Overhaul of the Mind

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

An amazing transformation of our hearts and minds takes place when we draw close to God in prayer.  Setting our minds on things above refers to heavenly priorities rather than earthly priorities.  Really a huge change in our thinking and daily practices but the promise of God is that those who choose to set their minds on His priorities will be changed.  By spiritual design the old nature begins to fall away and the new God-focused nature is put on.    We have a choice in this transformation.  The choice we face is whether to believe and live by the promises of God or not.      

Ephesians chapter 1 says we are blessed in Christ “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm” and that the eyes of our heart can be “flooded with light” so that we KNOW and UNDERSTAND the “immeasurable power of God” in and for those who believe.  It is this power which raised Christ from the dead that works in us!!  We are made alive and given a new nature by the power of God; we can hope and rely on God completing this work when we focus our minds on His priorities and ways.    

The Bible is an amazing book and by reading it doorways to the mind and heart are opened.  A new way of seeing, believing and living is presented to us that can increase our hope in God and his plan.  Scripture points out human behavior before and after meeting Christ.   It helps us understand the difference between the old way of life and the new.   In Philippians 4 of the New Testament, there is a section that addresses how to engage in the “battle” of the old nature through our thoughts.  It says, "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence or worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Changing the focus of our minds hinges on where we allow our minds to dwell and what thoughts we allow to take root in the mind.  Philippians chapter 4 stresses to us that the most beneficial resting place for the mind is in faith and prayer.  "Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God."  Let's look for any piece of thanks we can give to God and add that to our prayers.  Developing a thankful attitude can really change the way we see the everyday circumstances that we face. 

One of the most exciting versions of the Bible is the Amplified version.  If you have the opportunity this weekend, go to the link below and read Ephesians 1 and Philippians 4 in the Amplified Bible version.  It will knock your socks off!! 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/

Father, we thank you for the spiritual blessings of knowing you and being in Christ.  There is no other who can save and redeem us so we rely on you and your promises to us.  Transform us as we draw closer to you.  Put in us a desire to be the spiritual-minded people you want us to be.  We love you. 

Blessings,

Carol

 

Becoming a New Creation in 2011

Each year many of us make resolutions to change something in our life; we add something new or  remove something that isn't working.  Many abandon their resolutions when the enthusiasm ends and the real work begins, typically only a month or two later.  How do we make major changes and how do the changes become habit?  How many changes have you tried to make in your life only to fail? I can think of many.

Becoming a new creation is scriptural for those who know and rely on Christ.  God intends for us to become new in the essence of our being; to hope in God, love God and one another, pray unceasingly, encourage each other, think in spiritual terms, battle in spiritual ways, etc. 2 Corinthians 5:17 gives us information on how spiritual rebirth takes place, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.”    When we believe in the person and work of Christ, we open the door to our spirits so that by the Holy Spirit we can live in Christ and He can live in us.  His in-dwelling Spirit prompts us to desire to imitate Christ in character and life practices.  The concept of taking off unattractive character traits and put on new traits is addressed many times in the New Testament.   One of the greatest resources we have for "taking off" the old nature and putting on the new is the Bible.  Reading and praying through scripture can change our hearts and minds as the concepts of God become clearer.  A longing will develop to become Christ-like in our thoughts and actions (in other words - a new creation).  Ephesians 4: 22-24 says to be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new self which is in the likeness of God.  Ask God to make you into a new creation.  He will answer that prayer.  God's work in you is spirit-work, His work through you is nothing short of miraculous.   

If you have time this week, read through Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians which are letters written to the church in each city.  Many sections of these letters describe the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ.  Take some time to pray through some of the concepts that speak to you and jot them in your prayer journal for further prayer and meditation. 

Lord, help us desire to be like you. We want to be new in our minds and hearts as we walk with you.  We praise and worship you. 

Blessings on your week,
Carol