Mind Over Matter

-

Our Minnesota granddaughter and her mother at a dog dress up contest. Their pup has Santa on his back.

Christ, though the Holy Spirit, is seeking to change our minds…

by the renewing of your mind,” being “made new in the attitude of your minds.” 


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. Romans 12:2


The past few weeks have been filled with people needing counseling. It's a known fact that hurts and heartaches heighten during the Christmas season. I think that's because it is a season the evokes memories and longings.


Pulling out decorations stirs my heart with childhood memories and memories of being a mama to young children. I've found myself wishing my parents and grandparents were still here on earth.


These verses hold so much power in the counseling world be it related to death, divorce, disease, brokenness, addiction, disappointment, marital strife or relational friction.


Let the Spirit change your way of thinking. Ephesians 4:23


Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.1 Peter 1:13


"Transformation is the fruit of a changed outlook. God is more interested in changing your thinking than in changing your circumstances.  He wants you to have the same attitude as and the very mind of Jesus Christ."                     Mark Buchanon


Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.  Philippians 4:8
When struggling with an issue let's ask ourselves. Do we believe God loves us, is sovereign, trust worthy, and working all things together for the good of those of us who love Him and are called according to his purpose? 

When we allow the Holy Spirt to change our perspective, that usually means we need to change our ways. It requires us living lives that reflect a heart condition that signals "It's all about Jesus."  For in that condition we find true joy and purpose.


Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Philippians 2:5-8


HA!  Just thought about Mary and Joseph. They had to deal with some major mind issues.


The Song

"A Baby Changes Everything" Faith Hill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eywhFR7DlCA

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y0_wNPSOaw


Popular posts from this blog

She Fought the Good Fight

-
Image
February 27 Bible Gateway's verse yesterday was: This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him . 1 John 4:9 A fitting verse for the day my everyday friend, soul sister, monster of the faith and mischievous partner in crime, Kaye, left this world behind and headed to her heavenly home. My husband was able to be by her bedside and said he knew she heard the words of our faith that he shared. Her sweet daughter held the phone up to her ear so I could say good-bye and the brightest single star you have ever seen shown through my bedroom window as she exited this earth! Yesterday, my heart literally ached so badly that I told the Lord, "Take me too!" Wouldn't she have been surprised if I had snuck up on her in heaven and said, "Thought you were going somewhere without me, did ya." When we received the call she was ready to go, I called out to the Lord for comfort and He led me to the Bible Gat...
Read more

Toe Sucking

-
Image
June 13 If I keep my eyes on God, I won't trip over my own feet. Psalm 25:12 …or allow them to be sucked off by carp!  For as long as I've been on this lake (49 years) we've gone to feed the carp at various marinas.   I have a bag of old bread waiting to be tossed to the carp tomorrow by our grandchildren!   There's a new adventure at a couple of the marinas.  Toe sucking!   For 25 cents you can buy a small scoop of peanut butter to go on your toes. Then the carp suck it off!   I just got a pedicure, so I have an excuse not to participate! What we do need to participate in is keeping our feet on the paths the Lord sets before us. Give careful though to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26 
Read more

Remember Your Story

-
Image
Our oldest granddaughter made this bouquet and hand painted card for me.💖 Nothing touches our lives that God doesn't allow.  He has a plan and a purpose, sometimes far into the future, that can be used for His glory. (Jeremiah 29:11) Flash back 40 years and I approached life's downs with an "I can't believe this is happening." and truth be told "How can I fix it?" attitude.   Now that I am older and wiser I see that God truly works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28) I thank God for the stroke 8 years ago and how it mellowed me out (okay some of you are laughing, but it really did). And honestly,  I like getting old. Sure, there are regrets, but there is also value in being able to pass along the wisdom learned from those regrets. God CAN use everything for His good. Mentoring moments are what I feel called to at this stage of life.  Working on a talk for a women's retreat weekend, I came ac...
Read more