Transformed Thinking

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus … Philippians 2:5

The beginning of Romans 12 says…. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Paul was very aware of this when he pointed out that the Christian witness was a struggle for people’s minds, as well as, their hearts. In speaking of the arguments and pretensions that oppose the knowledge of God, he pointed out that we must “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ”(II Cor. 10:5).

There is no such thing as business morality vs. Christian morality, market place ethics vs. church ethics, political standards vs. spiritual standards. There is only one morality, one ethic — the one Christ taught. That is what should guide all our thinking and decision-making. All other philosophies are false. Some modern “Christian” teaching ignores this fact. Many days are not nice. One does not always feel fine. Positive gobbledygook does not solve the problems we face. The only answer is truth as it is revealed in Christ, and a mind filled with and subject to that truth with a heart yielded to the Author of truth, the Lord Jesus Himself.

The answer to cleaning up and stabilizing our thought life to the glory of God is just what the Apostle Paul says, “take captive every thought that comes to mind and make it obedient to Christ.” We are to be like-minded with Christ, having the same love, spirit, purpose, selflessness, humility and generosity, which He did.

For this to take place, we need daily to follow the advice given to us in Psalm 119:9: “How shall a young man cleanse his ways? By taking Heed according to thy Word” (Ps. 119:9,10). We must turn our hearts toward God’s statutes, and not toward selfish gain. We need to turn our eyes away from worthless things (Ps. 119:37). We must understand that “the unfolding of (God’s) Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple”(Ps.119:130).

Only by looking at every trial, problem or need through the lens of God’s Word — Only by faith in all that is revealed therein — Only with a heart and mind yielded to Christ and the obedience to His word; might we escape the pressures of this world which seek to form us into its mold. Only thus, with transformed minds will we know God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. Pray, that God would help and allow your mind to be constantly renewed daily in Him.

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Independence Day 2012 – Commemorating the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty!

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the “Fourth of July,” is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.

Adams’ prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

Now, 236 years later, we are still celebrating, being thankful to God for His hand of freedom and liberty upon our land. May it be our prayer that we will continue to commemorate this day, as John Adams wrote: “As the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty!”– always upholding our belief as a nation, “In God We Trust!”

You are invited to join us in praising and honoring our Lord in prayer with your comments below:

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