“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
Computers may appear much the same to the eye, but they function in thousands of different ways. The critical distinction is always in the software - the internal programming that performs multitudes of discriminating tasks. A Christian, one who has received the Spirit of God at salvation, has entered God’s kingdom. He is a new spiritual creature (2 Cor. 5:17), but he still retains the memory bank of his previous years. Habits, thoughts, inclinations, and affections can still influence behavior as before.
That is exactly why so many Christians live in such a miserable state. They did not want to return to their former state, but on the other hand, they cannot enjoy their new standing as a child of God. Yet there is hope. Your internal being - mind, emotions, will - can come under the influence of the Holy Spirit Who now indwells you. Your old mental grid system can be replaced by an entirely new set of thoughts and behavior through the power of God’s truth.
A new way of living is possible when you view life from God’s perspective and His truth takes up residence in your inner being. Real victory and genuine Godliness take root and bear the unmistakable fruit of a Christ-filled life.
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is...” Proverbs 23:7
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 6
“For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:25
Satan is always at work, seeking to blind the minds of men and women. His darkest work is to obscure man’s lost condition due to his sin and his need for Jesus Christ as his Savior, Lord, and Life. When the devil fails in this endeavor, he does not retire. Rather he is operating constantly to cause even the believer to exchange “the truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25). We do so when we allow the wrong thoughts of our childhood years to influence us. Perhaps you were one who could never please your father. Now you have a difficult time understanding how you can please your Heavenly Father.
We exchange the truth of God for a lie when we adopt the distorted cultural views of our society rather than the authority of the Scriptures. The world around us endorses the concept of “rights;” God talks about responsibility. The world sees sex as a mere physiological function without moral implications; God created sex for pleasure and procreation within the context of marital fidelity.
Is there any area of your past or present life in which you have accepted the lies of others about yourself instead of agreeing with God’s standard of truth about you once you are His child? If so, embrace God’s truth.
“...walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:8
Satan is always at work, seeking to blind the minds of men and women. His darkest work is to obscure man’s lost condition due to his sin and his need for Jesus Christ as his Savior, Lord, and Life. When the devil fails in this endeavor, he does not retire. Rather he is operating constantly to cause even the believer to exchange “the truth of God for a lie” (Rom. 1:25). We do so when we allow the wrong thoughts of our childhood years to influence us. Perhaps you were one who could never please your father. Now you have a difficult time understanding how you can please your Heavenly Father.
We exchange the truth of God for a lie when we adopt the distorted cultural views of our society rather than the authority of the Scriptures. The world around us endorses the concept of “rights;” God talks about responsibility. The world sees sex as a mere physiological function without moral implications; God created sex for pleasure and procreation within the context of marital fidelity.
Is there any area of your past or present life in which you have accepted the lies of others about yourself instead of agreeing with God’s standard of truth about you once you are His child? If so, embrace God’s truth.
“...walk as children of Light.” Ephesians 5:8
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 5
“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14
One of the greatest enemies of the truth of Christ is our feelings. We feel unworthy - even though God says we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and called by His name (Acts 2:21). We feel insignificant - even though everything we do can be done to the glory of God and used by Him to accomplish His sovereign purposes (Col. 3:17). We feel unloved - even though God says He cares for us like a shepherd for his sheep (John 10:11).
We must learn sooner or later to move past our feelings and instead lean on the indisputable fact of God’s Word. How can we do that? The best way is to compile a list of Scriptures which deal with the troubling emotions that beset us.
If we are depressed, we should take a week or so to find Scripture passages which deal with God’s joy and His comfort. Then we should write them down so that we can carry them with us. When these feelings assault us, we should turn to the Scriptures and read them aloud. We should tell the Lord Jesus Christ that we choose to believe His truth rather than our emotions. Then we should praise Him for His answer.
Refuse to budge. Your feelings may linger, but they will eventually will crumble under the weight of God’s mighty truth.
“...Your word is truth.” John 17:17
One of the greatest enemies of the truth of Christ is our feelings. We feel unworthy - even though God says we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and called by His name (Acts 2:21). We feel insignificant - even though everything we do can be done to the glory of God and used by Him to accomplish His sovereign purposes (Col. 3:17). We feel unloved - even though God says He cares for us like a shepherd for his sheep (John 10:11).
We must learn sooner or later to move past our feelings and instead lean on the indisputable fact of God’s Word. How can we do that? The best way is to compile a list of Scriptures which deal with the troubling emotions that beset us.
If we are depressed, we should take a week or so to find Scripture passages which deal with God’s joy and His comfort. Then we should write them down so that we can carry them with us. When these feelings assault us, we should turn to the Scriptures and read them aloud. We should tell the Lord Jesus Christ that we choose to believe His truth rather than our emotions. Then we should praise Him for His answer.
Refuse to budge. Your feelings may linger, but they will eventually will crumble under the weight of God’s mighty truth.
“...Your word is truth.” John 17:17
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 4
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Imagine this scene: A young boy lives in a small frame house in the inner city. He is surrounded by poverty and crime. His days are filled with emptiness and despair. There seems to be no way out. He does poorly in school because he has no motivation.
One afternoon a gentleman knocks on the door. He shares staggering news - the young boy is a direct descendant of a writer of world renown. From that moment on, the boy is never the same. He studies hard; he goes to the library; he helps his parents. Yet all that is changed is how he views himself.
Do you see why it is so important to see ourselves in the light of God’s truth? We are not plain Joes and Janes; we are God’s sons and daughters. We are not rescued sinners with streaks of goodness; we are saints - the holy people of God. We are not the same, ordinary people we were before we received Christ; we are entirely new creations. There has been a radical change. We are now heirs with Christ. All that God has is ours as we receive His blessings humbly by faith (John 16:13-15).
How do you see yourself today? Lonely, inadequate, defeated, afraid? The truth of who you are in Christ will set you free.
“...Let Us make man in Our image...” Genesis 1:26
Imagine this scene: A young boy lives in a small frame house in the inner city. He is surrounded by poverty and crime. His days are filled with emptiness and despair. There seems to be no way out. He does poorly in school because he has no motivation.
One afternoon a gentleman knocks on the door. He shares staggering news - the young boy is a direct descendant of a writer of world renown. From that moment on, the boy is never the same. He studies hard; he goes to the library; he helps his parents. Yet all that is changed is how he views himself.
Do you see why it is so important to see ourselves in the light of God’s truth? We are not plain Joes and Janes; we are God’s sons and daughters. We are not rescued sinners with streaks of goodness; we are saints - the holy people of God. We are not the same, ordinary people we were before we received Christ; we are entirely new creations. There has been a radical change. We are now heirs with Christ. All that God has is ours as we receive His blessings humbly by faith (John 16:13-15).
How do you see yourself today? Lonely, inadequate, defeated, afraid? The truth of who you are in Christ will set you free.
“...Let Us make man in Our image...” Genesis 1:26
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 3
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6
In the Fifty-first Psalm, David’s psalm of contrition, he declares, “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). God’s truth, woven richly into our innermost beings, is the foundation for freedom. God wants His truth to sink deep to establish His perfect wisdom in our minds and hearts.
When we understand the truth of our position in Christ, we understand that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit - that we are secure in the family of God. No act or thought can ever alienate us from the love of God. We no longer have to depend on others or other things for our identity. We belong to Christ; we are His and He is ours.
When we understand the truth of our personhood in Christ, our feeling of inferiority can dissolve. We are of infinite worth to God Who died on our behalf. It is not our income level or social status that determines our value; it is God’s estimation of our lives. We are so valuable to Him that He desires our company for all eternity.
When we understand the truth of our possessions in Christ, any incompetency or inadequacy we may feel is overcome. We have everything we need in the indwelling Christ. He makes us adequate for every demand.
“...From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
In the Fifty-first Psalm, David’s psalm of contrition, he declares, “Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). God’s truth, woven richly into our innermost beings, is the foundation for freedom. God wants His truth to sink deep to establish His perfect wisdom in our minds and hearts.
When we understand the truth of our position in Christ, we understand that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit - that we are secure in the family of God. No act or thought can ever alienate us from the love of God. We no longer have to depend on others or other things for our identity. We belong to Christ; we are His and He is ours.
When we understand the truth of our personhood in Christ, our feeling of inferiority can dissolve. We are of infinite worth to God Who died on our behalf. It is not our income level or social status that determines our value; it is God’s estimation of our lives. We are so valuable to Him that He desires our company for all eternity.
When we understand the truth of our possessions in Christ, any incompetency or inadequacy we may feel is overcome. We have everything we need in the indwelling Christ. He makes us adequate for every demand.
“...From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 2
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
John 8:44-47
A highway designed to exacting specifications gives us the freedom to drive. Medicine formulated with precise chemical components gives us the freedom to enjoy its benefits. In every instance it is the truth - accurate, unbending - that is the foundation for lasting success.
It is the same with the spiritual realm. It is the eternal, unchanging, applicable, divine truth that sets us free to enjoy God and experience His blessings. That truth is Christ and His Word. When we have Christ within and when we abide in (live in, meditate on, internally assimilate) His unerring Word of Truth, we are on the road to freedom in our emotions, our wills, our intellects; in our families, our jobs, our relationships, and our future.
Our constant battle is against our deceiver, the devil. His tactics always are to distort and twist the truth He is the cursed liar who seeks to enslave our inner man. The devil tells us: “You are no good. God cannot possibly be pleased with you. You will never amount to anything. You cannot measure up to others. You cannot overcome this habit.” This master liar can be overcome only by the truth of God as revealed in His Word and applied by the Holy Spirit.
“Enter through the narrow gate...” Matthew 7:13
John 8:44-47
A highway designed to exacting specifications gives us the freedom to drive. Medicine formulated with precise chemical components gives us the freedom to enjoy its benefits. In every instance it is the truth - accurate, unbending - that is the foundation for lasting success.
It is the same with the spiritual realm. It is the eternal, unchanging, applicable, divine truth that sets us free to enjoy God and experience His blessings. That truth is Christ and His Word. When we have Christ within and when we abide in (live in, meditate on, internally assimilate) His unerring Word of Truth, we are on the road to freedom in our emotions, our wills, our intellects; in our families, our jobs, our relationships, and our future.
Our constant battle is against our deceiver, the devil. His tactics always are to distort and twist the truth He is the cursed liar who seeks to enslave our inner man. The devil tells us: “You are no good. God cannot possibly be pleased with you. You will never amount to anything. You cannot measure up to others. You cannot overcome this habit.” This master liar can be overcome only by the truth of God as revealed in His Word and applied by the Holy Spirit.
“Enter through the narrow gate...” Matthew 7:13
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Truth Will Set You Free
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36
Freedom - some people spend a lifetime seeking it. They may endure tremendous hardships waiting for it. Yet the cost is borne because the alternative of oppression is too horrible for them to bear. Christ Jesus was and is the Great Emancipator. He came to set men and women free - not from political or military tyranny but from the far worse grip of sin.
When you embraced Christ as your Savior, Lord, and Life, you were liberated immediately from the penalty of sin - eternal death. Its mastery over you was shattered instantaneously and permanently. That was only the beginning. Christ did not come to loose you from sin’s penalty only but to unshackle you from its power that still seeks to enslave your emotions, will, and personality.
“...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” Jesus declared (John 10:10). Was He only joking? Did He really mean that we can attain to a life that is surpassingly free from the chains of habits and fears and worries Did Christ ever speak a false word? No, He wants you to be free to experience the most wonderful life you can imagine - His life expressed through your personality. Are you ready to learn how?
“...Your word is truth...” Psalm 119:160
Freedom - some people spend a lifetime seeking it. They may endure tremendous hardships waiting for it. Yet the cost is borne because the alternative of oppression is too horrible for them to bear. Christ Jesus was and is the Great Emancipator. He came to set men and women free - not from political or military tyranny but from the far worse grip of sin.
When you embraced Christ as your Savior, Lord, and Life, you were liberated immediately from the penalty of sin - eternal death. Its mastery over you was shattered instantaneously and permanently. That was only the beginning. Christ did not come to loose you from sin’s penalty only but to unshackle you from its power that still seeks to enslave your emotions, will, and personality.
“...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” Jesus declared (John 10:10). Was He only joking? Did He really mean that we can attain to a life that is surpassingly free from the chains of habits and fears and worries Did Christ ever speak a false word? No, He wants you to be free to experience the most wonderful life you can imagine - His life expressed through your personality. Are you ready to learn how?
“...Your word is truth...” Psalm 119:160
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