There are many things in this world that amaze me or causes me to be in awe. For example:
- The Milky Way galaxy is just one of billions of galaxies in the universe and within this specific galaxy there are at least 100 billion stars.
- If the Sun was the size of a front door, earth would be the size of a nickel.
- About 230,000 species in the ocean are known but scientists say that 91% of ocean species have yet to be classified.
- The most complex part of the human body is approx 3lbs..the brain!
Of course this list is not exhaustive but just to think from something as large as the galaxy to something as small as the brain, intricacy can be found in it all! I just love that!
Anyways, the Lord has been bringing to my attention the topic of the mind and the renewed mind-set. Before I go any further I want to define some words because though words may seem common I think it is important to be able to give a clear picture and to do that sometimes common words should be defined outright.
- Mind
- Websters: the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and reasons or the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism
- Mind-set
- Websters: a mental attitude or inclination or fixed state of mind
- Renew
- Websters: to make like new: restore to freshness, vigor or perfection
- Brain:
- Websters:portion of vertebrate central nervous system enclosed in the skull and that integrates sensory information from inside and outside the body
Now we know the brain is something physical, it can be seen via imaging or surgically. The mind though, is a whole other world that can't be seen. Many unseen battles are lost and won through out peoples lives on a daily basis because of the mind. There are people that can help with these unseen battles like psychiatrist, therapists, and counselors. AND (not but) there is a living God who cares about the whole of you, every aspect of your being. So before I continue, I want to encourage you if you have struggles and unseen battles you are not alone and getting help isn't weak but rather an indication of strength.
I want to share with you the aspect of help from the Lord.
The mind is an amazing organism, powerful and sometimes it can work to our own detriment. I can have so much on my brain that my mind doesn't seem to turn off, like I want to rest but I am thinking of all the scenarios; other times my mind seems clear and I am enjoying all the things. Most times, for me, if my mind is feeling clouded I am stressed, worried, anxious, ect, which is all the negative stuff. As a christian, this makes sense, if I am stressed, worried, or anxious I am not relying on or putting my trust in Jesus.
You see, scientists say positive thinking causes a persons mental and physical health to be better ( I believe this is true). Therefore if positive thinking of these earthly things causes a positive effect mentally and physically how much better will turning my thoughts to the One who is most holy and righteous effect my mental and physical? Let me give you an example, if I go to the best Italian restaurant in my town I am sure I will enjoy the classic spaghetti dish, I may even say it is the best spaghetti dish. If I then go to Italy and get their best spaghetti dish I am sure I would then say "Nope, that dish does not compare to this authentic Italian dish right here". Now back to thoughts, the world says "think positively" it will do you good, God says "set your thoughts on me" this is better. Just like this world has cause and effects so does the unseen spiritual world.
In Romans, Paul speaks of the foundations for christian faith and I want to encourage each of you to take some time to read through it, but for right now in chapter 12 we see topics of christian living.
Verses 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 learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Paul is telling his family in Christ to remember the mercy God has shown them. What mercy? I am glad you asked :), before I answer that what is mercy?
- Mercy
- Websters: compassion shown especially to an offender
- Compassion
- Websters: sympathetic consciousness of others distress together with a desire to alleviate it
- Offender
- Websters: to violate or transgress a law or rule
What mercy am I bringing back to my remembrance? I need to remember the compassion that was shown to me for my own wrong doings. My offense to the living God. You see God declared that the cost for disobedience is death. Now a show of hands, who has never disobeyed what God has said? Exactly. So we are each an offender whose rightful judgment is death (not physical, spiritual. Complete separation from the living God) according to God's Word. BUT GOD, is faithful even through our unfaithfulness. He made a way for us to be covered under righteousness by sending Jesus to pay the debt we owed.
Read Romans 3: 21-26.
This is the mercy Paul calls us to remember. Because of the mercy God has shown me, I am encouraged/ urged to give my body as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. It is living offering because I am still alive here on earth and it is a sacrifice because I must surrender. Surrender what and to whom? My own will, desires, feelings, and control to the living God who always wants the best for me! I mean that sounds like a good deal right? Like I am the one who made the offense and my debt was paid, then I am called to surrender to the one who has my best interest in mind! How loving is this kind of God! Paul continues to say, this surrendering of our lives is true honor and reverence to the Lord. After which, Paul says don't be conformed but be transformed.
- Conform: to give the same shape or to be similar or identical to
- Transform: to change in composition to or change in character
*Side note: this is why it is important to define words. I mean I have read this verse plenty of times, but today when comparing these two words it really made me go wow! I understand a little bit more* Thank-you Holy Spirit for opening my eyes, ears and heart to the Word today!
Okay so Paul says "Hey my family, remember what Jesus has done for you, surrender to Him and don't be conformed to this world but transformed". God wants his children to be transformed. Remember, we are the the offender and we are offered an opportunity to have our debt paid AND God calls us out of our offense to be transformed and changed. We aren't left how we came to him, THANK GOD!
Paul says "Don't be the same as the world but be changed". How? By the renewing of our mind. Our mind needs to be refreshed or restored to what is true and holy. Many of those battles in the mind are lost because of lies. So how do we win? We have to refresh our mind/thoughts on what is true. No longer should I allow doubt, fear, condemnation, and anxiety rule and wash over my mind. NO. I must recall, remember, and wash over my mind the truths of the Word which was spoken by the God that loved me so much that he died, resurrected and conquered death just for me!
Finally Paul says THEN. Which means AFTER remembering Gods mercy, surrendering my life and allowing myself to be transformed by renewing my mind in truth THEN I will learn God's will for myself which is good, pleasing and perfect! Thank you Jesus!! God has a plan for me that is good, pleasing and perfect. You know what this tells me once again? He really loves me, I mean he really cares about my life now and after here! And this love doesn't only pertain to me or other Christians, this is for those who aren't Christians (Romans 5:8). God loved you before you even decide to love Him and He wants what is best for you! He won't force you, but he will continue to ask you to trust Him.
Thank you Lord for being a living God who cares for and rejoices over me! You Love me fully and desire for me to be transformed into your image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Lord tend to the weeds in my mind as I refresh your truth over my thoughts. Help me to love you more and love others well. You are holy, magnificent, all powerful, and you are the essence of truth and love. I pray for your children Lord that a stirring in the hearts will occur, that we will long for more of you! I pray for those Lord who don't know you yet, that this week they will see and experience your love and peace in their life.
Help my answer to be YES Jesus. In Jesus Name AMEN.
Verses pertaining to thoughts and the mind:
- Take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Set your thoughts on what is good (Philippians 4:8)
- Renew your mind (Romans 12:2)
- Have the mindset of Christ (Philippians 2:5)
- Have alert minds (1 Peter 1:13)
Zephaniah 3:17 says " For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs"
Below is a link to where a sermon about the mind will be posted once updated:
A new song:
You can have my heart
You can have it all
Laying down my life
No matter what the cost
Chorus
Only Jesus all my days
No greater presence
No sweeter name
The cross before me
The world behind
I have decided only Jesus
Bridge
No turning back no turning back
I have decided
Only Jesus