WHO IS YOUR GOD?

This post was the focus given at our Prayer Meeting: "Praying Over our City," by Hazel Moon

 

Does it really matter who you consider as your God? 

 

Many cultures worship nature, and have many gods, such as the sun god, moon god, fertility god, and many others.  Some cultures even are so fearful of Satan that they worship evil spirits. 

In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were easily swayed.  One day they told Moses, Yes, we understand God in heaven is the true God and Him only will we serve.  It was only a few days later that they were pulling off their clothes, dancing before a golden calf and declaring the gold idol to be the one who delivered them from Egypt.

Often they would again rebel and would take on the gods of their neighbors. 

The three Hebrew children were told to fall down under threat of death, and worship the idol that represented the King as god, but they refused and God preserved them. 

Joshua was straight forward when he gave the Israelites a choice:  Yes there are a LOT of gods out there, but for me and my house we will serve the Lord God in Heaven who is all powerful. 

Jesus gave us an example who to pray to when he began his simple prayer:  “Our Father which is in heaven, hallowed is your name.” 

Jesus declared that He was the Way the Truth and the Life.  John 14:6  Jesus said; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

In this world there is a host of “religious” powerless gods to choose from.  Does it really matter which god you chose? 

Those who serve Jesus by coming in complete surrender and casting their past, present and future life at His feet will experience complete deliverance. 

As time goes on, there are deceived prophets who write a book adding to and twisting the scriptures to offer seekers a watered down god.  Some claim an angel gave them golden plates, or their hand just moved supernaturally to write. 

Others offer a guide book with moral lessons on finding the god within you.  Some say, it doesn’t matter who you call god, just so you allow (whoever it is) your chosen god to help you change.  

 

I am not against self help books, and I have read some and found them helpful, the bottom line is that they should NOT 'replace' the Bible.

Many of our citizens in this city are serving a god whether they know it or not.  We are praying that they will exchange their flimsy rag doll god for The True God in heaven.  He is the one who gave us His Son to save us from all our sins; addictions, sinful habits, and life styles that are not pleasing in His sight.  The Holy Spirit offers power to walk a righteous life. 

Choose you this day who you will serve and make your choice solid once and for all.

Matt 22:37  Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your strength, and with all your mind.”

Luke 4:8  Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve ONLY him.'"

John 17:3  And this is eternal life, that they know you, the ONLY true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Acts 4:12  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

I Tim 2:5  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

 

Pray for the citizens in your city that they will recognize the True God and will accept Him as Lord and make a total commitment. to serve Him.

 

 

QUESTIONING LEADERSHIP

This post was from my notes as Linda taught our Bible Study on Sunday Mornings at Open Door Church.

 

 

 

Our study has been on the Ark in the Old Testament Tent Tabernacle.  On the cover of the ark were two angels.  They were to protect the ark and it’s contents. 

Numbers 16 records an interesting situation to represent leadership of the current church, and the importance of offering to God according to the proper method.

We are to come humbly with a clean heart, absent of pride or artificial exaltation.

Korah was not worthy to light the incense and God was displeased.  Korah was not ordained to the priesthood and he had decided to ordain himself.  Korah and 250 men conspired against Moses.  They declared to Moses that “the entire congregation is holy so why do you think you should be in charge?” 

Korah's rebellion angered God and He graphically showed his anger by opening up the earth and swallowing up Korah, his family and all 250 of his followers.  God continued to punish those who complained to God that this was not fair to punish Korah's rebellion against leadership.  God caused a deathly plague that took another 14,700 persons who were critical of the harsh chastisement.

There is a bigger picture of what is going on in our Nation – even today !!

Because of Moses interceding, God told Aaron the Priest to stand in the gap and the plague was stayed.  May we also intercede for our Nation, our church and families.

Numbers 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

The Glory of the Lord appeared in relationship to Aaron’s rod that stopped the plague.

Numbers 17 God gave specific instructions what to place in the Ark of the Covenant.

Aaron’s rod was a symbol of authority.  Aaron’s rod budded with life giving quality.  All else was counterfeit.

The children of Israel also questioned Moses and Aaron’s leadership and God had them bring a rod from each tribe Numbers 17:  And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “get from them a rod from each father’s house, all their leaders; twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi.  Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you.  And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.”

I Chronicles 6:31-33  David was led of the Lord to appoint musical ministers to praise and worship at the Temple.  Some of these were descendants of Korah, who were assigned life giving assignments.  There gifts and calling was to serve, but not as priests.  The sins of the fathers do not punish their descendants.

God blesses those who write the story of grace.  Psalms 45:1 My heart is overflowing with a good word: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer

As we stand before the Lovely Tabernacle our heart cries out for the living God and His anointing.

The enemy comes and says, “You deserve to be important.  You are as good as the leaders.  Go ahead and lift up yourself."  Korah listened to the enemy and agreed with him.  Recognize the loud voice for it is the enemy.  The voice of the Holy Spirit is gentle and still.

Learn to be careful not to enter into rebellion.  Our ministry is of deep humility as we worship our Lord.

Don’t be proud and say, “I would never be like those people.” 

Remember Peter who said I will never deny you - - but he did yet he was quick to repent and he wept with great sorrow.  Aaron made mistakes, but God spared him. 

How does this work for us today?  God hasn’t changed His mind.  He still demands our heart to be changed and be pleasing to him.  Take what is in the Word and apply it to our life.  Not just read the Bible, but apply it. 

NEW WINESKINS

This post is from my notes as Pastor Allan ministered at Open Door Church.

 

Old Wine Skins Can't Hold the New Wine

What a week we have had; with varied responsibilities, a funeral and much more.  Our members stepped up to help and make things happen.  If you have needs, let us know.  We can’t help you unless you communicate to us.  All hands on deck, there is something for you to do here at our church and our outreaches.

I meet a lot of people who have a background in church, but they took offense at some words, or actions of one of the members or even of the Pastor. 

I can tell you stories about people who were hurt in church - - The enemy says, “You are no longer worthy so you might as well throw in the towel.”  It is not so much that people intended to hurt or point a finger, perhaps they were overly concerned for their welfare and it was taken the wrong way.  Watch your attitude when words are given to you. 

The “spirit of religion” will stop people from coming in the door, and causes people to shun church.  The spirit of ‘Religion” will stop the move of God. 

Jesus challenged the religious leaders who were proud to keep the “law.”  The spirit of the law justifies, but the letter of the law accuses.  Church members have been doing this to people for generations. 

Mark 2:18  Some people criticized Jesus’ disciples for not fasting.  Jesus corrected them by saying there is no need for them to fast today, but the time will come when I am gone, then they will fast.

Jesus continued to tell them not to put new wine into old wineskins or the old skin will burst and you will loose the new wine.

Some people have a problem because their heart is holding on to the old wineskin of their old ways.  Allow your heart to be purged from the old things so the Holy Spirit can pour in the new wine to stay.

Guard against a spirit of the Pharisees coming against the church.  We have a hope and the harvest is ready.   Many are dying and are on their way to hell.  They are searching, but are not sure what it is they need.

Jesus exposed the hearts of men, and that is why he got in trouble with the religious leaders.

We may all need to change in some way.  God has made provision for change by sending Jesus to die.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We skim over scriptures like this instead of realizing the reality of God’s provision to remove the old and create something brand new.  Understand this is truth.  Jesus has reconciled the world and has not imputed your trespasses.  He no longer counts them.  His mercy expands to cover our sins and give us the ability to live a life pleasing to God.

How simple is this and how do we change our old wineskins so others will desire what we have.

First our thinking needs to change.  You may have Jesus in your heart, but your thoughts have not been renewed and you will continue to have trouble.

Jesus said, “I give you a new covenant;” New chances in life, new direction, and all things have been made new.

For most of us it is a process, as you allow the Holy Spirit to stir you.  Renewal is a learning experience – one step at a time.

What is in your heart?  There must first be a willing mind to walk the walk. 

Be careful not to judge the person who still struggles. 

Every day keep focused and know that God desires to transform you.  Let the Word confront you and know it is for your good and not to harm you.  Be careful not to twist the Word of God to please your situation. 

Romans 12: 1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don’t let the world mold you to their liking, but think soberly and renew your thinking to line up with God’s Word.

Search the Scriptures for in them is life.  Begin to use your spiritual gifts, by serving others as God brings you opportunity.

Walk it out, find the balance and don’t be confused in what you allow yourself to participate in.  Don’t make excuses for what you know you should do, keep your relationship with Jesus up to date and be led by His Spirit. 

There followed a time of prayer as people came forward. 
 

 

 

New Wine is better than the Old.

This teaching was given by Hazel at the Wednesday morning Praying Over our City Meeting.

 

We have been praying over our city for many months, and the season of harvest is coming.  In life there are seasons, where changes occur.   Solomon wrote that to everything there is a time and a purpose. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (KJV)  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

We are believing that the time of Harvest for souls is here now. 

Many of our citizens are comfortable in the life they are living.  Perhaps they are not aware that they are in need of something NEW and better.  We have been praying that our citizen’s hearts will be softened and stirred; to receive the Good News that Jesus is offering them a better way.   

Jesus offers something new - - there must be an exchange of the OLD for the NEW.   The old must go; it has to stay in the grave and the new must arise.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

 

John Chapter 2 - -  The first miracle that Jesus did was at a wedding.  The people were enjoying the celebration and drinking the good wine.  The wine was not necessarily bad, and it was actually okay - - but they were running out of wine. 

Mary the mother of Jesus told him the problem, and then she told the servants to do what ever Jesus instructed them to do.

John 2:  And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 

(A firkin is approximately 10 gallons.  That would mean each pot held 20 or 30 gallons.) 

Jesus said unto them; Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he said unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

When the person in charge tasted the New wine, he remarked, “This is the best wine I have ever tasted.”   

Paul cautioned the Christians not to confuse spiritual wine with actual drinking wine.  Ephesians 5:18  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit - - - 

Many of our friends have been satisfied with their old life but Jesus offers a New and living way that is better than they ever knew before.  It is time for a complete change and a New Path in life.

Mark 2: 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are lost; but new wine must be poured into new wineskins.

 

Why Search Among the Dead for the Living?

This post was from notes as our Pastor Allan ministered to the Easter Crowd.

  

 

We are a miracle of a miracle working God.  I don’t care how terrible your situation seems; just know that God is able and willing to do a miracle for you.  He is still in control and Jesus is alive.  Easter is not about a big dinner or the barbeque to follow this service, but we are focused on Jesus and that he is living and ready to bless and keep you. 

Luke chapter 24:1-6   Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, certain women, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord.  (Because they could not find the dead body) - -they were greatly perplexed; and behold, two angels (appearing as men) stood by them in shining garments. Then, as the women were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, the angels said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  

Jesus was betrayed, despised, taken prisoner and abused.  As he was arrested, he was made fun of, beaten, whipped, and cruelly crucified.  God’s plan was that justice be done for the sins of mankind.  Jesus took your place and paid the price for your salvation.

He carried your sins, addiction, pain, sickness to a far place and left them there.  Why would Jesus do this?  His great love for you and for me took him to the cross.

The heavy stone sealing the tomb was rolled away and the angels announced “He is not here, but is risen as he said!” 

Why search for the living among the dead.  The grave is empty. 

Many are searching for something to bring them peace - - just not today.

Where are you looking for that which satisfies?  At the bar?  No, you will not find it there.  Why are you searching among the dead for the living?

Actually the disciple’s faith was weak, and at first they could not believe the report that Jesus was alive.

We often are rebellious, hard hearted and slow to believe.  Hold your head up and walk straight as Jesus paid for deliverance and it is time to walk the Holy path. 

 

Honestly sometimes we are guilty of walking up and down; roller coaster style instead of how God desires us to be sold out for God and walk according to His will.

We all have bad days, and we forget and begin to search at the grave yard.  We forget that when we come to Christ, old things pass away and we become a new creature in Him.  Stop searching among the dead.

He who they pierced is waiting for you to embrace Him, a final once and for all time.

We don’t understand and are confused and can’t figure it out.  We think it is too difficult.

It is because you are still searching among the dead.  What are your searching for?  The living is not among the dead.

There is a certain way to accomplish what God has for you in the kingdom.  Do you desire to become a teacher, a prophet, a helper?

The answer is simple:  Search among the Living for Christ – Come give it all to him and receive all he has for you.  Begin now - - don’t delay.

This is not a Sunday experience, even though we feel a lot better in the church service, but what about the rest of the week?  Desire for more, and keep searching in the right place. 

The ocean is strong with its tides – In and out – torrents and calm.  God desires you to level out and make the change as He works on you.

Don’t make deals with God saying; “I’ll serve you some day, or I’ll serve you if you do this or that.”

Come and lay it all down at Jesus feet.  Where do you search for the living?  Understand that some places of “worship,’ are not full of life.  Test the place you go for fellowship – is there death or life in the pot?  Find a place where there is life and a new experience that brings you eternal life. 

As we take communion today, remember this is my blood that was shed for you,  It is exactly that - - this is the new covenant.  The old is stagnant and is after the flesh. 

It is time for a change for the brand new you.

His eternal purpose is life and not death.  Search your heart today and decide now to partake of life.  Jesus is the way the truth and the Life.

He is not dead but He is alive as He said. 

Pastor called for those seeking life to come forward and many came to be prayed for.

 

Robert Moon 10/26/29 - 04/14/17 Rest In Peace

April 14, 2017 at 1:52 pm  my husband Robert left this earth and went to heaven. 

About 3 months ago after a bone marrow test, my husband was diagnosed with MDS: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are conditions that can occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are damaged. This damage leads to low numbers of one or more type of blood cells. MDS is considered a type of cancer.

Our Doctor told him that his time was short and to prepare to leave this earth.  For a period of time he was able to eat and take care of himself, but recently he experienced weakness and loss of appetite. When he could hardly walk, we asked the Doctor to set up Hospice.

We thought we could do care here at home with Hospice nurses once a week, until early this week I found him on the floor and he was unable to get up. His arms and legs were just too weak.

I called our Son-in-law Dennis and he came right over and helped him get into a chair.  Hospice had not made the contact and we were considering a care home as I could not lift him.

This was happening a bit too fast.

Two days went by and then Friday morning (yesterday) I found him on the floor with a bloody head wound.  He was moaning, so I knew he was alive.  I called 911 and soon they arrived.  The 911 ambulance took my husband to Enloe hospital, and on the way they lost his pulse, and revived him.

He also seemed to have a stroke and when they arrived at the hospital, they put him on a ventilator, an IV and monitors. When I got there, they spoke to me in an office, until a doctor came in telling me all this and I remarked, "Of course they did not have our records, but we both have a 'Do not resuscitate' filed with Kaiser."

The Doctor asked me if he should unhook my husband?  I replied, "That would be his wish." The Doctor said, "that would be mine too if I were in this situation." He said, we will keep him comfortable, but I must tell you that he is leaving us quickly.

They allowed me in the room with him, and I took his hand, leaned over and told him, “Bobby, I am here, and I love you very much.”  His mouth moved but his eyes did not open. I was in tears as I told him that it was okay to go.

I continued to hold his hand until a male nurse came in and took his pulse and said, "He is no longer with us."

By then Becky and Dennis had arrived and they sat with me until a Sherriff assistant to the coroner arrived. He gave us much information and was very kind. He took pictures that will be attached to his report for the coroner. We were asked where we wanted his body sent and we decided on Sheer Memorial in Oroville.

Dennis left to take care of some burning in my yard, and Becky stayed with me until the Mortuary attendant arrived. By then it was almost 5:00pm. Becky drove me home and my wish is to be alone for awhile and meditate.  Monday we will make further decisions. 

Hospice was never set in place, and the Lord knew this was the best way for my husband to leave this earth.  I know he is with the Lord and rejoicing to be able to see Jesus face to face.  I have had several months of preparation for this, but in many ways today does not seem real.  However, I know that I am not alone - - besides the Lord and his angels surrounding me, I have my wonderful family and friends who loved my husband dearly and also love me.

It had been a long day, but God is with me.

Covenant Relationship

This post is from notes taken during our Bible Study Sunday Morning.

 

God wanted the people to prepare themselves to meet Him there at the mountain. 

Exodus 19:10  And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes ¹¹ and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

On the third day there was thunder and lightening and a thick cloud as God appeared in smoke and fire.  God was going to present Moses with a contract.

This is an application to our relationship with Jesus.  We have a contract as in marriage. And we celebrate that contract.

The Jewish culture considered various washings as they prepared for the wedding.

Isaiah says, “God is our maker. 

The people were in awe and said, “We will do all God has asked.  They responded to the call. 

In the Marriage covenant we are asked:  “Do you take?  We answer, “Yes, I do.”

Surrounding Mount Sinai, there was a series of mountains protecting the Mountain.

We too have boundaries all around us.  Be careful and prepare to be ready.

Put God’s word in your heart and take it where ever you go.

Exodus 24:16  And the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.

On the mountain, God gave Moses the 10 commandments and told him to place them in the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy Place of the tent tabernacle. 

 

This was the first covenant given.  Hebrews 9:1-5  Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place. Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Also in the Ark was a bowl of Manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.  The rod was a symbol of power. 

Egypt had a “religion with their gods, and magicians with a spiritual source not of God.

Prior to Pharaoh letting the people go, Aaron’s rod was used to bring plagues upon Egypt.  The magicians were able to duplicate the first few plagues, but could not copy the boils, pestilence, hail with fire, locusts, deep darkness, and the last plague with the death angel taking the life of the first born in every household.

The people were told to prepare for deliverance, by applying blood on the door posts and on the lintel, and to observe a Passover feast.  They were instructed to continue this feast in remembrance of how God had brought them out of bondage.  They were to eat with their shoes on, a staff in their hand and ready to leave Egypt.  God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

On the mountain, God gave specific instructions on how to worship and the duties of the priests.  Korah rose up to defy Moses’ authority.  Moses fell on his face and begged God to spare this wicked group who were in rebellion. 

 

God was angry and told Moses and the people to separate themselves away from this wicked group.  God caused the earth to open up and swallowed the men and their families and all that belonged to them.  Then fire covered 250 persons who offered unauthorized incense, and a plague came upon all those who murmured about the punishment being too harsh.  God told Aaron to stand between the dead and the living, and the plague stopped.  14700 died from this rebellion.

May we learn and profit from the studies of those who have gone before us.

 

You Are Worth It

This post is from my notes as our Speaker John Orth ministered Sunday Morning.

 

In Genesis chapter 18; Abraham pled with God not to destroy all those in the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  His heart was breaking as he cried out to God.

Jesus went though every trial and trouble while He was ministering here on earth. Many times His heart was broken.  This was so he would understand our pain. 

It pleased our Father God for Jesus to step out of heaven.  We tell ourselves that we are no good, but Jesus says you are worth it for him to step out of heaven.  He could have just hung out with his Father, but he said you were worth it when He hung on the cross for you.

The sacrifices recorded in the Old Testament are a type of Jesus and His sacrifice. 

Isaiah the prophet looked forward to Christ.  Even though Isaiah was a prophet, he knew he was not perfect.  He shared his vision in Isaiah 6:  I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  Then said I, Woe is me!  for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

If we are not careful the old enemy of our soul will tell us: “You will never change.”  Jesus says “Rebuke you satan. No way can you have this one.”  The Holy Spirit of God hovers over you to bring strength to overcome temptation.

Jesus made a way to come to God by His sacrifice; and God split the veil of the temple giving us access into the Holy Place.

We acknowledge that we are not perfect and are not without faults, but we need to repent of our pride and humble ourselves before Him.

God is the deliverer to overcome those things that plague us.  Every day it seems there is something that pops up to trouble us.  It is time to recognize the lies of the enemy.  Satan does not want you to live in victory and freedom.  Be vigilant and watchful.  Come at him with the Word of God.  Say “Greater is He that is IN me than he that is in the world.”  Confess, “I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.”

A woman came in where Jesus was and she was weeping as she poured expensive ointment on Jesus.  She washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her long hair.  She was criticized by those standing near by, but Jesus rebuked them and said she did this because she loves me and I accept her love. 

Jesus loves every single one of you here.  His desire for you is to make sure all is well with your soul. 

Come out of the holes and dark caves of hiding and become who God desires you to be.

God has a good plan for you and a place for you in His Kingdom.  A place no one else can fill.  He desires to use you as you get to know him in a personal way.  He needs you to take your position willingly and not lightly.  It is time to step out and take your rightful place.

~ ~ ~

There was a time for the people desiring prayer to come forward and many came to receive from God.

 

 

Zechariah’s Vision

A Clean Turban and a New Way of Thinking

 

At our Wednesday morning Praying Over our City, I have been sharing several short messages about Dreams from the Bible.  Today is about Zechariah the Prophet’s Vision. 

(Zechariah 3: 1-4) Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”  - - Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.”  

When we come to Jesus, we offer him our filthy garments of our sins of the past; and  He removes them.  In their place our Lord gives to us new fresh clean garments of Salvation:  A robe of His Righteousness, and garments of praise.  God doesn’t stop there because there is more work in us that he desires to do.  God continues because our mind and thoughts need changing and cleaning up.  Our mind is covered with dirty headgear from our old way of thinking. 

Zechariah 3:6 And I said, Let them set a clean turban upon his head. So they set a clean turban upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. 

God isn’t finished with the new Born Again Christian.  He desires to renew the mind and this is done by the washing of the word of God as we read it daily.  Begin to see yourself as God sees you and make positive declarations about your self.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Helpful steps to renew your mind.

Step 1: Ask the Lord to guard and direct your mind.

My mind is the place of my intellect, reasoning, and intentions; my behavior begins in my mind, and my mind is where spiritual transformation happens From now on, I will do my best to start my day with a simple prayer: “Jesus, by your Holy Spirit, keep my mind firmly set where you want it to be focused today.”  

 

Step 2: Recognize the source of self-defeating thoughts.

Recognize the enemy, and fight him with God’s power and with Scriptural truth.

 

Step 3: Replace self-focused (poor me) thinking with a God-focused mindset.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

 

Step 4: Rest in the truth that you are accepted in Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved 

Understand that the citizens of our city need clean garments and clean minds because from the mind comes the intent of the heart.  Let us pray that their hearts and will to become tender and open to the Gospel, and that they will allow Jesus to do a new work in their spirit and in their soul.