Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional - July 19, 2024
"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, NIV
Most of us think of weight management and achieving a healthier lifestyle when we reflect on pursuing optimal health. And yes, we are only as efficient as the nutrients we ingest. If we meet our nutritional requirements our minds and bodies are well-nourished and require no further intervention to maintain proper homeostasis. But what about the diet we feed our souls? What we allow ourselves to see and hear saturates our thinking and affects our minds, morals, values, and characters which determine our spiritual health.
Our thoughts, attitudes, habits, and actions define our characters, revealing our integrity. Daily, we are in a continuous battle of choosing between right and wrong and between God's Truth, False Doctrines, and Worldviews. Our senses gather information from various forms of stimuli. We choose most external stimuli, yet there are times when exposure is not a choice, such as a mandatory seminar or training in which the speaker includes personal opinions intended to persuade our values.
"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." —John 17:16-17
Diligently studying the Bible is the only God-given Book that renews our minds, bodies, and souls. Our faith allows God's Words to evoke power and we are spiritually transformed. Prayer for wisdom and discernment as we study the Scriptures is immediately provided by the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, and Interpreter of the Truth. The human effort of asking for Divine Help empowers us to stand for God's Truth because we receive the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through spiritual eyes.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." —1 John 2:15
The believer who stays close to Christ is also in danger of compromise. When tempted, if our first response is the simple prayer "God, I need help" heaven responds to our cry for Divine Intervention. The Holy Spirit immediately empowers us with knowledge bringing the Scriptures from our memory bank to our Pre-Frontal cortex-PFC [the PFC is responsible for "executive functions" like decision-making, problem-solving, and self-control. It also helps regulate emotions and impulsive behavior.] "The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17).
"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: 'Here am I.' " —Isaiah 58:9
Not only do we receive a spiritual full-alert that Satan is tempting us to sin, but we also receive a spiritual boost of Christ's Sovereign Strength to say No, and to walk away. Our unseen guardian angels fight the evil angels who strive to influence us to sin against God. Without embracing God's Commandments and Righteous Principles, we are left defenseless when Satan attempts to persuade us to compromise especially when everyone else is enjoying a life of compromise.
God has given us free will of choice and the responsibility to renew our minds. With our God-given power, we must do our best to avoid watching and listening to the mind and soul-altering information, music, and sermons based on the speaker's opinions. When we remain grounded in the Word of God, we can live as Bible-based soldiers who carry the Sword of Truth. Christians live in the world, but they are not part of it, and they should not follow its values, beliefs, or actions.
Persistent Prayer reinforces our bond with Christ, allows us to receive His strength, and the discernment to recognize and stand down the enemy's tactics. From staying connected to Christ, our minds are renewed and we begin to see life through the Mind of Christ. Sabbath Peace and Blessings!
Prayer: Lord God, we pray for the spiritual wisdom and discernment to understand the Truth of Your Holy Words. Empower us to live as courageous soldiers who refuse to compromise. In Jesus' Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
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