Regeneration of Your Mind

Too many times we have built barriers in our mind that prevent our own happiness. Whether it is failed relationships, things we’ve done that we haven’t forgiven ourselves for or anger we hang onto because of someone that has mistreated us in the past. We need to let these things go.

What we say and do creates our own personal reality. This is what our relationship with other people is based on.  If we say good things and do good things to others we create beautiful relationships. On the other hand if the bulk of our words are defensive we create negative reactions with other people.

The Bible says “that you should be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which is the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NASB.

This Bible verse plainly states that it is you that has to change and start being honest with yourself and others so you can stabilize your emotions. To do this you must first forgive yourself for any hurt you may have caused someone in the past and you must forgive everyone for every hurt they have caused you. Holding in undealt with anger causes depression and makes you a very bitter person so when you react verbally with someone your reactions are self-hatred. Let it go!

Most people in this world live by understanding, however there are a lot of things going on in this world I do not understand. Why do people that we love die before their time? Why do natural disasters kill so many of our family members? That is why so many people have so much trouble dealing with grief. There will always be dramatic changes in this world that threatens our peace of mind. Death, separation from love ones, divorce and child – parent conflicts will cause many of us to withdraw or become defensive in our behavior.

Be gracious to me, LORD,
because I am in distress;
my eyes are worn out from angry sorrow—
my whole being as well. Psalm 31:9 HCSB

That is why it is so important that we develop a  relationship with God through personal Bible study and prayer. God’s peace surpasses all human understanding and He can create a mental confidence in us that enables our mind to stay calm when everyone around us are losing theirs. We have to stop thinking about things we can’t change. We have to have confidence in God’s plan for us and our lost loved ones. We have to stay focused on our duties and maintain our daily routine because God put us on this earth for a purpose that only we can fulfill. When I became a Christian I stopped living by understanding and started to live by faith; Faith that in the end Christ will make all things right.

God will only forgive your sins as you forgive those who have sinned against you. Sin is the rebellion against God’s law and as a result of sin you will lie, cheat and steal simply to cover up for previous sins. These things

cause guilt to build up inside of you until you are carrying this heavy burden. This burden becomes so great you stop being your true self. I have seen countless Christian people stop going to Church because they can’t bear the consciousness of their burden while they sit in the pew singing and listening to Gods word. They just can’t take it.  One of my favorite songs of all time is,

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and grief’s to bear! All because we do not carry, Every thing to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, Every thing to God in prayer!1

If you are living outside of God’s law you need to admit to yourself that you are in error and make a resolution to stop what you are doing wrong immediately and confess your sins to God.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 HCSB

Now I want you to forget the sins of your past and reject any feeling you have of condemnation. Therefore you are free from guilt, you no longer have to depend on your feelings, you can go about living your new life innocently because;

Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.  A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. John 8:34-36 HCSB

Our thoughts many times can be like a runaway train, it can rob us from self – control and cause us to react to circumstances in an inappropriate manner.  Reacting to a situation instead of acting appropriately causes us to lose sight of the situation. We have to control our thoughts. Self control requires willpower. In turn will power requires you to use energy and strength to overcome a temptation.  Will-power is an inner strength that overcomes emotional and mental resistance for taking action. It is one of the cornerstones of success. Will-power and self discipline helps us to choose our behavior and reactions instead of being their slaves.

For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.  And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience has been confirmed. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 HCSB

You have to be willing to administer your own personal discipline to control your thoughts. You have to fight for the freedom of your mind.

Satan comes into your mind all friendly and happy, but he goes out kicking and screaming. Its usually  drinks with friends that starts the downward spiral to alcoholism. It’s usually a casual joint that unknown to you is laced with crack cocaine that starts drug addition. It’s usually casual sex that ends with an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. In our society these things at first are relatively free, however in the end they can cost you a lifetime.

We are a self – centered,  selfish and a proud group of people who always puts ourselves above everyone we come in contact with. We are living in total disregard for the life map that God has drawn out for us. That is why we are so miserable. The Bible says,

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.  Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB

Start accepting people for who they are and not trying to mold them to do your dirty work. Look for people you can give to, rather than seeking out people who will benefit you in one way or another. Love everyone regardless of their social or financial status. These are the ways of the Lord.

For if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 HCSB

We are just like God in the sense that we are a triune being. Our persona consist of a body which is no more than a refined animal with intricate abilities. A mind that is self conscious when we are born and a spirit which most of us know little about. Our human nature is our instincts, desires, or appetites. The body controlled mind is against God because it refuses to subject itself to God’s law. The body has no ability to reason for itself, it only knows its desire. Left to themselves they are pure animal. This is why we see so many horrible crimes in our society because bodies do not possess intelligence. They only know pleasure and we are a society of pleasures.  A sexually  depraved human being is controlled by their body and a lustful imagination.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 HCSB

A disciplined mind and body is essential for normal mental health.  I don’t need to tell you that when you live by your instincts and you live by reasoning you become a self – centered, self – pleasing highly emotional human being with out any regard for others. I don’t need to tell you this because you already know. It is instilled in everyone of us from birth. We indulge in unhealthy habits, immoral and destructive behavior to try and block the truth that resides inside if us. If you are trapped in this behavior you will need to take back control before you can have a healthy relationship. Most people are capable  of doing this on their own, however some of us will need professional help and if there anyway we can assist you please let me know.

I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud,
and your sins like a mist.
Return to Me,
for I have redeemed you.  Isaiah 44:22 HCSB

A new dawn has come; it is early morning in your life. All the things that were in your past are gone. “Lord, empty me, fill me with your Spirit, enlighten my mind and help me to speak the words I ought to speak and leave unspoken the words I should not speak. Remove from me, Lord the thoughts that are an enemy to You. Guide me, counsel me in your ways because I know all things are possible through you. “

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 HCSB

I HAVE A PRAYER

I have a prayer that you will realize by reading this book that there is an emptiness inside of you that only Jesus Christ can fill.  You will realize what the Bible says is true. You will accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and will become a born again Christian, who will one day develop your own testimony and share the Salvation you received through Faith to others by your words and actions.

For there is one God
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,” 1 Tim. 2:5 HCSB

So that through Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven.  All we have to do is accept  Jesus as our Savior.

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2:8–9 HCSB

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. Rev. 3:20 HCSB

Would you like to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior right now?

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10 HCSB

If you will hear His call and obey His word, you can be born again this very moment. He will save you now and make you a member of His family.  Through prayer you can invite Jesus into your life. Start by saying

Dear Heavenly Father,  I admit that I am a sinner. I believe Your Son Jesus Christ died for my sins and was risen from the grave so that I can have fellowship with You.  Please come into my life and lead me in Your ways.

1Written by Joseph M. Scrivenxz