RENEW YOUR MIND

To renew means to restore or refresh.  To get victory over sin you have to renew your mind and have the mind of Christ. Do you want to have God's thoughts? Do you want to be Holy and walk in victory? Get wrong thinking out by reading the Bible and refresh and renew your mind on His words and His thoughts. Dwelling on bad things will only bring you down. Thinking on right things is a discipline to learn.

Romans 12:1-2 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This world and all of its' glamour and glitter is not our real home. We are only here on a temporary basis. For those who have given their lives to Jesus their real home awaits them in heaven. We are not to necessarily become monks but we are to be thinking good thoughts and focusing on the right things.  There is plenty of bad junk out there to think on. Just turn on your TV. A follower of Christ should not have a desire to be laughing at a bunch of crude things in my opinion. Laughter is fine but it depends on what you are laughing about.

Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." You can spend one hour each week in church but that is not enough to keep your mind on God's thoughts. If you exit the doors of the church building and decide the remainder of the week to do as you please, thinking nothing about what you learned in church or never even opening God's word, the Bible, you have basically not renewed your mind at all. Instead you have fed your mind all week long on the worlds' junk with no teaching each day from God's word. It is a challenge without being self righteous to live a life each and every day that is pleasing to the Lord. You simply went to church to 'punch your ticket' so to speak.

In Galatians 5:16 it says " So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Stay in tune with God's teaching in the Bible. It is a guidebook for your life.  Romans 8:5-6 says "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."

Constantly be on guard for Satan's lies and tricks. Stay in the word. Whatever you have problems with study that area.For instance if you have problems with having trouble with your mouth study the Bible for verses on the mouth and dangers of the tongue and bad speech. The key is to pray and stay in the word of God. Try to show more of God's love and do no overreact to bad stuff that gets thrown in your path. Acting 'holier than thou' is not what we are after but seeking to live a life pleasing to the Lord.

Do not believe enemies lies. Many people feel stuck in their sin and addictions. You can be set free. You have to keep mind set on things above and realize and admit certain things in your life are sin and God wants you set free from these things which have a 'strong hold' on your life. The enemy is crafty and full of tricks and deceit. He will lie and make you feel in your mind that you are stuck and can never be set free or God is mad at you. You are not stuck and God is not mad at you! See that mind plays tricks with you.

Do you want to be able to be more conformed to the image of Christ? It starts by picking up the Bible and getting to know the character of Jesus Christ. Your mind is a precious thing. But we should be careful what we allow to go into our brains and thus our thoughts.

Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Now go and feed your mind on the things that will build up not tear down and destroy. The mind is powerful so protect it!

PRAYER:  There have been times Lord when I have not always kept my mind pure. I have watched the wrong movies or seen the wrong TV shows and put things into my mind that had no business being there. Forgive me and help me in the future to be more discerning of what I allow inside my head. I want to think your thoughts Lord so I ask for your help to live a life pleasing to you and to keep my mind free from worry, doubts, and the cares of this world. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Suggested reading: Book by Joyce Meyer called 'Battlefield of the Mind.'

HIDDEN TREASURE

I am not sure where I first heard this story but there was a tale of an old woman who had died and left a family member an old Bible in her will. This made the person receiving it very angry as the woman had great wealth and all they got was this silly Bible. Unknown to this person receiving the Bible, because they failed to look inside and read it, was that tucked inside was the 'earthly treasure' of a check of a huge sum of money  hidden within its' pages not to be found until the real treasure was uncovered in God's word. This reminded me of the movie "The Ultimate Gift" http://www.theultimategift.com/ about a young man who found the 'real treasure' in life was not monetary.

Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The real treasure is not in earthly things that rot and decay and rust but it is in an imperishable everlasting gift. Money will not satisfy. Lots of folks say "it sure is kind of nice to have though" but many times it brings false happiness too. Things will not bring happiness. We in America are extremely blessed and even the poorest person here is wealthy in the eyes of the world.

Money in itself is not bad and as Jimmy Stewart's character ,George Bailey said to Clarence Oddbody the Guardian Angel in 'It's A Wonderful Life', "Y-You don't happen to have eight thousand bucks on you?"  Clarence replied "Oh, no, no. We don't use money in heaven." George responds "Oh, that's right, I keep forgetting.Comes in pretty handy down here, bub."  In this movie 'Bailey Building and Loan' had a short fall of $8,000 after his Uncle Billy lost a deposit he was going to make.The evil rival banker in town, Mr. Potter, took advantage of the situation and threatened to have Stewarts' character arrested. George Bailey decided he would be worth more dead than alive due to a life insurance policy that could be cashed in so decided to commit suicide. That is when Clarence the Angel Second Class appeared to save George and let him see how silly it was to kill himself over money. Consequently he showed George what a 'wonderful life' he did have and in turn earned his wings.

Money can put pressure on people. In 1 Timothy 6:10 it says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." So yes we need it to pay bills but we are not to get in a habit of consuming our lives to be wealthy. God is the one who blesses anyway.  In verse 17 of this same chapter it goes on to say "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Do you focus too much on money and making it big in the world? God is going to take care of you. If you have been blessed then do the right thing and help bless others too. Do not be selfish with your blessings. Luke 12:18-21 talking to the rich fool says "And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’  So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

So where your treasure is there is your heart. What is your priority in life?  Make sure you remember who it is who gave you the power to gain wealth and give Him the glory due His name. Just remember what Philippians 4:19 says "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for the many blessings I enjoy. I thank you for having a roof over my head. Forgive me when I have been ungrateful and compared myself to others and wanted more. I thank you Lord for the blessing of just being alive and healthy. I thank you for family and friends. I thank you that you meet my needs. Help me share what I have if I see someone in need. IN Jesus Name, Amen.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Read Psalm 49

RACE ON!!

We are all in a race. Not a literal running race but the 'race of life' and the prize is eternal life. Are we all going to make it to the finish line? I know from the experience of being a runner, who over the years has competed in lots of races, that when you are running you do not look back. You fix your eyes straight ahead and look towards  your goal which is the finish line. Looking back does nothing but make you aware that there are others gaining on you.  You just keep running, go the distance and stay the course. Your focus is straight ahead. 

 

In the Bible running the race is mentioned in several places. Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This is a great illustration. Sin can throw 'weeds' in your path and get you all tangled up and make you trip and fall down. To win a race you have to be persistent and just charge on. Let go of bad stuff and look ahead to the prize. 2 Timothy 4:7 says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Once again the race word is mentioned. 1 Timothy 4:7 speaks of training when it says "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness." In other words, train by staying in God's word.

 

One of my all time favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31 which says "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Think of the strength of an eagle soaring on lofty heights. What a strong bird to represent our country too. When you run for the Lord in the race of life you look to Him for your strength and the ability to finish strong.

 

When in  training for the now defunct Women's Army Corps back in 1975 God actually 'gave' me a verse I did not even know was in the Bible. It helped me get through my rigorous training. It was Psalm 18:29 which reads "For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall." We did tons of running and were trained to jump over walls. This verse was a true gift to encourage me during this time .

 

In Galatians 5:7 there is a verse that deals with not following Jesus. It says "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" Who hindered you from obeying the truth and following Jesus? Some have known the truth and have walked in it then they get off course and are not headed for the prize like they used to be. The focus is off Jesus and the wrong road of life is chosen.Lies are believed because the person has taken focus off the truth and becomes deceived. This could be due to a number of factors  from choosing the wrong friends, believing the enemies lies, or perhaps thinking being a Christian is dull and boring and therefore staying away from church. That is why it is so important to find a good Bible believing church that teaches the uncompromising word of God and stay in fellowship with other believers. Reading your Bible daily and praying is of utmost importance to run towards the prize as well. As a follow on to the verse above in Galatians 5:10 it further warns "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."

 

Where are you at today in the race of life? Are you pressing on for the finish line or do you find it too hard and want to give up? Run the race to win. The heavenly reward awaits you! Acts 20:24 sums it up good by saying "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." You are either running with and to Jesus or away from Him.

 

PRAYER: Lord my desire is to be more like you and to run my race to win looking only to you for what I need to finish. Help me not stray from the path you have set out for me. I want to keep my eyes fixed on God's finish line. Help me recognize and cast off sins that are slowing me down or weighing me down and run strong towards you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

FACEBOOK VERSUS HIS BOOK

How much time do you spend social networking each day? For many it can be an obsession and addiction. It would not surprise me if there were addiction support groups for this. Especially the younger generation is so 'connected' that they may find it hard not to grab that electronic device
before heading out for the day. Sometimes we need to take a technology break. Just give it a rest and try taking a walk without music blaring in your ears or without the cell phone as your lifeline.

Back to FACEBOOK. It can get to be real time waster stealing time away from more important things like reading The Bible, spending  non electronic  time with friends or enjoying your family. Take a break from Facebook and a break with Jesus. If not careful, Facebook can get to be prying and hurtful.  I mean to get 'defriended'   even the word alone sounds awful. And when it happens it kind of hurts. That is why you need a life beyond this make believe social medium. It is super for connecting with long lost and old friends. I use mine for this daily blog. But if left unchecked it can have you sitting for hours playing Facebook games and getting nothing else done. Do you give as much time to knowing the Lord as to knowing your FACEBOOK friend status for the day? Maybe it is time to look at what you are doing and put this in proper perspective.

It has been fun to connect with friends and family but my point is do you spend more time 'connecting' than you do with the Lord. Just something to ponder. Each person has to search their own heart. Proverbs 18:24 says regarding friends "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  

Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

Give the Lord the first part of your day. Try making that a habit before checking the status of your friends on your social network. Jesus is your true friend.

The Bible says In Matthew 6:21 that "where your treasure is there will your heart be also". Be honest and ask yourself if you are spending too much time social networking. I would challenge you to put God above Facebook and when you do use it make sure it brings glory to Him. Just some things to think about and perhaps make some needed adjustments.

PRAYER: I want my first passion and priority to be you Lord.   Forgive me when I waste time on social networking and hardly spend anytime with you. I want that to change. Give me strength to resist spending too much time on the computer. In Jesus Name. Amen!

LOVE CHECK UP

Today let's look at your 'love walk' and see if it needs to be fine tuned. It it easy for those dating to continually show love and respect and kindness. Somewhere along the line for some couples there may be a love breakdown. This does not have to happen and should not happen.It also is not God's plan. Self can get on the throne and God off the throne and thus arguments occur.  It is the enemy working to try to tear apart families. If a couple looks to God's word and does what it says that love can grow and grow to become stronger through the years. Understanding, kindness and respect are the keys. 

But what if you are doing what the word of God says but your spouse is not? Basically you have to learn that "a soft answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1 says "A  gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."  Those  just starting out in a relationship have an awesome opportunity. A young couple can start by praying together each day. Not just a "lay me down to sleep prayer" or " bless this food" but sincere prayer together as a couple. Start early listening to God's voice and putting God first. When strife occurs, talk it over, pray and as Barney Fife would say "nip it in the bud".

Let's say you feel anger in your heart. God says to pray for those who have hurt you. That is not enemies idea. Satan wants to keep fueling fire of arguments so recognize that now and do not allow him to cause division. Stay in the Bible, that is the key. Don't let the sun go down on your anger either. Choose to forgive no matter how hard. Find a way to do at least one kind thing for each other daily.Luke 6:38 says "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Ephesians 4:26 says ""In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings and is called the 'love chapter'. Let's take a look at portions of it. Starting with verse 4 it says " love suffers long and is kind, it is not jealous". Verse 5 goes on to say "it is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs". Now that one is hard and takes the power of God to do. Human nature wants to lash back and say "don't you see what they did to me?" God does see and it makes Him sad but He will deal with the offender, just keep praying. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Ask God to give you His love for not only a spouse if married but for those in your life that are not so lovable.

So you get the idea. Love can grow deeper and it should. When you recognize strife stop then and there and pray. Do things to grow love as well. Let's call them acts of kindness. Ideas are flowers, wash dishes, an unexpected gift, a kind word. Above all stay in the Bible and ask God to help you walk in love to those around you daily. Your kindness can turn things around.

PRAYER:   Father I believe you are working in my life. Even sometimes when it is hard to love help me do it anyway. I choose to move on and give up my right to be angry. Help me show kindness to those around me daily as that shows God's love as well. In Jesus name. Amen!

NOTE:
08/14/11 Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event - LIVE
Kirk Cameron w/ Warren BarfieldDecatur, AL


For those who saw the movie 'Fireproof' it was an awesome movie. Currently Kirk Cameron is on the Love Worth Fighting For marriage tour across the US. Here in Huntsville it is this weekend. For info go to
http://www.feedyourfaith.org/tag/love-worth-fighting-for-tour/
This event for those married or getting married or anyone.

OFF THE DEEP END AND I DON'T MEAN IN A SWIMMING POOL

 Do you ever feel you have lost control? You feel like things are going crazy and you have messed up or, as the saying goes, you feel like you have 'gone off the deep end'? Not in a sense of being crazy and committed to a mental hospital but just to the point you rush through things, rush to judgement, jump to conclusions and often do not think things through and make dopey errors which you later regret? Do you get hopeless and do not know where to turn? We probably have all been there at some point.

If we would just stop and not let our emotions rule us and think before we open our mouths then we would be better off. The topic of our mouth is ever present because as it says in James Chapter 3 "no man can tame the tongue". That is so true. It is quite easy to overreact and assume things and say something or do something you will regret. When we act on impulse  we often get into trouble. Patience is required to keep you from going 'off the deep end'.

God wants us to have peace in the midst of chaos. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  Some times you just need to stop what you are doing and take a 'peace break'. Even the busiest person can make time to sit and talk to God. Take a cleansing breath. Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” God wants you to rest, reflect, and renew. Do not get yourself in a frenzy. Make time today to be alone with Him.

What is troubling you today? Give it to God. He wants you to have a calm spirit and trust Him.

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord I want to be able to pause and thank you for who you are. I thank you for the good and for the bad as they have formed me and shaped me. Thank you for where you have me in life. I desire to be still at times and learn to reflect on the things you have done for me. Help me today Lord to not let my day make me crazy but to get alone and make time for you. I give you my cares today and ask Lord that you help me let your light shine out to others who may be going through chaos. In Jesus name. Amen.


Turn up your speakers and be blessed with this wonderful song!
http://youtu.be/3tIcfsewDb0

STICKS AND STONES DO BREAK BONES

Words are powerful weapons. There is a saying that 'sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me." I beg to differ. Words can cut through the spirit and soul and cause deep hurt, pain and misunderstanding. Make no mistake about it, ugly words hurt people, crush spirits, offend  and cause friendships and relationships to break up. That powerful little tongue can wreak havoc if  not gotten under control. I do write a good deal on the power of words because  it is so important how we choose our words.

Proverbs 12:18 says "The words of the reckless pierce like swords,  but the tongue of the wise brings healing." I wonder how many marriages could have been saved had there not been harsh words carelessly spoken? Why does that happen? There is no excuse for being cruel and mean spirited especially if you are a Christian. Proverbs 13:3 says "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." If you are reading this and you deal with someone who speaks harshly pray for God to convict them of it and in the meantime do not be ugly back. Young men out there who are newlywed husbands treat your wife like a princess and a guest of honor at all times and your life together will be excellent. Think of ways to always praise her and make her feel special. Say one nice thing to her daily. Make it  a habit. Proverbs 18:21 says "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words." Women, you too find a kind word to pass on to the one you love in your life.

Do not use your tongue to gossip, belittle, scream, lie, and curse but use it to bless and encourage  people. If you know you have slipped up and become angry with  your words stop what you are doing and apologize and make things right then and there. Ephesians 4:29 says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

So yes indeed sticks and stones do hurt people and so does idle speech which flows from the mouth. Be careful little tongue what you say! Now go have a good day, make it a good one, and watch what you say.

PRAYER: Lord I want my speech to be pure and holy and I always want what I say to bring glory to you. Help me to treat those around me, especially my family, with love and respect. Let my words be kind and not harsh and hurtful. Convict me if I have done something I need to ask forgiveness for. In Jesus Name. Amen.