Setting the Course One of the best ways to turn an enjoyable road trip into a most frustrating experience is when a family member is unknowingly left somewhere. This happened to my Dad and Mom when they were on a very long trip. He had stopped to get gas and didn’t realize when he went in to use the restroom, that Mom had woken from the back seat and gone inside to do the same. When he returned to the car he tried to be quiet to not awaken her and went on down the road. It was not until about two hours down the road that he noticed she wasn’t there – not exactly a relationship building exercise. It’s sort of a good thing to ensure all parties are onboard before venturing out. As we are removing distractions to enable setting our course per the Father’s instruction, it is necessary to ensure every part of us is in the car before we take off. So often, one part can get all the focus while the rest of us is left at a rest stop. During a fast, the physical body often gets most of the attention while the spirit and soul are still being distracted and kept from enjoying the experience of being with Him. How frustrating it can be to get far down the road without the distractions to one or two of the three parts we’re made of and realize we really haven’t effective made any progress. During a fast, removing food will help with the demands of a physical appetite, but there are cravings of the mind and spirit that can also keep us from clearly charting our course. The mind that is kept on Him will bring perfect peace to a troubled soul, while a spirit kept from worldly influences will be able to walk in the Spirit on the path of righteousness. Choosing to displace thoughts of discouragement and fear with the hope and promise found in the Word is making sure the mind isn’t left at the gas station. Doing without those associations that carry the spirit of the world makes way for the occupation of the Spirit and His voice that will give direction at every turn. How much better it is to know that our whole spirit, soul, and boy are there at every milestone of progress He is taking us to. Notes The course before us Psalms 16:11 (NKJV) 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 3 Persons need to make it in the car: Body – the physical container that by natural cravings would dominate, rule, be god. Mind – thoughts that come from things and their emotional and psychological affect Spirit – the power created by words to affect good or evil with truth or lies. Faithfulness to every part - necessary 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NKJV) 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. The Word will effect more than just the spirit, clarifying and impacting the soul and body as well Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Body For us to follow the course we’re given, our bodies will be transformed from worldly conformation. Romans 12:1 (TLB) 1 And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? To carry His glory, the body must be free from other distracting demands. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. Mind Intentional thoughts form a protective barrier Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Things are not just words, but the essence, nature, and influence of things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Spirit The nature of the affected spirit is determined by its spoken words John 6:63 (NKJV) 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. Spiritual condition is a direct indicator of who you’ve been with. Psalms 1:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Where spiritual distractions are removed, spiritual fruit is produced. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Completed arrival Will keep every part of us on the path without stumbling in His presence with joy. Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV) 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.