Be Transformed by the renewing of the mind

By the renewing of the mind

Well, what can I say, we have reached the 16th post in the Be Transformed series. When God commissioned me to write a Romans 12 inspired theme for 2013, later showing me that He wanted me to write a series, I had not realised just what an adventure it would be. As we focused on the power ‘by the renewing of the mind’, we could see how a lot of what we are searching for in terms of peace of mind, transforming into the image of Christ, and following in the footsteps of our Lord, isn’t just a heart issue, but a mind issue. Our minds can either be open, absorbing all that God wants to teach us, or create it’s own boundaries that prevent us from being all that we could be.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you
into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’
Romans 12:2 NLT

Are you copying the ways of the world?

Romans 12 has a lot to teach us, as we seek to become more like Jesus and not copy the ways of the world. I hope the Thoughts Journal I put together has helped you over the last 8 weeks, to see how our thoughts can make a difference in how we view ourselves, our circumstances, and grow spiritually. Was there a common theme? Did some thoughts repeat themselves? I would recommend carrying on with this exercise, as it’s useful to take time daily to notice our thought processes and give them to God.

A battle ground

When we seek to change our thoughts and become more like Jesus, the enemy doesn’t want us to change. I myself have seen and felt this spiritual warfare. God’s enemy wants us to remain trapped behind negative thoughts, to remain rooted in the world and conforming to it’s pattern, rather than find the healing and freedom that God offers to us. But praise God, He is stronger, He is the Victory. All things are possible in His name.

‘Jesus looked at them and said,
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ‘
Matthew 19:26 NIV

Over the last 8 weeks we have looked at:

• Where the world urges us to be prideful, Jesus calls us to be humble

• Where the world tells us to work for our worth, Jesus blesses us with grace

• Where the world tells us to wear a mask hiding who we are, Jesus calls us to love, serve others, and to be happy with those who are happy.

• Where the world promotes selfishness, Jesus calls us to encourage, show kindness, and help someone in need.

• Where the world tells us to seek revenge when we have been hurt, Jesus calls us to forgive, to be a blessing, and live in harmony.

• Where the world brings confusion and tells us to cram our lives with activity to prove our purpose, Jesus brings us peace of mind

• Where the world tells us to look after our own needs, God calls us to feed the hungry, and take care of those in distress.

• Where the world’s ways leads to hopelessness – Jesus is the hope of the world

Let’s choose to listen to the Voice of Truth

As we seek to grow spiritually, we need to invite God to search our hearts daily (Ps 139:23-24), and be prepared for what He wants us to change in our lives, whatever that cost may be in the world’s eyes.

Thank you for joining with me on the be transformed adventure. Thankfully each step we take we get nearer to the King of kings, we have nothing to fear, with Him by our side. One day we will see that full transformation, when we stand face to face with our Saviour.

Please join me in worship

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What are your thoughts on the series?

Please join me in prayer

Lord, thank You for being with me on this journey, as I discovered more about what it is to be transformed, for my thoughts to be renewed. Thank You for the amazing gift of grace. I look to You with hope in my heart. Please help me each day to not conform to the pattern of this world and seek You face in all things. Please help me to look at my negative thoughts I have about myself, and to walk in freedom, in new life, for I am a new creation.
In Your name,
Amen

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Anita x

Infographic and Be Transformed logo: © Scattering the Stones

Music: Casting Crowns – Voice of Truth. Video: Jay-Ar Medes·

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Anita

Hi, nice to meet you :) As well as Scattering the Stones ministry I also co-run Hope Flourishes ministry, with Salina. My heart's desire is to share God's love and His message of hope, particularly with those who are hurting. I love nature; as I see God’s hand in creation as a mark of His love for us. I design cards with the hope to brighten someone's day. I am also a children’s author, running an anti-bullying campaign to encourage children to tell someone if they are being bullied. For more information please see my about page and manifesto.

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