Doing The Greater Work
by
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To Whom You Give Your Mind
As a Western society, we lack discipline when it comes to thought management, if I may boldly say so. Thoughts of all kinds constantly race in and out of our minds without much resistance.
God has given us fantastic abilities to think, to dream, and to envision. These abilities are powered by thoughts.
Our cars, homes, jobs, and families were all thoughts prior to them becoming tangible realties. An awesome gift such as this demands responsible management.
Reflect for a moment on the fact that God created everything through thoughts.
Genesis 1 states repeatedly, And God said, ‘Let there be…’ --- and things happened.
Psalm 139:14 reveals that we were fearfully and wonderfully made.
In other words, our very existence was carefully thought out. These creative abilities are inherent in all humankind for we were all made in the image and likeness of God.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. --- (Genesis 1:26--27)
One of the first assignments Adam received from God was to name all the creatures God formed out of the ground.
In Genesis 2:19--20, Adam utilized his ability to name all the cattle, fowl of the air, and every beast of the field. But where did Adam get these names? They came from his innate ability to think, and then he decreed.
God has entrusted us to use thoughts to make this world a better place. He has granted us the freedom to choose. This freedom is called free will.
However, this same freedom must be used responsibly. Irresponsible use of free will creates problems that may be irreversible.
The Bible uses a phrase that cautions us to think carefully before acting. This phrase is to take heed.
Let’s look at several examples of these biblical warnings:
Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. -- (1 Chronicles 28:10)
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.—(Psalm 39:1)
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. – (Matthew 6:1)
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. – (1 Corinthians 3:10)
…Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. – (Colossians 4:17)
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. – (2 Peter 1:19)
These Scriptures illustrate that thinking things through is a mandate. Therefore, developing a habit of right thinking is the key to “doing the greater work.”
It is also important that we learn the value of God’s gift of thought. Through proper understanding of the power of our thoughts, we will clearly see why the Enemy of God desires to rule our mind.
Failure to discipline our minds will keep us enslaved to impure and improper thoughts. So I warn everyone to “take heed to whom you give your mind.”
We must surrender our mind only to the Father, through Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our keeper, comforter, encourager, and protector. Glory to God!
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About the Book
Welcome to Doing the Greater Work basic training. This book is designed to facilitate individual and group discussions on several ways to hone your mind and thought processes.
Prior to Jesus beginning his public ministry, He performed the greater work within Himself. His preparation for public work serves as the building block of this book.
How did Christ order His own mental and spiritual life? Well, Jesus declared that the words He spoke—as well as the mighty acts He performed—were a direct result of His interaction with the Father.
Although many believers focus primarily on the outer workings (i.e., healing, laying on of hands, etc.), this book does not.
The challenges we face each day in doing the greater work is a lifelong process. We must be proven faithful to the Father before we can do the unprecedented exploits for the Kingdom of God.
The apostle Paul encouraged his followers to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). These words serve as a foundation for this book.
Doing the Greater Work provides biblical models and practical examples that will help you develop a “greater works” mentality.
About the Author
The Rev. Dr. Frank S. Smith, a retired US Marine Corps Master Sergeant accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in August 1973, while serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.
Dr. Smith, earned a Doctor of Theology degree in May 1990 from Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
He is the founder and pastor of Divine Way Ministries in Orlando, Florida, where he resides with his family.
As a spiritual teacher, preacher and mentor of the ways of Jesus Christ, he strives to reach and transform the lives of many for the glory of the Kingdom of God.