Change Your Mind
Posted on December 5, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
The key to powerful living is changing the way you think.
What is the wall you keep running into when you try to make a change? What is it that keeps you from reaching your potential and all that God desires for you? We could start with pride or what the Bible calls ‘the hardness of your heart.’ This is the refusal to admit we are wrong or a sinner; that is one who operates against God’s perfect design and attempts to live without God and His Word.
Paul, in writing to Believers at Ephesus, instructs them, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Eph 4:21-24).
So then the key to powerful living is choosing to put off our pride and corrupted ways, having admitted to their futility, and ‘put on’ the ‘new’ self that subjects itself to the workings of Christ’s Spirit that is in you, which you received the moment you believed.
The ‘New Self’, because of the influence of The Spirit, understands the importance of speaking the truth and not allowing anger to motivate its responses. It works hard to be able to share with those who need help, and it encourages others with words that reflect God’s grace, mercy, and love… no matter what they have done.
Paul tells us this kind of powerful living is possible if we…. “do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.” He then presses us to, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior (behavior that is inconsistent with God’s design for us) And, Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,” And here is the kicker… “Just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Eph 4:30-32) When I consider all the wrong I have done that God has forgiven, covering it over with the Blood of Christ shed for me on the Cross, who am I not to respond to others in a like mindedness with Him…?
I pray you put off what is motivated by your selfish desire for control and pleasure and put on those attributes that reflect Christ, such as those the Holy Spirit produces as fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”(Galatians 5:22)
Do this and you will know a powerful peace like never before.
Choose wisely….
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
(Ephesians 5:1-2)
Praying U choose Christ today
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.
The Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 5-9| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “If you are not thinking right, if your mind is not being renewed, if you are not God and His Word properly, it will show up in your emotional life.” – Neil T. Anderson
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 7:12
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
