Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

Chapter 2: Pages 41-46

 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:5-7

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and read chapter two, where Piper explores God's self-exaltation and glorification.  Piper writes how an earthly mind is likely to detest a self-exalting and self-glorifying God as perhaps conceited, self-centered, or arrogant. Although we might liken God to a powerful action hero, we don't like it when such arrogance tends to lead to selfishness or elitism - all of this again occurs in an earthly mind and compares God to human-kind, which of course we should not be doing.  On the other hand, Piper leans on Jonathan Edwards writings to see God as self-exalting and self-glorifying for the "everlasting enjoyment of [H]is redeemed people". Piper also sees ALL of God's glory "working in perfect harmony", with once again "the goal of God's providence...[to] exist to the praise of the glory of [H]is wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy.  Not just one of these excellencies.  All of them."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God because You are FOR me - of course You came to save me, You love me, and I know that You fight for me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are for me. I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.