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Minds: Key Element Prepared for Action

Minds: Key Element Prepared for ActionTherefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is reveled. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV)

Physical

An athlete must break through physical walls to increase their athletic ability. One of the most visible movie scenes, the death crawl in Facing the Giants, a powerful reminder. In Christianity 101…a believer will have invisible walls to press forward, overcoming the evil once done before knowing Christ. The devil is not threatened by non-believers. In a room full of believers, multi spiritual levels, a power move forward for everyone is the vision I want seen in all churches. My intent is to always build up, never wanting anyone to stagnate or go backwards.

SpiritualĀ 

The past few months, I’ve taken note of a few who have been moving forward. They are fully dedicated to attending church, even serving in church. Yet, when red flags arise…a Sunday missed once, then twice or when hearing one talk can hear struggle and old desires cause conflict. This happens, the struggle is real. Here is the good news…there is an invisible wall, Christians have to power through just like an athlete. Because, breaking through this wall means…surrendering more of the way once lived; self-ideologies have to be surrendered. In Christ, we do not stay the same. Our Senior Pastor gave a wonderful sermon on this a few weeks ago. As believers, we are new in Christ, new creations.

Effort

Accepting God’s free gift of salvation, is like any meaningful effort…it’s not really free. We do not get to live like we did BC- before Christ, once ignorant to Biblical Truth. When new in Christ, we hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness. We taste of the Lord, and know it’s good. It’s so important to be in a Bible believing, God fearing Church. We need to be fired up, not allowed to wallow in self-pity. The devil wants you to sin, to keep world desires. This is opposite of what God wants…1 Peter says it all:

  1. Prepare Minds
  2. Action
  3. Self-Control
  4. Hope
  5. Grace
  6. Jesus
  7. Obedience
  8. Do not conform to evil
  9. Be Holy

Minds

If the devil can control our minds, he has stopped God’s ability to move us forward. The way to prepare our minds, take captive every contrary thought to God’s Word, work on self-control. A way to help in this area, remove TV shows, music, atheist books- watch what we read…constantly guarding our minds. Years ago, I stopped watching Opera and Dr. Phill. I would not even watch Dance Moms. I do not want a drama filled mind. Today, I am tiring of all the depression commercials on HGTV, all the ailments. This is an attempt to engage minds thinking we have problems. Be aware of outside stimulants the devil will use, to break down in order to devour.

Power/Holy

An old hymnal…there is power, power, wonder working power…in the precious blood of the lamb. Jesus…our only hope. His grace is sufficient to meet every need. It is the name, Jesus…powerful and holy. It takes obedience to God’s Word, every Word of God is God Breathed. Nothing in the OT or NT should ever be discounted. Once minds are prepared, self-control is asserted; minds are clear to fill with hope, grace, and Jesus…there is no room for old evil desires. Why? Jesus is calling us to holiness, “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Be encouraged!

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