Tag: Renewed Mind

“The emerging churches are teaching error.  They’re saying little to nothing about the cross, etc.  As a result, most Christians are in the perfect state of mind to view Islam as closely related to what they believe – The pastor of one of the largest churches in America told me he sees Islam as very closely related to our Christianity.  Christians are being setup to be deceived like I’ve never seen before.”  Ravi Zacharias (Edits mine)

I’m so blessed to have attended a Baptist Church while growing up.  Yes, I know what people think about Baptists and I’ve had my own misgivings about much of what they’re about.  But, at least they gave me the Word, had me memorizing it, and taught me how to renew my mind (I had to renew my mind in order to survive the avalanche of enemy thoughts that came against me while growing up) with it even if most of them weren’t doing it.

Please bear with me in this email.  I’ve been hearing and reading so much lately about how most Christians do not know what they even believe.  The sources are stating this is due to so many churches and Christian teaching targeting everything but how to renew the mind to the Word of God.  So many Christians have no peace, are living with fear, past hurts, controlling lives, anxiety, frantic unbelief, and unforgiveness.  They’re vengeful, carnal, and not reading their Bibles nor becoming doers of the Word.

Fellow Christians, I believe in healing and God’s provision, but too many Christians are seeking miracles, prosperity, and a trouble and tribulation-free life that they’re leading a defeated thought life.  They’re not taking enemy darts (thoughts) captive to the obedience of Christ, they’re being taught to question any teaching about taking up our cross daily, they’re not praising God nor thanking Him in all things, and they’re acting like God isn’t working all things together for their good so they don’t really believe God’s in control today.

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to renew your mind to the Bible.  Please, do whatever it takes to begin to do so – memorize pertinent scriptures, follow Christian teaching that gives you the whole Word, read books about the battle for the mind, test the spirit behind each thought and take destructive thoughts captive instead of letting them linger in your mind.  One of the best books I’ve ever read on the battle for our minds is Pastor Brian Brodersen’s book, “Spiritual Warfare, Fighting The Good Fight Of Faith.”  You can get it at the following Amazon link:

Please don’t kid yourself (that thought is really a lie from the devil) by thinking you don’t need to renew your mind.  Believe me, you’re not smart enough to take on the devil without renewing your mind because his lies are spiritually discerned.  Dr. Neil Anderson (very left-brained and a past aerospace engineer) points that out in his material.  Neil’s “Victory Over The Darkness” and “Bondage Breaker” material is excellent.

A renewed mind is the only weapon we truly have when it comes to the enemy’s deceptive lies, half-truths, and attempts to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10).

I’ve attached a list (in PDF format) of the verses God had me memorize back in the 80s.  I needed these verses to drive back the lies of the enemy.  These verses are a good place to begin to believe God and to walk into the spiritual freedom He has for everyone of His children.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (devious and cunning schemes and strategies) of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10-18

2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

By the way, if you scoff at or think that I’m being too dramatic in what I’ve shared above, you’re already deceived.

I love you all.

God bless,

Mark

Hi Everyone,

Jesus, ever right beside us, is always waiting for us to simply ask for His help.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  (Such sweet words)
Psalm 23:6

I was sitting here this morning waiting on the Holy Spirit for something to share.  The Holy Spirit is so wonderful and faithful.

Maybe you have irritating thoughts of frustration, a gnawing competitive spirit, restless and always trying to understand, family matters, job issues, shame, embarrassment, uncertainty, circumstances that taunt you and make you doubt God’s love for you, fear, anxiety, self-pity, hate, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, coveting, feel abandoned, insecurity, lust, mammon (the love of money), doubt, unbelief, resentment, etc.

I’ve had each of these, and more.  In fact, because of my health issues and other items that were so frustrating to my parents and relatives, I was so oppressed I couldn’t even turn my neck more than about half-way in either direction for a long period of time in Oregon because I was so tied up in knots with defeating thoughts.  Yes, defeating thoughts will cause all types of health issues.  That’s why when you let Jesus help you renew your mind, your youth gets renewed and you mount up with wings like the eagle. (Isaiah 40:31)

I don’t know what you wrestle with in your heart, spirit, mind and emotions, but I do know that the One who made you wants to set you free from anything other than His peace, love, rest and joy, no kidding.

Now that’s an incredible statement, I know (and I’m only beginning to discover how incredible our salvation is☺).  But, it’s more than just a possibility.  It’s a promise from the God Who teaches us to renew our minds to His Word (see Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 1:7, Jeremiah 33:3, Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 4:22-32, Matthew 15:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 3:5) and the thoughts He has for us to dwell on.  This is what dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is all about (Psalm 91).

God can and will give us the victory in the battle for our minds when we seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), and that victory will set our hearts, spirits and emotions free in Jesus – the enemy will flee if we resist him and his defeating thoughts (James 4:7).  Only when you experience God’s work setting you free can you begin to understand the magnitude of the liberty He can give us to live in.

I’m telling you, precious ones, God has nothing less than His Kingdom for all those who will (our will must be more persistent than the enemy’s) follow Him by renewing their minds.

And, always remember, while renewing the mind may seem like an impossible task at times, John 15:4-6 tells us that we can’t do it without Jesus’ help.  BUT, when we ask for Jesus’ help, He’s faithful to bring about renewal to our minds, spirits, hearts and emotions.  I, for one, am living proof of this truth.

I’m honestly telling you, there is nothing more valuable than having your mind renewed and set free by Christ, nothing.

When Jesus’ peace claims areas of your heart that have been in turmoil, you just get so thankful, grateful and hungry for more and more of Him.  You have such rest, quiet where there was noise in your spirit and mind, and a new trust take over those areas.  Like the Apostle Paul, you really live in “I’ve learned in whatsoever state I am therefore to be content.”  I don’t know where you live, but the “state” Paul’s talking about isn’t bound by earthly borders.  The state of spiritual deliverance he’s talking about will follow you wherever you go.

This world is filled with thoughts (like fear, self-pity and some of the others I listed above), that left unchecked, will cause us needless spiritual, mental, and emotional anguish and pain.

And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

The renewed mind – Jesus’ command to renew our minds is the richest reward we can obtain.  For me, it’s as though a bed of nails is being replaced with a comfy hammock in the mountains.  He’s stilling all of the irritations in me.  From where I’ve been, that’s worth everything…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul:  leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

God bless,

Mark