Let God Change Your Mind

Let God Change Your Mind

I recently spoke to our students at WAIO on this subject and was amazed at how many of our adult leaders said they too thought of some areas in their way of thinking where God needed to perform some surgery.

Romans 12:1-2 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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."


Everyone who is in relationship with Jesus Christ has been given the mind of Christ. The problem is with us in that we have to let God change our mind in every way. Because of our society and culture this at times will be a never ending process. I got saved on July 13, 1996 at 3am. When comparing July 12 and July 13 in regards to my way of thinking, there is evidence in my life that my mind had been changed on many of my personal views and opinions. Sure there were some ways of thinking I had that took some time, but there is no way to avoid the change that took place in my mind when I was born out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The greatest example of this is to look at Jesus. Jesus who was fully God came to the earth and though never losing His identity that He was still fully God, became fully man. Jesus was a man of no reputation. Jesus showed us the ultimate act of humility and sacrifice by coming to the earth, even to the point of death on the Cross. Jesus took the role of a servant. The question must be asked, "Why did Jesus do this?"

The answer is easy. For us! Jesus, knowing full well who He was, never doubting one bit in His call, laid down His life in order that the world might be saved. We as followers of Jesus must take on this same mindset. Here are some questions that might help in showing us if we truly have the mind of Christ.

1. Do we consider others feelings, needs, and prosperity above our own?
2. Do our actions prove our lofty considerations of others?
3. Would others speak of us as a servant?

All of us need some work in how we think. Believers are not in need of a mind transplant, but more in need of some minor surgery. The only way we will ever be able to discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect, is to have been transformed by the renewing of our minds. Let today be the day that you say to God. "Change my mind in order that I might think your thoughts and be the servant you have called me to be." Do you want to know what your purpose is? Let God change your mind and you will surely discover it!

Blake

God Has Give us the Liberty to be Holy

The word freedom and liberty are very popular words not only in American culture but in the Bible as well. In America we have read about acts of bravery that have brought about freedom, such as the Civil Rights Movement. We pride ourselves as Americans with our freedom and rightfully so. American history shows the bravery of many men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For that I am grateful. We know as Christians that Jesus paid the ultimate price by humbling Himself and dying for all of our sins.

My only concern with this liberty and freedom I speak of is how I believe it has negatively impacted the Christian movement in America. It's like we don't know what to do with this abundance and freedom except to run wild. When was the last time TBN or your church highlighted someone who abstained from sex before marriage, is not a recovering alcoholic or drug addict and never struggled with pornography. I'm not suggesting we shouldn't celebrate how thousands have overcome their struggles and have been set free from the bondage of sin. How could I, I'm one of them. But what about those who have maintained this pursuit of holiness without the major stumbling blocks. I know we all have our issues but where is this freedom God has promised us in His Word?

I believe God has given every born again believer the ability to pursue holiness. John 10:10 tells us that God has given believers life more abundantly. So in reality it is the Christian who can truthfully say I am FREE!!! Yet, it seems to be a difficult task to maintain this abundant life here on the earth.

I believe there are several reasons why we haven't seen this liberty to be holy take precedence in the body of Christ.

1. When one of us goes the wrong route we are quick to give the devil the credit. I am not saying he is not a powerful weapon and wants to destroy us because the Bible tells us. I'm saying, if we say the devil made me do it, we then take personal responsibility out of the equation.
2. Many Christians confuse the freedom we have in Jesus with democracy. God meant every word in His Scripture and it is His way or the highway. We must come in line with His word and purpose for our lives even if it means we must suffer for it.
3. Holiness has not been taught, probably because we don't really know how to teach it (I speak for myself). My suggestion is to teach what Jesus taught.
4. Teaching holiness will not please the faces. Out of fear of offending others we opt out of telling them the truth about the true freedom that can be attained through a life of holiness.

In closing I want to highlight that I am writing the very thoughts I think toward myself. I am in pursuit of knowing how to get this message out without it sounding like I am passing judgment. The bottom line is God has given us the liberty to be holy. Lets try it!

Blake

The True Test of Faith

I was saddened to hear the news of Bronner Burgess' drowning. Bronner is the son of Rick and Sherri Burgess. Rick is part of the well known syndicated radio show called "The Rick and Bubba Show." These type circumstances are what make our minds spin, with doubt always looking for a way in. The true test of faith for most of us is death. Paul said to die was gain, but have I really embraced this truth? I pray none of you ever have to face the reality of such a loss.

The question, "Why a 2 year old boy," quickly came to my mind, immediately followed by, "How will Rick and Sherri get through this?" The answer is best described by what I read on the Rick and Bubba website. Click here: www.rickandbubba.com

Blessings,

Blake

Prophet or Profit?

In my short journey in the prophetic realm I have set standards that I live by. I pray they can be backed up with Scripture and I believe they are. As always I am open to change as long as those giving correction are too:).

1. If someone describes themselves by stating, "I am a prophet," I raise a big giant red flag.
2. If it is doused with doom and gloom or laced with fear, I reject it in the Name of Jesus.
3. #2 continued...But if it is a word of caution or correction and is given with encouragement and faith I will probably listen more intently.
4. When given a prophetic word I test it, weigh it, and judge it by the Scriptures.
5. If there is a financial charge to receive a prophetic word I probably will give my money somewhere else.
6. If a complete stranger comes up to me and reads my mail, I will ask God if it is Him. Satan knows my past as well as his demons, so I am cautious if all I get is a few highlights of my past.
7. Confirming words of something I have dreamed, prayed silently about or just visualized I will most definitely pay attention to.
8. Just because someone says, "Thus saith the Lord," doesn't me it is the Lord.
9. Just because someone says, "Thus saith the Lord," doesn't me it is not from the Lord. Read #4.
10. The ultimate strategy I have discovered is what I call the "Plum Line". Does the prophetic word honor and glorify Jesus Christ?!

We have seen the gift of prophecy become a mega business while the preaching of the gospel has taken a back seat. I recently heard Dr. Rodney Howard Brown share a discussion he had with someone who had recently attended a prophetic conference. When describing the conference to Dr. Brown the person went on and on about the words they had given and received. Dr. Brown listened and then asked, "Did anyone get saved?" They replied with, "No, but you won't believe the prophecies." Dr. Brown interrupted by again asking, "Did anyone get saved?" After getting the same response from this person he again asked, "Did anyone get saved?" He then addressed us and said you can prophecy all you want but if people aren't being born again then all you are doing is prophesying. So is all this love for the prophetic about souls or about a profit?

Disclaimer: We recently had a student prophecy to another student at a Wednesday night youth meeting. We were teaching on the prophetic and students got to practice hearing God and sharing with other students they didn't know. The result was a student got saved because of a prophetic word. So by no means do I not believe in or practice prophecy. I believe it is one of the most powerful tools God has given us to reach the lost. 1 Corinthians 14:1 says, "Pursue love. Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophecy."

We must get back to what Jesus COMMANDED us to do. "Go into all the world proclaiming the good news (the Gospel)" Matthew 28:19.

Preach Jesus!