Is Keeping Your Thoughts Completely Pure Possible?

When my brother was twelve, he found a large sum of money outside a privately owned store. He informed the store owner if anyone could identify the cash amount, he would return it. Weeks later the money was never claimed, so it was my brother’s to keep.

My brother wanted to have a clear conscience. Listen to Romans 8:6. “If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will have life and peace.” Jesus confirms: “It isn’t what’s on the outside that condemns a person, but what’s on the inside.”

It’s difficult to constantly have pure thoughts, but it’s a worthy goal that honors God. Romans 12:2 affirms that your mind can be renewed and made clean by the power of Christ within you. Shakespeare proclaimed, “To yourself be true," but this can be surpassed by committing yourself to being “faithful and true to Jesus Christ, who redeemed you.”

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Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 

~Proverbs 4:23-24 New International Version  

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Is It Too Costly to Stand for Your True Beliefs?

The majority of people want to be accepted by those within their preferred social groups. Most people know what it takes to draw people rather than repel them. In our culture the word nice defines a generous, helpful person who tries to avoid conflict.

Is it conceivable to be too nice and fall into a vicious circle trying to please everyone by agreeing with issues that are contrary to your personal values and beliefs? All too often being nice is more important than taking a stand for what is morally and biblically correct.

There were individuals who spoke harshly against Jesus because he did not always do what was considered nice. He touched people with  leprosy and socialized with tax collectors. He showed compassion toward a woman prostitute and challenged those who pretended to be above sin. Ask yourself, “How would Jesus respond if he were facing my current issues?” Take time to listen for a response. 

           

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Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

~James 4:17 New American Standard Bible

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Is It Possible to Fulfill God's Purpose for You?

Teenagers push for increasing independence in our society, for it’s a normal step in moving toward adulthood. There continues to be a strong drive by women to seek more independence from their traditional roles and identity. Women now contribute their intellectual, social, and leadership skills in most career fields.

With every change there’s a trickle-down effect for the rest of society. The role of men in response to women competing for power and position is an example of the trickle-down effect. Another is that most fathers want their daughters to succeed to the place that best accommodates their intelligence and goals.

However, there continues to be some prejudice against women in leadership roles. God, the creator of intelligence and aptitude, has a purpose for each person willing to move faithfully toward fulfilling his purpose. 

Participating in what God is doing creates peace and joy that cannot be overcome.                                

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Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

~Romans 12:2 New International Version Bible

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What Does It Take for You to Have a Heart of Gratitude?

By the time most people have reached 50 years of age, enough history has been experienced to cover the pages of a book. Making the transition can be joyful simply because children have become self-reliant – have left home for college or work and basically are supporting themselves.

However, making the transition into the next half-century can be disruptive due to unavoidable changes. Looking in the mirror portrays a mature person. Making a healthy transition depends on accepting who you have become and what you will become.

Looking back over the past, is your heart filled with gratitude for how you’ve been blessed by God and how you are a blessing to others? If not, please take the Apostle Paul’s advice “not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind.” 

Then you will please God by being in his perfect will and serving him. 

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version

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What Motivates Us to Strive for the Best We Can Be?

During transitional moments, we’re given the chance to make changes that benefit ourselves and others as well. What is it that motivates us to achieve our very best? We were created to strive for something beyond ourselves, and that motivation is fueled by love for God and others.

In order to stay on track, it is necessary to establish a structure for staying focused. We have a propensity to fall into old patterns of behavior,  so it’s necessary to set reasonable goals and objectives to maintain a sense of hope for being successful.

Romans 12:12 reminds us to be “joyful in hope, patient when troubles arise, and faithful in prayer.” We feel a sense of joy when we reach out for possibilities beyond the expected. 

Joyful hope found in Christ Jesus helps us overcome obstacles that would prevent us from achieving God’s plan for us.           

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Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

~Romans 12:2 Good News Bible

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The Reality of Temptation

Temptation is a reality each person eventually recognizes and then will ultimately decide on a course of action to manage it constructively. It is indisputable that temptation has an agenda and will make its presence known at the most inopportune times, especially a time when resisting seems impossible.

Conforming to the objectives of temptation involves submitting to its charm while disregarding your faith and morals. Agreeing emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually with temptation’s demands is a ticket to disaster. Temptation relentlessly pursues it victims, even in the presence of God’s grace and mercy.

The apostle Paul gives this advice for resisting temptation’s cutting edge: “Do not copy the customs and behavior of this world but let God transform you inwardly to a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think.”  As you submit to God’s transforming grace, you’re empowered to resist the evil of temptation’s power.             

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God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

~Colossians 1:13-14  The Message

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Renewing Your Mind to Fit God's Purpose

The mind is the most intriguing mystery humanity possesses. The mind can be compared to the most advanced supercomputer; yet these computers cannot compete with the mind’s complexities and expertise. If, however, it becomes overtaxed by prolonged and persistent stress, a temporary shutdown may ensue.

Because of the present emphasis on Alzheimer's disease, we tend to become anxious if memory lapses occur. When we try too hard to recall a name or event, the more difficult it can be to remember. Then at a more relaxed time the information may surface. This is one of those mysteries.

When God gave the mind its place and power, he was aware of the ways it would affect how we function in relationships and daily activities. He commanded us to love him with our total being so we would stay grounded. Romans 12:2 instructs us to be transformed by renewing our minds so we can prove what the will of God is for us. He makes that a possibility.  

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I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you.

~Ezekiel 36:26-27 Good News Bible

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Strength to Transform Bad to Good

Strength is an attribute that’s admirable when fused with integrity and good judgement. Conversely, brutality inflicted on others to cause emotional and physical suffering is immoral. Brutality clashes with loving God with all your strength. This commandment embraces healthy mental, physical, and emotional strengths.

So strength has many components to call upon to equip us for overcoming desperate situations or inner weaknesses. Strength is infused with an urgency to display the highest quality of courage and grace. This is what happens when all the strength one possesses is transformed into action for the good of others and oneself.

What’s involved in loving God with all your strength? There must be a sense of gratitude expressed to God that demonstrates you’re indebted to him for giving you forgiveness and a clean slate. Realizing that God gave his most beloved treasure to redeem and save you should arouse such gratitude you can’t help but love him with all your strength. 

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The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song.

~Psalm 28:7 Common English Bible

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Reverence for God – Reclaim the Treasure

There are those who suggest that we’ve lost true reverence for just about everything that deserves it. Instead, we reverence what is transient and temporal, such as success, wealth, and sex. Initially, reverence usually provokes images of worship and devotion that belong to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

If reverence is accepted as a virtue, then reclaiming reverence and focusing on it as highly desirable would be the right thing to do. Some people in our society believe marriage deserves reverence and devotion. When marriage is acknowledged as deserving loyalty, faithfulness, and respect, then choosing a lifelong partner should be done with God’s approval.

God's word tells us not to conform to this world's image but be transformed to a new way of thinking by understanding God's will for our lives. To have reverence for God and for what he approves provides a quality to life that is worth obtaining. This treasure guarantees security for eternity and peace with God.  

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With these promises ringing in our ears, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from anything that pollutes body or soul. Let us prove our reverence for God by consecrating ourselves to him completely.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English 

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Finding Peace within Conflict

Thomas 'a Kempis advised in his book, Imitations of Christ, that if you are to "keep peace within yourself, then first bring peace to others." Generating peace is challenging when conflict seems endless. What drives conflict are anxiety, fear, anger and bitterness, which suggests that conflict with others derives from unresolved personal issues.

Emotional turmoil is felt when personal objectives are obstructed, and failure is blamed on others. It takes courage to face oneself. Thomas 'a Kempis gives us another reality check when seeking to resolve interpersonal conflicts. "Be not angry if you cannot make others be as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself be as you wish to be."



The Apostle Paul's solution is, "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  As you give the Lord Jesus Christ permission to renew your mind, an inner peace that passes all understanding will be given to you. 

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation

Christ, Our Renewer and Transformer

Relationships suffer great sorrow when conflict is handled poorly. Bobby grew up in a family riddled by conflict not only between his parents, but also between the parents and their children. Although the family stayed intact throughout the years, it produced children who grew into adulthood unable to establish stable marriages.

What Bobby experienced growing up was a toxic response to conflict in which family members intentionally and aggressively inflicted suffering and pain on each other. However when problems of living are managed in a healthy, godly way, the joy that should be produced by a relationship can be realized. Eventually, Bobby learned he could avoid becoming defensive and reactive by accepting the fact that some conflict is unavoidable.

By re-framing issues like anger and frustration, you can create a nontoxic response to troubles. The Holy Spirit will give you godly insight regarding troubles you have to face. His word instructs you to be transformed by renewing your mind so you can know God’s will and purpose. 

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Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

~Romans 12:2 Good News Bible

Facing the Breaking Point

Everyone and every relationship will be subjected to strenuous periods of testing. A marriage may produce enough intense conflict to stretch its moral and emotional fiber to the breaking point. Even when conflict is unavoidable, it can be managed by establishing communication so that forgiveness can be explored and experienced. 

Forgiveness is both a spiritual and a moral responsibility although not easy to initiate or achieve. Yet those who have experienced forgiveness know how transforming it can be. Transformation occurs when you accept another's willingness to apologize and to make things right by changing their behavior that had caused you pain and suffering.

Forgiveness includes changing your mind about someone so there can be a favorable response that replaces doubt, distrust or even hatred. Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation involves renewing your mind, including a newness to the way you think. Forgiveness is transforming because it produces an atmosphere where love and affection can flourish.

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Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God is good, acceptable to him and perfect.

~Romans 12:2 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”

~Luke 6:35-36 The Message

Pursued by Troubles?

It seemed as if he were always looking over his shoulder for trouble that consistently pursued him. Minor troubles weren’t what plagued him, but major ones that threatened his very existence. Jacob’s attitude toward life was an open invitation to trouble even after God personally changed his name to Israel, which means "one who wrestled with God and prevailed."

Jacob's transformation was a progressive development. The Apostle Paul warns us "not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind." This indicates that transformation is an on-going process and does not prevent trouble from pursuing us.

Perhaps God uses troubles we must endure to bring to the surface hidden possibilities that lie dormant within us. Oliver Wendell Holmes was fond of saying, "Troubles create a competence for managing them." It is God's will that we mature and grow strong in faith, so we can serve Him and His church in a hostile world. God gives us strength to overcome and be victorious.
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Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. 
~ROMANS 12:2 The Living Bible

Break Free from Shame

Taking ownership means claiming possession, like after you purchase a home. This is comparable to taking responsibility for making amends to those who have been hurt by our conduct. Taking ownership implies that no one else is to blame for my behavior except myself. Therefore, I will make things right by taking responsibility to change my hurtful behavior.

Making amends parallels repenting for sins committed against God and others. Repentance implies turning away from sin and moving toward righteousness and wholeness. It signifies a willingness to be transformed into the person God intended for us to become.

If you’re willing to make amends, then shame and embarrassment that would keep you in bondage can be overcome and broken. Coming to Christ in true repentance gives you courage to seek forgiveness from God and from others who were hurt and offended by your deliberate actions and attitudes. You are then empowered by a clear conscience to embrace the life God has intended for you to live. 

Melting Hearts of Stone

There’s a difference between short-term hate and hatred that has festered for years. Temporary hate often dissipates with situational change. We're aware of a child or adolescent expressing hatred of a friend or parent, then abruptly letting it go. Anyone is subject to hatred when situations are difficult. 

          Hate of in-laws or other relatives may develop into mutual hatred resulting in strife that’s perpetuated for years. A woman believed her in-laws could care less if she lived or died and consequently separated herself and her children from them for years. It’s apparent that hatred internalized has power to disrupt fellowship with others and the Lord God.

 

          While hatred may not negate your salvation, it can ruin the joy of your fellowship with God, for hatred cannot coexist with joy and peace. They’re incompatible. A house divided against itself cannot remain healthy. Yet God stands ready to melt hearts of stone created by hatred. You can submit your heart to him at this moment.

Avoid Anger's Message – Ask God

Anger and fear are close companions. Both deliver the same message, “Fight or take flight.” When the message is “fight”, it may mean stand your ground, take offensive action either physically or verbally. An immediate adrenaline rush gives strength, courage and the ability to think faster for defending and protecting oneself.

Anger’s message may be to “take flight” to avoid conflict and harm. Jacob ran away from his brother to escape Esau’s intention to kill him. Jacob was possibly resentful and angry with his mother for talking him into deceiving his brother. He possibly felt resentful of Esau for being his father's favorite.

While anger and fear are inescapable, both can be managed in healthy, productive ways to prevent harm and hurt from developing in relationships. The first step is to admit these feelings exist. Then ask God for wisdom so a safe and healthy resolution can be forthcoming. Ask God for courage to follow his will and plan.  

From Jealousy to Generosity

Even the noblest person is subject to jealousy when circumstances become threatening. To be generous and noble toward someone who is the object of jealousy requires sincere acts of generosity to diminish its power. Jealousy is shameful because its objective is another's misery, which violates God’s law to love one another.

          The motivation for overcoming jealousy and envy is to avoid thoughts and acts of malice. Malice is a state of mind that seeks pain, suffering and injury to others. These behaviors result in guilt, and guilt demands pardon and forgiveness. 

          To be liberated from jealousy and envy requires a process of being made new spiritually in one's mind. Only as you permit your mind to be transformed by the saving power of Christ Jesus can you experience being made new. The Apostle Paul instructed us to be imitators of Christ Jesus, meaning to give ourselves to others as Jesus gave himself up for us. 

A Green-Eyed Monster Called Jealousy

Jealousy is a common emotion experienced by everyone at some level. It's an emotion few people would endorse or boast about. Those who experience it often feel shame especially when it gets out of hand.  If a relationship is believed to be in danger, exaggerated jealousy may surface with rage and a fiery vengeance.

          Rachel felt jealous when her sister Leah could have children for Jacob while she remained barren.  Fostered by a lack of trust that she would ever conceive, Rachel persuaded Jacob to have children with her maid- servant.  Sound familiar?  Now jealousy has become the equalizer in a situation rather than trust in God’s plan and purpose. 

          As jealousy gains a foothold, it leaves little room for faith and trust. Jealousy is obsessed with thinking and feeling just one way.  To escape, force yourself to focus on Romans 12:2.  God’s word instructs you to be transformed by renewing your mind by the power of Christ Jesus in you.  Ask Jesus to transform you now.

A Bridge to Belonging

I’ve often wondered who was the first human to come up with the concept of building a bridge. Maybe that person got the idea from some acts of nature. Perhaps a tree had fallen across a stream making a natural bridge to the other side. Imagine using a rope bridge stretched across a great expanse of a mountain gorge as a means of travel.

 

Bridges have transformed cultures and landscapes. The Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge are two examples. It would be difficult to imagine what the scenery was like before they were constructed. Equally hard to compute is the impact these bridges have had on our society and the tourists who bask in their beauty.

Take a moment to consider how bridges are transformers. There are emotional and spiritual bridges that transform you from one perception of yourself to another. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a bridge designed to transport you from alienation to friendship with God. Faith in Christ is a bridge to newness of life and a godly purpose for living. 

Challenges that Come with Change - Part 1

Political campaigns are a mixture of flattery and condemnation. Adlai Stevenson said, “I suppose flattery hurts no one, that is, if he or she does not inhale.” Some confessed, “I smoked dope, but I did not inhale.” Every-  one acknowledged they changed to avoid condemnation. People do change and give up old habits by God’s transforming grace.

Reinhold Niebuhr realized change was necessary, so he composed the Serenity Prayer in 1934. Listen for a moment: “God, give us grace to accept with serenity what cannot be changed, courage to change what can be changed, and wisdom to know the difference.” Serenity means composure and contentment.

Our past follows us into the future, but by God’s grace and mercy it surrenders the grasping choke-hold that enslaves us. God equips us with courage to step up to the challenge of change, to take hold of the newness of life that comes by faith in Christ Jesus. He is the giver of wisdom and permanent change to all who seek it.