March 22nd, 2023

Hey Church Family!

We've been talking about character.  We've said that character is the will to do what God says is right, regardless of the cost.  We've also said that, when it comes to our character, God's desire is for each us to look like Jesus.  Our model is Christ.  He wants us to act like, look like, love like, have self-control like, be patient and gentle like Jesus.  Jesus is the model.  And the method for character transformation is renewal of our mind.  In Romans 12, Paul lays it out:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Renewing the mind results in character transformation.

Renewal is a two step process:  Taking off the old, and putting on the new.  If you've ever refurbished old furniture, it is the same process.  You take off the old paint, ripped upholstery, and broken pieces.  Then you put on new paint, new upholstery, and replace the broken pieces.

The same is true for our minds.  God wants us to take off the old ways of thinking, old thoughts, old attitudes, and old patterns.  And he wants to replace them with His truth, His promises, and His thoughts.  God knows that if we can see this world as He sees it, we wouldn't resist His rule and reign in our lives.  If we could see ourselves, relationships, sex, marriage, finances, our jobs, and all of life the way He sees it, we would understand that He has our best in mind.  Renewal breaks down our resistance to His will in our lives.

The problem is we often settle for lies and live those lies as if they were true.  Lies about ourselves, relationships, sex, marriage, finances, our jobs.  God wants to remove every lie we've held to and replace it with his truth.

So let me ask you:  what lies are you tempted to believe?  What lies do you use to justify your behavior?  What lies have shaped your reactions to people or situations?  And what lies have fueled your temptations?

As God begins to reveal lies that have become strongholds in your life, the lie will begin to crumble and lose its power over you.  Jesus said that truth will set us free.

Here's a prayer for this week:
 
Lord, give me the wisdom to know what's right
and the courage to do what's right, no matter what.

Have a blessed week!
​Pastor Michael