The human mind is regarded as the core of all opinion or sentiment, desire or inclination, focus of thought, and attention.  In the Bible the mind is often alluded to with such terms as “conscience” or “heart.”  Everything we do is dictated by the mind: whether conscious (as in a premeditated action), or subconscious (such as scratching a mosquito bite in your sleep).  The human brain (designed by God our creator) is so proficient that it records all the senses of the body: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling (touch).  Recognizing these facts, it behooves us to carefully consider what we subject our minds (hearts) to.

It is said that one is the product of their environment, and a tremendous factor in the corruption of a person’s mind is exposure to evil influence (1 Cor. 15:33).  Such influence can lead to desire (providing temptation); giving in to temptation is sin, and sin “brings forth death” (Jas. 1:13-15).  Man has the ability to freely choose to do good or to do evil (cf. Gen. 4:7), and both are done from the heart (Rom. 6:17; Matt. 15:19).  It is no wonder that David said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).

Therefore, friends, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).  If you will not apply this wisdom, what are you thinking?

It is another interesting fact that the sun gives the snow its pure white color when the snowflake reflects the light of the sun. Is it not the reflection of the light of the Son in the Christian that colors the Christian in pure white? Our joy is He has made us white as snow!

Psalms 51:7 – Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Though the individuality and purity of a single snowflake is amazing, a snowman, snow angel, or snowball fight cannot be made from one snowflake. A minimum of joy results. An individual Christian is truly wonderful, but how much greater the joy which comes from a body of believers united together? Christ called for us to:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

We long for the day when He will gather all his “snowflakes” together:

“And then shall he send forth the angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27)

• Antibacterial soap to protect us from germs

• Home, Car, Health and Life insurance to protect our finances, personal possessions, health and our family

• Locks and Security Systems to protect our car and homes

• Snow tires and 4-wheel-drive vehicles to protect us from snow and ice on the road

• Immunizations to protect us from disease

• Surge protectors to protect our electronics

• Savings accounts to protect against job loss

• A cross necklace or an angel pin for spiritual safety

Indeed, since 9/11 we’ve even be more concerned with protecting ourselves. And yet in the end none of these will protect us from death or the judgment.

But I lie down each night in full confidence of a protection that’s far greater than all of these and much, much more: “Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Peter 1:5).

This is not a blanket promise given to all of mankind, such as the promise the Lord made to Noah: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). This promise to mankind, through Noah, was for all of us, with no qualifications, no conditions. Until the judgment day, when the earth will be destroyed by fire, no nuclear war or natural disaster will destroy it.

But God’s true promise of protection is only activated through faith. This would be an obedient faith, not a vague feeling that God and/or Jesus exist, but a sincere, time-investment, life-surrendering doing what the Lord says, with the attitude He demands. Faith as prescribed by Hebrews 11; a faith people can see in your actions. Faith that leads us to repentence and baptism: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

And what does this faith guard us from? Illness, job loss, car accidents, or family tragedy? No, those are all products of the world that the Lord has never promised to shield us from. God’s is a spiritual promise of a home with Him forever (rest). Salvation, when we deserve none.

God uses our faith (not cross necklaces or angel pins) to guard us, and until we take our last breath we dare not continue without His protection. Our faith in His Word will teach us to live in a worthy manner, and thus be protected eternally. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

The term “narrow-minded” is defined as “lacking tolerance, breadth of view, or sympathy; petty.”  I find it interesting that people who want to do things their way (instead of doing it God’s way) always try to justify themselves by throwing the blame on those who demand a Scriptural answer.  Such people do not respect the authority of God’s word – which tells us that we must do all things according to the Scriptural pattern (cf. Heb. 8:5) by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17).  John 4:24 tells us that we must worship God both sincerely and according to His truth – “for the Father is seeking such to worship Him“ (v. 23).  This assures us that God does not accept just any worship, no matter how sincere people are.  Jesus said, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46; cf. Matt. 7:21-27).

You see, friends, those who respect the authority of God’s word are only as narrow-minded as Christ is (Matt. 15:7-9,13; 7:13-14; Lk. 13:24).  So let this mind be in you (cf. Phil. 2:5).

1 – In the early history of America, millions of buffalo once roamed the land.  The vast and eerie rumbling was said to be quite intimidating.  Thus, the idea of being “buffaloed” or intimidated arose.

2 – The American Indians when hunting buffalo would cover themselves in Buffalo carcasses and be able to wander right up to the buffalo herds.  At this point, they were able to shoot the buffalos with arrows or even firearms and the other buffalo around would not run.  Thus, the Indians had deceived or “buffaloed” the buffalo.

Modern definitions of the word “buffaloed” include the words “intimidate” and “deceive”.  Whether or not these are accurate origins, they can have some application to the Christian life.

The religious world today contains many large bodies of worshippers who claim their way is the best way to please God.  They champion instruments, praise teams, clapping, swaying, and drama as pleasing to God.  With so many people following these practices, many Christians are “buffaloed” into accepting these into their lives.  A similar situation is found in Judges 18 where the Israelite tribe of Dan brought in Idols to their worship of God.  This action had been condemned by God (Exodus 20), yet, an entire tribe was doing it.  The sheer numbers were enough to cause folks to be “buffaloed” into following this false practice.  God’s word must be followed despite intimidating opposition:

Matthew 15:8-9 – This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me.  But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.

Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

Many religious bodies have also “buffaloed” by way of deception.  Mass numbers have followed the conman Joseph Smith, though his and other Mormon “prophets’” prophecies have failed and their writings have contradicted.  Ellen White’s prophecies crashed and burned.  Islam has gotten great numbers to call it a religion of peace, but its own religious book declares its violent nature.  Satan is a great deceiver having “buffaloed” man in the Garden of Eden.  Satan deceives by appearing to be what he is not.

2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.

Only Jesus provides a way which is secure:

John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Don’t be “buffaloed” by the rumbling masses or the speech of mankind.  Rely upon the truth of the Word God and its power to save.

John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I can’t help but to see a spiritual parallel here.  Matthew 25:1-13 tells of five foolish bridesmaids who tried to gain entrance to the wedding; but the Lord said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you” (v. 12).  They were denied entry because they were unprepared for His arrival.  In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  These ones will be denied entry into heaven because they have not satisfied what God requires of them.

What about you?  Where will you stand in the Judgment?  Perhaps you will be pleading your case before God, saying,  “But I loved You!  I believed in You!  I worshiped You!” – only to hear Him say, “I do not know you.  Depart from Me.”  Friend, you do not want to hear those words.  What a sad and terrible day that will be for those who thought they were saved but did not do what God told them to do that they should be saved.  Are you really prepared for that Day?

Nevertheless, the Bible is full of “one-liners” that can be used appropriately to guard our lips, lift our hearts, or protect our minds if we carry them with us through the day, keeping them at the ready. Sound Bytes will suggest verses you might enjoy as well as topics from which you may want to start your own “collections”.

Sound Bytes From the Word: Topic 1: Be Pleasing To the Lord

The Lord expects us to continually examine ourselves: our attitudes, thoughts, behaviors. Paul says: Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Co 13:5  James elaborates on where to find the standard to use in measuring ourselves—not the world’s standards, but the Lord’s standard: But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25

 I use an electronic Bible on my telephone. With it I can easily “collect” verses under various subheadings. I currently have over 70 verses under my “Be Pleasing to the Lord” heading. Here’s five “sound bytes” you may wish to carry with you this week as you continue growing in the Lord. Quotes are taken from the ESV.

2Chronicles 17:6a His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD. Is your heart courageous in the ways of the Lord, or do you fret over and complain about things you can’t control while not doing all you can for the Lord and for your neighbor?

2Chronicles 27:6  So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. Ordering your way before the Lord requires a time and priority commitment. It also requires you know the will of the Lord—and that comes only through studying His Word. (Do not rely on your own opinions of what the Lord wants! We have His Word so we may be sure.)

 Ecclesiastes 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be aware that we can worship in a way that is not pleasing to the Lord our Almighty God, offering the sacrifice of fools! (Matthew 7:21, Matthew 15:7-9, Acts 23:1 demonstrate how people can be religious—some sincere, some not–and can still be wrong.) Be sure you draw near to listen, and be sure to worship God not only in spirit but also in (God’s) truth. John 4:23-24

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Is having a pure heart important to you? Important enough to walk away from a dirty joke or a TV show that teaches you more about sin than you ever wanted to know?

Numbers 11:1  And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. …And we complain about such minor slights and “hardships” compared to the trials of a nation in the wilderness with no discernible source of food or water. To be pleasing to the Lord, we must stop complaining!

As you study God’s Word, start your own collection of verses that will help you be pleasing to the Lord. Then when you fall out of bed each morning, pick one to carry with you through your busy day.

Many reject the concept that water baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, saying, “There’s no power in the water.”  In 2 Kings 5:9-14 Naaman (who had leprosy) was told to dip in water in order to be healed.  At first he objected and went away (still a leper); yet after his servant convinced him, saying, “…if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it?  How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” he dipped in the water and he was clean.  Was the power in the water, or in the Lord?  In John 9:6-7 Jesus healed a blind man by anointing his eyes and saying, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.”  The blind man did not object by saying, “There’s no power in the water.”  He knew the power was of the Lord and he had to obey the Lord to receive the blessing.  Thus, he promptly obeyed and, as a result, received his sight.

Likewise, it is not the baptismal water that has the power to forgive sins; the power to forgive is of the Lord.  However, water is the medium that the Lord chose by which the command must be obeyed (Matt. 3:16; Jn. 3:5; Acts 8:36-39; 10:47-48).  It is apparent then that while physical water must be utilized, baptism into Christ is not a physical cleansing, but a spiritual cleansing (1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16; Tit. 3:5).

In spite of these biblical truths there are still those who object to water baptism.  Is that what you believe?  If so, friend, let me ask you: if the Lord had told you to do something great, would you not have done it?  How much more then, when he says to you, “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38)?  You see, the power to forgive is of the Lord, but one must go to the water to receive the blessing.

In the early American west, the cowboy would rise each morning with a host of duties to do. He did not wake to a life of idleness and uncertainty about what to do. He had endless duties of mending fence; moving, watering, feeding, or branding cattle; and chores in town. His constant work mate was his horse. In this sense, the Christian and his Bible are like the cowboy and his horse: they are workmates through each and every day. The Christian is not meant to be idle (Matthew 25:24-30). He has many duties to be engaged in. In fact he was created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). The Christian is to follow the example of Christ (I Peter 2:21), teach others (2 Timothy 2:24), encourage (Hebrews 10:24), warn, comfort, support (I Thessalonians 5:14), relieve the widow and orphan, care for saints in need (I John 3:17), and so much more. Through each and every task, his work mate (the Word of God) is to be there with him (Psalm 40:8, 119:69, 80, 112, Ephesians 6:10-17, Colossians 3:16).

As a cowboy goes about his daily work, the horse is his source of power. It transports him, cuts cattle when needed, holds taught the rope that binds a calf, and totes any supplies that he requires. The horse is a power which saves the cowboy much time and effort. The Bible is the source of power for all Christians. It is a power for their salvation by the deliverance from sin (Romans 1:16, I Corinthians 1:18). It is the knowledge of God which gives man all things for life and Godliness. The Word of God provides strength for that Word is Christ (John 1:1, Philippians 4:13).

The horse helps a cowboy travel farther. If he were left to his own path, he would stumble about and become weary. Yet, the horse enables a man to cover terrain with endurance and speed he does not have on his own. The horse gives the cowboy an advantage he simple would not have on his own. The word of God is guide for man’s feet (Psalm 119:105) and if man were left to his own way he would only find destruction (Proverbs 14:12, I Peter 4:17). If a Christian holds fast the Word of God which he is taught he will reach the end of his journey no matter how long it may be (2 Thessalonians 2:15, Hebrews 5:9). The advantage the Bible gives is the key to heaven and life. In it are the words of Jesus (John 6:68) and it is only through Him man will be able to go to the Father (John 14:6).

Being a cowboy is often a lonely profession. There may be long periods of time when there is no one around, but the cowboy’s horse. The horse becomes a good trusted friend, one he often trusts above men. The cowboy relies on the horses steps to be true and relies upon it as a warning in time of danger. He learns the horse in and out and treats it with respect and care. In the same manner a Christian learns to properly handle God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Men may mock or belittle the Christian, but he trusts God’s word above them (Psalm 119:42). Sometimes in this world a Christian feels alone, but if he simply turns to God’s Word, there is comfort (Psalm 119:50).

It should be easy to see the great many similarities between a cowboy with his horse and a Christian with his Bible, but what happens when someone – spiritually speaking – is “a man without a horse”? Consider that a great number of people are like “a man without a horse”, except, they have no clue what they are missing. They have a great ache, but don’t know how to fulfill it. They pursue self actualization, possessions, good works, self denial, approval, recognition, and love of others, yet, at the end of the day, it isn’t enough. Everything comes up empty for them. They are lonely for something and growing weary. Those who seek a true identity will find it (Matthew 7:7). Yet many like the rich young man of Matthew 19:16-22, when presented with the solution to their dilemma, cannot accept it. They become frustrated and reject it as those of Acts 7:57-58. One may point out that many individuals calling themselves Christians also seem to struggle with who they are and what their purpose is. Sadly, this is true. This author and other Christians have at times forgotten where our solace lies. We have ridden on the horse so long that we take it for granted. We begin to think we can do just as good or better on our own. So, we put the Word aside and begin to struggle. Sometimes it takes awhile to realize the foolishness of our choice. Sometimes, folks refuse to admit their foolishness and keep on walking by the power of their own two feet or they just sit down and don’t go anywhere at all. They have once again become incomplete, lacking, “a man without a horse”.

The Word is a steed indeed. Christians must trust it, work with it, rely on its power, and allow themselves to be comforted by it. If their desire is to live eternally in heaven, the Word of God will be there (Isaiah 40:8). It will be just as faithful and true as it has always been. In every good western movie, there is a scene where the cowboy is heading off to happier trails. The movie is ending, a good day’s work has been done, and the cowboy is a silhouette against a sun setting on all cares and troubles. He may have been battered, bruised, beaten, tested, and forsaken. However, his trusted horse is under him and he knows better days lie ahead. When the final day sets on this ball of earth, may those hailing the name of Christ have the trusted Word with them, so they too can draw close to the Son.

After an old farmer tore down his barn, his neighbor inquired about the wood.  The old farmer said, “You can have it for nothing.  I’ll just give it to you.  Only thing is, you’ll have to come haul it away yourself.”  Was it a free gift?  Yes.  Did the neighbor have to do something in order to obtain that free gift?  Yes.  Friends, the same is true with regard to the free gift of salvation: while it is free, one has to DO something to obtain it (Heb. 10:36; Rev. 2:10).  Jesus Himself said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mk. 16:16).