October 2011
Welcome to a new monthly view. God promises to guide us on the right pathway of life if we put our trust in Him rather than try to do it ourselves. Turning your will and your life over to God will be humbling, but it is the only way to lead a life pleasing to Him. .
God's Perfect Peace
During the past 36 years, it has been my joy to spend thousands of hours renewing my mind with God's Word. One of my favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 26:3, which states:
"You [God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
This verse is from the New Living Translation (NLT), which I highly recommend for those having a hard time understanding God's Word. If you are desiring recovery, I'd suggest "The Life Recovery Bible from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. In it, you will find helpful study notes.
Many of us spent years being enslaved by our dependencies (alcohol, drugs, sex, pride), so it would be unreasonable to think that recovery occurs over night. But the first step is admitting that sin has separated us from God, and then realizing that our turning to God's grace [ability] for deliverance brings salvation.
A Daily Renewal
So we can say, that perfect peace comes from trusting in God and then fixing our thoughts on Him for daily renewal. The Apostle Paul wrote:
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying,
our inner being is being renewed every day."1
After we receive salvation by faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart. Our spirit is born-again, but our soul [mind, will, and emotions] are badly in need of renewal.
In the past, your identity has been defined by your behavior:
"...but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been
set apart for God. You have been made right with God because
of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done
for you."2"Those who become Christians become new persons. They are
not the same anywhere, for the old life is gone. A new life has
begun!"3
A New Identity
This new identity becomes a reality as we renew our mind to who we are in Christ's finished work at the cross. We are:
- Crucified with Christ. 4
- Buried with Christ. 5
- Risen with Christ. 6
- Seated with Christ. 7
- Hidden with Christ. 8
- Reigning with Christ. 9
We are helpless to fight our dependencies without Christ. God sent His Son and destroyed the power of sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. And now through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live Godly lives.
"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace."10
A Conscious Contact
Remember, "God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You [Jesus], whose thoughts are fixed in You [Jesus]!"
The decision is yours to give time to God daily for building your faith. The Word of God is readily available to you.
"But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah, the prophet, said, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' Yet faith comes from listening to this messageof good news -- the Good News about Christ."11
If you are serious about recovery, purchase "The Life Recovery Bible," and start our by reading and meditating on the letter of Romans written by the Apostle Paul. He concludes the letter by saying:
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of the world, but let
God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is."12
Won't you trust Him today and commit to His loving plan for your life?
A Prayer For You ...
Father, we ask that You give a complete understanding of what You want to do in our lives, and we ask You make us wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way we live will always honor and please You, and we will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, we will learn to know You better.
We also pray that we will be strengthened with Your glorious power so that we will have all patience and endurance we need. May we be filled with joy, always thanking You, Father, who has enabled us to share the inheritance that belongs to Your holy people, who live in the light. For You have rescued us from the one who rules the kingdom of darkness, and You have brought us into the Kingdom of Your Dear Son. You have purschased our freedom with Your Son's blood, and have forgiven all our sins in Jesus Name, Amen.
Scripture References:
1) 2 Cor. 4:16
2) 1 Cor. 6:11
3) 2 Cor. 5:17
4) Gal. 2:20
5) Rom. 6:4
6) Rom. 8:11; Col. 3:1
7) Eph. 2:6
8) Col. 3:3
9) Rom. 5:17
10) Rom 8:5, 6
11) Rom. 10:16, 17
12) Rom. 12:2
13) Col. 1:9-14
Acknowledgement: A special thanks to Sherry for transcribing this months view!