Winning the war for a Godly mind is a never ending fight. Because it’s one battle after another. And there is a real spiritual adversary who knows our every weakness and attacks the most fertile field for reaping a sinful harvest. Our minds. Here are three ways to fight back.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Fill it with Godly thoughts.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (ESV, Philippians 4:8)
What fills your mind will occupy your thoughts. So a Godly mind is intentional about what it lets in and allows to stay. Of course there’s Mindspace reserved for work and family obligations. Along with other cognitive calculations in the grind of daily life. But beyond them, what sources of news, entertainment, and lifestyle do you consume? Because they drive your thoughts. Frame your attitudes. And form your worldview. Too much slop causes brain rot. And gives your adversary, Satan, much to work with.
Therefore, guard what gets in. A great way to start your morning is by reading God’s Word. Play inspirational music in the car, when doing chores, and at work. Read, watch, and listen to content that promotes what is pure, lovely and admirable.
As you actively consume content that honors God, your thoughts will more regularly influence actions that honor him too.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Keep it purposefully directed.
Behavior is seldom completely random and impulsive. It begins with a thought. And thoughts are rehearsals for actions. Therefore, purposefully direct those mental rehearsals in a positive manner by…
Capturing your thoughts
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV, 2 Corinthian 10:5)
Capturing your thoughts involves immediately addressing the ones you want to push out. Rather than trying NOT to think about them, consciously replace them by turning your mind to other thoughts.
Renewing your mind
Do not conform to the pattern 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. (ESV, Romans 12:2)
Our minds are plastic. And while we can’t eliminate bad memories and negative thought patterns, we can diminish them by building new, Godly memories and thought patterns. God’s Spirit renews our mind as we honor him through praise, worship, and feeding on His Word. These new thoughts and activities influence Godly behavior that forms a new, Godly character.
Leaning on God’s mercy
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV, Lamentation 3:22-23)
We won’t win every mental battle over sin. But God is gracious. And as we regularly confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness, he covers us with His mercy. In that mercy and by God’s grace, our minds can reset and start fresh with each new day.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Rest in God’s peace.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (ESV, Isaiah 26:3)
A Godly mind will celebrate complete victory in an eternal future. But it can still experience a present peace. Because peace in a Biblical worldview is more than inner tranquility or lack of conflict. It is achieved through a right relationship with God. So rather than seek within for peace, reach up to God. Because real peace is experienced through His presence in your life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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When you pray for others. Jesus taught his followers to show care and compassion to others, which includes praying for them. It was a radical teaching then and applies today as well. Jesus taught us how to pray for others in Luke 11:1-13 and how it benefits us too.
When you pray for others. It helps you look beyond yourself.
Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. (ESV, Luke 11:5)
Thinking about, caring, and praying for others doesn’t come naturally. But Jesus regularly demonstrated it in his life and taught his followers to do the same. And when we do, our own problems seem less pressing as we see them from a different perspective.
Notice the man in the story asking his neighbor for bread had none in his house. Why? Did he neglect going to the store or lacked the money to buy it? Did his guest showed up unexpectedly? And wasn’t a midnight run to the neighbor inconvenient for him too? Regardless, he was on a mission to see to his guest’s needs.
But then, isn’t that how many of life’s difficulties happen? Unexpectedly? And in this particular story, Jesus seems to be saying prayer is your first, urgent response. Not your last.
When you pray for others. Pray with bold persistence.
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. (ESV, Luke 11:8)
The Greek word for “impudence” is anaidĕia, which means shameless audacity, shameless boldness, and persistence. When praying for others, we are to ask boldly with selfless motives and trust God for his answer.
You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (ESV, James 4:2-3)
We don’t know how prayer works or the reasons for God’s answers. But we know Jesus prayed regularly and tells us to do the same. Boldly and persistently. In other words, nag God with a determined sense of urgency.
Consider Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest and crucifixion. He knew his mission as the Son of God was to sacrifice himself on the cross for our sins. And yet, he asked God to spare him from it. If the Father had said “yes” and spared Jesus, there would be no hope for us today.
Prayer blesses you too.
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
We often approach prayer as presenting our grocery list of wants to God. But it’s more than that. It connect us intimately with our Heavenly Father. To confess our sins, seek his will, and align our plans as participants in his divine plan. That’s why our prayers should reach beyond ourselves to a global level. Because the more you consider God’s world mission, the better you see your place in it.
Of course, it doesn’t mean our determined persistence eventually wears God down until he says “yes.” Prayer is one of the great mysteries of God we will never understand. He answers them according to His sovereign will, not ours. We pray because Jesus taught us to. Then trust God’s goodness and faithfulness to His promise. And share in the blessing when we see Him at work.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Who am I? Why am I here? What happens when I die? Over the years in ministry I’ve observed different ways people approach these ultimate life questions. Here are four of the most common ones.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Press on and don’t think about it
When I was in seminary as a single adult, I attended a religious conference in Glorieta, New Mexico. The conference center was nestled among mountains. And during free time, a girl, another guy, and I decided to hike up the side of a mountain.
Now this was not Mount Everest. It was covered by trees, not snow and actually had a hiking path to the top so it wasn’t treacherous. But it was very steep with some spots where I climbed on all fours. Along the way we came to a clearing and the girl and I paused to take in the scenery. We were awed by the majestic beauty and an Almighty God who created it.
However, the other guy chided us for wasting time. He was on a mission to reach the top. And as he pressed ahead the girl looked at me with a smile and said, “He’s a get there hiker.”
That’s how some people approach life.
Always busy. Moving forward. Determined to get there. So they set goals, establish agendas, and move forward on the path to get ahead. A better job, bigger house, and higher income. Don’t waste your time speculating. Just keep pressing forward.
I see this approach most often in young adults who are full of energy, dreams, and aspirations. Older people slow down because…well, you don’t have a choice. And become more introspective as they realize there is more of life behind than ahead of them.
Of course, the Bible talks about pressing ahead too. It just has a different focus. Here’s what the Apostle Paul says:
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV, Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul pressed forward with a goal and Godly purpose which was to follow and more closely imitate Jesus Christ. He would claim his prize when he entered heaven.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Hope for the best.
This is my approach to golf. In my younger days I played golf with a friend who was a scratch golfer. I on the other hand, was a hacker.
And if we were on a hill in the fairway as we approached the green, and the green was at the top and we couldn’t see the pin, my friend would pace it off. He’d walk up to the hole and back, select a club, and put the ball within six feet of the pin.
I on the other hand just took my chances. Guess on the right club, hit the ball and hope for the best. Because for me, hitting the ball straight was an accomplishment and getting within six yards of the green a win.
And this is how some people approach their spiritual life. They generally believe in God and have a sense of moral right and wrong. They know bits and pieces about Christianity and perhaps attend church occasionally. But they don’t explore it deeply or make it an important part of their life. They aim in what they see as the right spiritual direction and hope for the best.
But you don’t have to wonder. Or guess. Or hope for the best. Scripture says you can know.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (ESV, 1 John 5:13)
The Bible answers life’s ultimate questions. And provides assurance to those who embrace its truth. You don’t have to guess, but you do have to seek its truth. And take the time to study and learn God’s word.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Do good things.
This is the most common approach because most people believe in God. They have a sense of right and wrong. Good and evil. And know heaven is where the good people go. But they don’t recognize the real problem, which is sin. Instead, they mistakenly believe that God uses this spiritual scale to weigh the good against the bad and if the good wins out, you go to heaven.
So, typically, this person compares themselves morally to others. They admit they aren’t perfect, but consider themselves morally superior to criminals shown on the news. And to prove it, they post all their virtuous acts on social media.
A rich young man who encounters Jesus and he asks him, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?
And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
He did the right things and checked off all the boxes. But knew something was still missing. So he asked, “What else do I lack?”
And what he lacked was a heart sold out to Jesus. And Jesus saw his heart. Just like he sees our hearts. The young man’s first priority was material possessions. Which is why Jesus told him to give it all away. Because Jesus wants to be our first priority. You see the do good approach wants to make a contribution. But Jesus wants a commitment. And this takes us to the last approach.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Follow Jesus
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known scripture verses in the Bible and says, “For God so loved the world he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
However, Jesus was more demanding.
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. (ESV, Luke 9:23)
Following Jesus is not an easy path. Especially in today’s secular culture that is growing more hostile towards the Bible and Christians. It takes more courage and commitment to follow Jesus today than ever before.
It involves submitting yourself to God. Confessing your sin, asking Jesus for forgiveness, and following him as Savior and Lord. It’s the approach that answers all the ultimate questions in life.
Deuteronomy 13:4 puts it this way:
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
It’s simple though not easy. But it’s a life full of joy. Of meaning and purpose. And eternal hope. As you consider these different approaches, I pray you consider the one that follows Jesus.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Christianity gives a second chance. And that’s what sets it apart from other religions. Because life is complicated and we don’t always get things right the first time. So God gives us a spiritual do over through a walk of faith.
Christianity gives a second chance to change your life
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and follow me.
If you’re headed in the wrong direction and need a course correction, Christianity offers a second chance to turn your life around.
But first you have to recognize the real problem. What the Bible calls sin. Essentially, sin is separation from God. Represented by the natural inclination to follow selfish desires and disobey God’s moral laws. However, Jesus Christ is the remedy when we willingly choose to follow him.
Jesus described it in a conversation with a religious leader named Nicodemus.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. (ESV. John 3:3)
Sound confusing? Nicodemus was certainly confused. Because Jesus was talking about a spiritual rebirth. And that takes place when we confess Jesus as Savior and follow him as Lord.
It doesn’t mean we are suddenly perfect and never sin again. Or the earthly consequences of sin goes away. But it does mean that in God’s eyes, our sin is wiped clean.
Christianity gives a second chance to change your mind
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. (ESV, Romans 12:2)
Sin trashes our minds. Fills it with fear, anxiety, loneliness, mental disorders, traumatic memories, and more. Because our adversary, Satan, wants to keep us mentally oppressed. But God renews our minds.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (ESV, Matthew 4:17)
The change begins when we repent. Hold on, it’s not the stereotypical, red faced pastor screaming condemnation and judgement.
The Greek word is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently or reconsider. It’s an act of our will to consciously move in a new direction. The point is, God does not control or manipulate our decisions. We have to want His second chance offer. But He heals the demons in our minds when we turn it over to Him.
Christianity gives a second chance to change your heart
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. (ESV, Jeremiah 17:9-10)
Well meaning people say we are basically good. And encourage us to follow our hearts. However, Scripture says our hearts are full of sin. And following it leads to eternal death. But through Jesus our hearts are changed when we seek his forgiveness of sin.
That’s when God goes to work.
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (ESV, Ezekiel 36:26-27)
The change is not always immediate. But it is dramatic as your character radically transforms into a new person. One with a new perspective, purpose, and sense of hope in a walk of faith.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Three steps to a purpose driven faith. Feeling aimless? Here are three steps in a meaningful direction towards a purpose driven faith.
Three steps to a purpose driven faith. Center your mind on God
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV, Lamentations 3:22-23)
We process thousands of thoughts a day. Problems to solve, tasks to do, ideas to cogitate. And positively directing the flow of this massive, mental herd is challenging due to all the bum steers.
Why? Because the mind is where sinful thoughts begin. But centering our minds on God helps push them out. And the best way to begin is by beginning your day WITH God. Reading his Word and conversing with him through prayer.
Think of it as a reset. An opportunity to lean on God’s mercies and faithfulness. Confess yesterday’s sins and pursue today’s righteousness. To spiritually connect with your heavenly Father and commit your day for His glory.
Although you don’t have to stop there. Throughout the day…
Capture your thoughts
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 10:5)
A serious battle for our minds rages all day long. And Paul uses a military analogy to reinforce the importance of guarding them. Because if Satan controls them, then he controls our actions. Therefore, we must remain alert and diligent.
Redirect your thoughts
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV, Philippians 4:8)
Minds that wander too long among unhealthy daydreams and fantasies beg for trouble. And trying to NOT think about them only assures that we will. So redirect them. Play Christian music. Listen to a Christian podcast. And keep Bible verses on note cards and read them during the day. The point is, be active, not passive on mind management.
Three steps to a purpose driven faith. Love your neighbor
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (ESV, Luke 12:27)
The Greek word for “love” in this verse is agape. It represents God’s unconditional love that He desires from us in return. God wants first place in our lives. And second to that is love for others.
However, Agape love is much different than the romantic, sexually driven idea of love that dominates today’s culture. And is best represented by the Greek word eros, from which comes the word erotic. It emphasizes feelings with a focus on satisfying personal desires.
Agape is an expression of love more than feelings and is demonstrated in practical, action oriented ways. Because rather than inward, it looks outwards on the needs of others. Even our enemies. Jesus illustrated it in his parable of the Good Samaritan. And why is the story so powerful? Because the story hero was a Samaritan–an ethnic group member Jesus’ Jewish audience despised.
Three steps to a purpose driven faith. Serve others.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV, John 13:14-15)
The scene takes place during the Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples. Commonly called the last supper. Because the next day Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross. And his last act as spiritual leader and Lord was to wash the feet of each disciple.
The God of the universe with legions of angels at his command, humbled himself to wash the dirty, smelly feet of his creation. And a simple instruction that we should follow his example. Sounds simple. Looks easy. But it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do.
Because putting others first goes against our self-centered, human nature. It means tabling your entitlements. Accepting the seat of lower status. Not just swallowing your pride, but savoring the taste as you chew it.
By contributing to human flourishing you participate in an eternal reality you probably never considered. That while God could easily accomplish this himself, he chooses, instead, to do so through us. Therefore, your own troubles grow less pressing. A sense of gratitude increases. And a profound truth creates a new perspective. Because you are aligned with God’s eternal purpose. And there is no greater purpose than that.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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