MINDFUL CHRISTIAN
https://www.themindfulchristian.com/renewal-of-the-mind–neuroplasticity.html On a spiritual level, our tendency to mentally wander through the past and imagined future creates distance between ourselves and God. Because we can only be in the present moment, we can only meet God in the present moment. When we don’t show up for the moment, we are unlikely to notice God with us. This is particularly true because God tends to speak in the quiet of the heart. A lot of mental noise about things past or future can easily crowd out God’s “still small voice” in the moment. This explains why God is so explicit with his repeated command of “do not worry” (see Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:34 for examples).
Daily Devotional April 28th
Daily Devotional: Monday, April 28 – Get Trained Up Surely, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. While Jesus prepared for the challenges ahead through earnest prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, His disciples gave into their personal weakness and went to sleep even though Christ asked them to keep watch and join Him in prayer. “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matthew 26:40-41). Not long after their vow to stay by His side no matter what came, Matthew describes what actually happened: “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matthew 26:56b). Perhaps had they stayed alert and prayed as Jesus asked them to, their actions may have better aligned with their words. When our flesh is weak and we opt to give in to weariness, distractions or other priorities rather than getting trained up through prayer and time in the Word, we will be vulnerable to attacks from the enemy. We may find we don’t actually walk the walk we talk about. We will never be perfect, but consistent, frequent time spent growing in God will strengthen Godly habits, and could keep us from making unnecessary errors that could end up hurting others too.
Athletes Prayers
The world of sports is a realm of physical and mental exertion, where athletes push their limits and strive for excellence. Behind every victory and personal record, lies a story of dedication, discipline, and unwavering faith. This article, “Athletes Prayers,” offers a collection of prayers specifically designed to support athletes in their pursuit of athletic greatness. Here, you’ll find prayers for athletes that: Whether you’re a professional athlete, a dedicated amateur, or simply someone who loves sports, these athletes’ prayers can be a source of inspiration and motivation as you strive for your goals.
Have religious institutions and traditions , over time, complicated or obscured Jesus’s original message?
Yes, some argue that religious institutions and traditions have, over time, often complicated or obscured Jesus’s original message, which was centered on love, compassion, and a focus on the individual’s relationship with God and others. While Jesus’s core message was straightforward, various interpretations and theological developments within organized religions have led to a more complex understanding and practice, sometimes at the expense of the simplicity of his teachings. Here’s a more detailed look at the argument: Simple message of love and compassion: Jesus’s core message emphasized love for God and love for one’s neighbor as the foundation of faith, according to some religious scholars. He rejected the rigid laws and rituals of the Pharisees, focusing instead on a personal relationship with God and a focus on helping those in need. Development of religious traditions: Over time, as Christianity spread and developed into organized religions, various traditions, doctrines, and theological interpretations emerged, sometimes adding layers of complexity to the original message. Focus on rules and rituals: Some critics argue that the focus on rules, rituals, and theological debates within some religious institutions can sometimes overshadow the core message of love and compassion that Jesus emphasized, as stated in a Medium article. Internal struggles within faith: Even within religious groups, individuals may grapple with complex theological questions or internal struggles related to their faith, as mentioned in a Revive Our Hearts Blog post. Different interpretations: Different denominations and branches of Christianity have varying interpretations of Jesus’s teachings, which can lead to disagreements and divisions, as discussed on a Reddit thread. Potential for misunderstanding: The complexity and variety of religious teachings can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or even a disconnect between the original message of Jesus and the way it is practiced by some religious groups, as discussed on Reddit. Balancing simplicity and depth: Some argue that while the core message of Jesus is simple, there is also a need for deeper understanding and theological exploration, as discussed on a Reddit thread. Authentic religion vs. false religiosity: Some religious thinkers, like Jesus himself, have distinguished between authentic religious practice that is focused on internal transformation and love, and false religiosity that focuses on external rituals and appearances.