What kind of mind should we have as Christians? Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (KJV) We are to think like Jesus. There are many scripture verses in the Bible that refer to “the mind.” God knows that “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” (This is a title of a great message by Joyce Meyer). Everything we do begins in our mind. A person who commits sin had a thought first before acting it out.
Do we have control over our thoughts, or are we left to a mind that has its own way? The answers to all of our problems lie in the Word of God. If we seek answers, we will find them (Matthew 7:7). So many people struggle in their thought life. I think part of the reason is that they don’t believe they have the power to do anything to change their own thoughts. So, as Christians, they live in the bondage of guilt and shame when all the while Christ Jesus intends for them to live in freedom and peace! Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” You may be thinking, “Yeah, right, don’t I wish I could have perfect peace and that I could keep my mind on Him or even trust Him every day.” Maybe you haven’t found this to be possible. But let me continue: Romans 8:5-7 tells us, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according do the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Clearly, God’s Word tells us that we have power over our thoughts!
So, how is it that we can change our thoughts? Brain researchers have proven scientifically that it is possible to change our way of thinking. From my own personal experience I will admit that it isn’t always easy, it will take work and effort on your part. But if you are determined and seek God’s help, it CAN be done, because HE will help you. Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Start by making choices that God will approve. Turn away from the things of this world that drag you into sin.
First Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we (followers of Christ) have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” The end of verse 16 adds, “But we have the mind of Christ.” That is, our spirit-man has a mind that is of Christ; that agrees with Christ Jesus and the Word of God. We have to let His Spirit rule and lead us, and we have to get our fleshly “mind” to agree with His mind. Set your mind on the Word and listen to that “inner witness” that longs to obey the Lord and desires to please Him.
Philippians 4:8 gives us a list of things that are worth thinking about: Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and worthy of praise. Thinking on these things will contribute to the renewal of our minds.
In my own search for freedom in my mind, I discovered a simple 5-step process that works to change the way we think: “It begins with a thought. If you think it long enough, you come to believe that it is true. Once you believe it’s true, it becomes a reality to you. Once it is a reality, you live it out, and as you live it out, it becomes You.” Here’s the process:
(1) Thought
(2) Belief
(3) Reality
(4) Lived Out
(5) Becomes You
If the original thought is negative, self-destructive, or untrue, it becomes a “stronghold” of the mind that will hold you in its bondage. But if this process is followed with a positive, encouraging, uplifting thought, it becomes a “strong place” in your mind which is healthy and produces good fruit in you. Replace your wrong thinking with right thinking and with God’s help you can and WILL change your mind to glorify Him and live in His freedom!
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I need help in this area. I am willing to try and I am willing to change. I know that I need Your help to do this. So I thank You that You are with me to help me come in to the freedom You desire for me to have. I thank you for this in Your Precious Holy name,
Amen
The most helpful reference I can recommend on this subject is Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book and DVD series, “Who Switched Off My Brain?” (Controlling toxic thoughts and emotions) www.drleaf.net She presents scientific research from a Christian perspective.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version.
By Sherry McPherson | June 1, 2009 1:35 pm |
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Are you living mostly in the past, the present or the future? When I was asked this question, I realized that I had never thought about it or taken the time to analyze where my thoughts were focused most of the time. I realized for the first time that I spent much of my time replaying things from the past, especially at night before going to sleep. I would re-live events from that day or from days before. I also realized I spent a lot of my time worrying about the future, and I would come up with all kinds of “what ifs.” I spent the least amount of my thinking time enjoying the present. I could enjoy the present for a moment, but then into my mind would pop something someone had done to me that was hurtful, and I would run with it. My thoughts would be consumed by those hurtful memories, and when I would finally catch myself, I would have to consciously work my way out of the dark place to regain my peace of mind.
We live our lives in our minds, first with our thoughts, then living out what we are thinking. Isaiah 26: 3 says, “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind {both its inclination and its character} is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” (Amplified Version) There are so many things that go on in any given day for most people. Our lives are so busy. Our society has us pushed to our physical and mental limits. It’s difficult to keep our minds on God with so many other things demanding our attention.
When it comes to thinking about our future, many of us worry about what may be ahead, especially in times of economic turmoil like today. It’s easy to live in fear. But Jeremiah 29:11 gives us this promise from God: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (New King James) Do you know that we can trust God even in a recession? We can rest on what His word teaches us instead of what the world tells us to believe. In Matthew 6:25 and 30-33, Jesus Himself speaks to us: “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater {in quality} than food, and the body {far above and more excellent} than clothing? But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, what are we going to have to eat? Or, what are we going to have to drink? Or, what are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Amplified Version)
For some people, it is difficult to live in the present because the present is so miserable. Perhaps you are facing health issues, or financial challenges, or problems in a relationship, or any of the countless trials we face. I know from personal experience how hopeless life can seem at times. But I have learned that our attitude plays an important role in overcoming times of difficulty. Maintaining a positive outlook and attitude helps us to maintain our faith in the Lord as He helps us make it through the trial. I have good friends who encourage me when I have a bad attitude, and I try to do the same for them. It’s important to have a good support group around us. But in tough times it definitely takes determination and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us be calm and positive. It is imperative that we keep our eyes and minds meditating on God’s Word for support and help.
There are times when I struggle to stay in peace. I quote the scriptures but quickly fall out of peace, then feel guilty because I couldn’t get the Word to work for me. “I must be doing something wrong,” I think, because I know God’s word does not return void, and it is powerful to accomplish much for me. Well, I learned some interesting things from Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian whose specialty is the human brain. In her book, Who Switched Off My Brain? Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions, she describes the anatomy of a thought and the influence it has over emotions and attitudes. Understanding how this all works helps us learn to control and change our thought life so that we can change our resulting behaviors. Dr. Caroline says, “Don’t let a thought come into your mind without recognizing if it’s a good thought or a bad thought. If it’s a bad thought, throw it out and replace this with a good thought.” For years I would apply the scripture, “Take captive every thought that exalts itself above the knowledge of God,” but I wasn’t getting results until I realized that the negative thought that I threw out must be replaced with something positive. It is important to know that we really can and must control what comes into our minds.
I have also learned that traumatic experiences can produce powerful holds on our mind and adverse reactions in our body because the mind is held up or bound up by the traumatic experience. A powerful hold takes time and help from others to break free of, but above all we must seek the Lord’s help and face the matter so we can come to live in freedom and victory. The trauma will keep you living in the past and will cause you to be fearful of the future, preventing you from enjoying the present, today, now, which God intends for us to experience and enjoy. When we fail to live in the present, we miss opportunities to impact those around us who may need our encouragement and support.
I wish I had heard Dr. Caroline Leaf’s message years ago. In fact, it would be great for parents to study, learn and teach to their young children and teens, and it would also be a great Home School learning project. I want to end by quoting from Dr. Caroline’s book: “Behavior starts with a thought. Thoughts stimulate emotions, which then result in attitude, and finally produce behavior.” I wish every believer would get a copy of Dr. Caroline’s book and DVD. She gives a clear biblical perspective on the mind and thoughts and how our thoughts affect us emotionally, spiritually and physically. I highly recommend getting her materials. You will never think the same again. (www.drleaf.net)
Try discovering where you live your life the most; in the past, the present or the future. In Matthew 6:35 our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (New American Standard) If you’re not living mostly in the present, begin today to make the necessary mental and spiritual adjustments.
Let’s pray:
Dear Father,
In the daily challenges of life, we need Your help and understanding to know what our part is in changing our life and perspectives. Thank you, Father, that You created such an amazing part of us, the human brain, and that You care about what we are thinking. Help us to glorify You in our thoughts and in our actions, this day and every day.
In Jesus’ Precious Name,
Amen
By Sherry McPherson | October 23, 2008 4:16 pm |
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You hear on the news lately that the economy is bad and companies are going under. Many people are losing their jobs. There is always the threat of terrorism. Our young people are disillusioned and confused and many have taken their own lives. Criticism of the President and government is rampant and brutal. The political candidates claim to have the answers for a better world. But what does God say? What does His word have for us in times like this? What are we putting our hope in?
One of my favorite verses in the Old Testament, and I have quoted it hundreds of times, is Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a HOPE.” This was a promise God spoke to the Prophet Jeremiah to give to the people of Israel who were in exile. Being in exile was discouraging and oppressive. The Israelites were not free to live as they desired. But God instructed His Prophet to tell the people, “I have a HOPE and a future for you.” The only way they could have hope and a future was if God would take them out of exile and set them free.
Today, we live in a free country. We are not ruled by an oppressive dictator, and we have plenty of “rights” to live quite well. But many are living in their own personal “exile.” Some are battling serious health problems, depression, confusion, anxiety, and sorrow from loss. Maybe you are struggling with some of these issues. I want to point you to some scriptures that explain to us how God is a “God of hope” and that He has the answer for ALL of our problems and struggles. He can and WILL bring us out of our “exile.”
Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Without hope we can become physically sick. Medical professionals today speak about the many physical ailments and diseases that are caused by emotional stresses. But Romans 15:13 says we can be filled with hope by the Lord: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Why should we be discouraged when the Holy Spirit will help us believe and abound in hope?
The Israelites in the time of the exile didn’t have the Promises of Jesus as we do today. We have an even greater hope because of Jesus, who became the perfect sacrifice, suffered, died and rose again in glory and power so that we could claim His righteousness and His promises. If you have made Jesus the Lord of your life, you have stepped into God’s Kingdom and into all His Kingdom has available for you. THAT’S GREAT NEWS!
Proverbs 16:3 teaches us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Are we committing our efforts to the Lord, or are we trying to do things by our own power? Are we worrying instead of trusting?
Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Not only does God give us hope but He is FAITHFUL to fulfill His promises. He cannot lie. I believe most people do not doubt what God can do, but they doubt that He will do these things for them. I used to struggle with this until I learned about the character of God when I studied His promises. So many times we fail to receive what God has for us because we fail to believe He is who He says He is, “The God of HOPE.”
The enemy, the devil, wants us to doubt God. He wants us to get caught up in the negative. The devil is a LIAR, he is the father of lies!! God is TRUTH and He cannot lie. John 8:31-32 says, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Romans 8:24 explains more about this hope: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” The Israelites had to wait for God to take them out of exile and set them free. God had a plan, and His plan worked.
God has a plan for YOU, to get you out of your personal exile. It can start by you turning over to Him all of your struggles and fears. Write down some of these scriptures on hope and put them up in your home where you will see them and read them every day. Renew your mind by filling it with His word. We spend so much of our time obsessed with bad things, negative things. We must counteract the negative with God’s word. Let His word be in the forefront of your thoughts. Dare to trust in the “God of hope,” the God of truth, the God who loves you! He has a HOPE AND A FUTURE for YOU!!
Let’s pray: “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word today and that you are speaking to me through these words of hope. Forgive me for doubting that there is a hope for my future. I know now that you cannot lie and you are faithful to fulfill your promises. Right now, I claim your word for my life. Help me to keep your word before my eyes, to hide your word in my heart and to renew my mind with your words for me. Thank you for loving me and for providing for me a way out of my exile and into the promise of a good future. I ask this all in Jesus precious name, Amen.
**All scripture references are taken from The English Standard version.
By Sherry McPherson | April 2, 2008 3:18 pm |
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