Saturday, February 25, 2012

Helpful Acronyms

John Piper has a handful of acronyms he's developed that are full of Scripture and designed to help him fight for joy and seek God & His righteousness in his daily life.  The first three he shared are:


  • I.O.U.S. - what to pray before reading Scripture
  • A.P.T.A.T. - how to seek help from God for living the Christian life (see this video previously posted on the blog)
  • A.N.T.H.E.M. - strategies for fighting lust (for men & women)


The latest one he developed is A.I.M.S. and is designed to help him maintain his Christ-consciousness throughout the day.  He explains:


Two times in his second letter Peter said he meant to stir us up "by way of reminder" (2 Peter 1:13; 3:1). This is what I need all day long. Reminders of massive truth.

If my mind is empty or worldly, my faith languishes. My joy in Christ weakens. I need truth. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

My mind needs glory: "Set your minds on things that are above" (Colossians 3:2). I need to think on excellent praiseworthy reality:. "If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).

But my mind drifts into banal and trivial things. And my soul shrivels.

What shall I do? I "will call to mind" amazing things about God (Lamentations 3:21). I will "remember" his all-gracious covenant (1 Chronicles 16:15). I will set my mind on "the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5). I will "consider his wondrous works" (Psalm 106:7).

How?

Among other ways, with A.I.M.S. Through the day I will pause and ask, What are you’re A.I.M.S. And I will answer:


A. I will call to mind the stupendous truth that Jesus is ALIVE. (Luke 24:5–6)
"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen."
I. I will remember the breathtaking reality that Jesus is IN me. (Romans 8:10).
"Christ is in you."
M. I will ponder the all-comforting fact that Jesus is MIGHTY. (Matthew 28:18).
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
S. And I will savor the sweetness that Jesus is SATISFYING. (John 6:35)
"Whoever believes in me shall never thirst."

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