“Put off... the old man (your flesh and his carnal mind)... and be renewed in the spirit of your mind ...put on the new man.” - Ephesians 4:22-24
“And do not be conformed to (the picture painted by) this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” - Romans 12:2 (NKJ)
Obviously, we are to do something with our mind!!!
Stir your self up. (2 Timothy 1:6-7) Unless you stir your own self up, you will always be running to someone else to stir you up. They can spark the fire… They can even be used by God to fan dying embers into flame. You feel full for an afternoon – maybe even two weeks; but unless you keep adding wood to that fire (yourself), it will die again. You will feel empty again; cold with a mental and emotional Fahrenheit of 30. Your perceptions will begin driving you, until finally you run to the next guy to fill you up again. NO, no. That is not life abundant, overflowing and touching others. Nor is it a life led by the Voice of God.
"For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns - broken cisterns that can hold no water. - Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJ)
Leaking Tubs…
You leak… like a bathtub whose stopper is pulled. Where do you leak? Your mind.
Thoughts and distractions do attack you in every day circumstances and challenges. That’s why you have to keep your mind renewed. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to (the picture painted by) this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…(NKJ)
Continually be being filled. Fresh manna every day. The Israelites could not store up yesterday’s supper. God wanted them to daily seek the manna (a type of spiritual food.) “Man does not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3) You need day to day renewing of Truth – God’s word is your compass and your life. Without it, you will not make it to point B, but circle around in a wilderness of unhappiness, and a sense of unfulfillment. Stir your spirit up to hear.
When I’ve been in the world all day… I can’t come home and say, “I’m so exhausted; I just want to go to bed.” It is all the more vital that I fill up on the word – in order to flush out perceptions and emotions I have acquired that day from the world.
EXAMPLE: It’s like cleaning up corrupted files on your computer. Or correcting the perception of a frosted window so you can see out clearly again. The entrance of His word brings light. Light drives out the darkness – the perceptions that don’t align themselves with Truth.
For a moment, I want you to remember the example in Part I: The horse, the reins, and the chicken dragon! Then see yourself as that horse when your mind is not renewed to Truth. Hearing His voice becomes difficult with twisted perceptions.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to (the picture painted by) this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…(NKJ)
James 1:14-16
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his/the desires (of his mind) and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived (in your mind) my beloved brethren. (NKJ)
For sin begins with a thought. And sin hardens your heart in hearing Him)
Do you want to hear God? Has it been difficult lately? I encourage you today, to refill the tub that leaked! Renew your mind.
For those who live according to the flesh set (already) their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live in harmony with the Spirit, have set their minds on the things of the Spirit. "For to be carnally minded (bears) death (in your life), but to be spiritually minded (bears) life and peace (in your life)." - Rom 8:5-6
Watch for the next articles in this series… which will include a real life story.
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