Filled with Peace

I was sitting here this morning telling heavenly Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit how much I love them and I was flooded with peace!

I felt like such a little girl being lifted up in my father’s arms and brought to rest on his big broad lap. I was so overtaken by His greatness and compared to my minute abilities. Again, I was overwhelmed with peace by the presence of Almighty God, my Lord and Savior and the Spirit of the Lord.

Many times I am overwhelmed with the thoughts of God’s amazing love and peace.

Things in our daily lives can be chaotic and unsettling but when we focus in on who God is and how much He loves us, it’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket in a comfy chair.

Comfort! Peace! Security!

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Our Father wants us to be at peace, to trust Him, to know that He will handle whatever we bring to Him.

Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 CEV

Here’s to a peace-full day!

Let God Be True

We saw the verses yesterday that say, God is always faithful and His word is always true. James tells us that there is no variation of change in God, no shadow of turning. He stays true to His character and His word.

 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

If we wonder what the will of God is for us, His children, all we have to do is look at how He operated in times past.

He blessed His people with His abiding presence. He provided safety and protection for them from their enemies. He was their sustainer; He was their Shepherd who led them to green pastures and still waters. He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey.

Our Lord is a giver – a giver of peace, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness. As King David wrote in the Psalms, He is the rock of my salvation.

The Israelites made many mistakes. They doubted God’s love and provision. They followed after false gods. Because of their ignorance and rebellion they were overrun by their enemies. They went into captivity. But when they prayed God delivered them and brought them back to the land of promise.

I am so glad that the Lord doesn’t abandon me to my ignorance or disassociate with me because of my mistakes. We have His promise to never leave us or forsake us. He forgets our past and present failures.

The world, our world, tries on a daily basis to skew our thoughts to a natural way of thinking. It tries to persuade us that right is wrong and wrong is right; that good is evil and evil is good. We are bombarded to “think for ourselves, don’t be brainwashed or old fashioned, the world is changing, and we must be progressive”.

However, God’s word tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will never pass away. We are told not to change God’s word and that when push comes to shove, we “let God be true and every man a liar”.

“True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.” Romans 3:3-4 TLB

Trusting God’s word is invaluable! We shouldn’t be swayed to adopt other thinking.

“My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.

3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8 ERV

What decisions do you need to make today?

Trust the Lord not yourself; if you’re uncertain as what to do or say, seek the answer in God’s word. It will never steer you wrong.

Filled with Love

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I was reading I Samuel 1 about Hannah and how she longed so deeply for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she then took that little boy and gave him back to the Lord.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. She also took a bull that was three years old, 20 pounds of flour, and a bottle of wine.

25 They went before the Lord. Elkanah killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he usually did. Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’

Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother, a godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine if you will another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

We will be celebrating Easter in just a few weeks. It’s not a time for bunnies and colored eggs. It’s a day of great joy that followed a week of sorrow. Let the Lord minister to you, reminding you of the depth of His love.

His heart has always been filled with love for us!

Glorious Day!

Yesterday my thoughts stayed focused on God’s Best. Having God’s best for all of my family, friends and those of you who are faithful readers each day.

God always does His best; anything less and He wouldn’t be God. From the beginning of time, He’s shown His best to the world. He said, “light be” and it has never quit shining. He created the animals and separated the dry ground from the waters and those things still remain.

He said, “let’s make mankind in our image” and He did. We are living proof for his creative abilities. We are unique individuals created to show His likeness and love.

The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is. He is pure, and everyone who has this hope in him keeps themselves pure like Christ.” I John 3:1-3 ERV

Sin came into the world to separate us from the love of God. Satan wanted our worship and allegiance. He wanted to steal our hearts and devotion. God introduced mercy and grace so that we could continue to have relationship with Him.

“But God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace that people received from God was much greater. Many received God’s gift of life by the grace of this other man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15 ERV

Our relationship with the Father isn’t based on our efforts; we can’t earn it, but we can receive it as a gift. The gift of life!

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

And this gift of grace is available to everyone, not just a few.

“Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:2 ERV

This truly is God’s best for us!

I came out to the living room this morning, not ready to be about my morning routine. I wanted to lay quietly on the couch just a little bit longer, wrapped in the peace of the moment. Then my heart began to sing an old hymn.

“One Day When Heaven Was Filled With His Praises
One Day When Sin Was As Black As Could Be
Jesus Came Forth To Be Born Of A Virgin
Dwelt Among Men, My Example Is He

(Chorus)Living, He Loved Me
Dying, He Saved Me
Buried, He Carried My Sins Far Away
Rising, He Justified Freely Forever
One Day He’s Coming
Oh Glorious Day, Oh Glorious Day

One Day They Led Him Up Calvary’s Mountain
One Day They Nailed Him To Die On A Tree
Suffering Anguish, Despised And Rejected
Bearing Our Sins, My Redeemer Is He

(Chorus)

One Day The Grave Could Conceal Him No Longer
One Day The Stone Rolled Away From The Door
Then He Arose, Over Death He Had Conquered
Now Is Ascended, My Lord Evermore

(Chorus)

One Day The Trumpet Will Sound For His Coming
One Day The Skies With His Glories Will Shine
Wonderful Day, My Beloved One Bringing
My Savior Jesus Is Mine”

One day – some day – a glorious day, we will see Him face to face but until then we will be examples of His love and grace on the earth!

Walk By Faith

Yesterday we saw how looking on the outward appearance can be deceptive. Today, let’s look at the way God sees things and how that changes our lives.

“But we live by faith, not by what we see” II Corinthians 5:7 CEV

Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrew 11:1 CEV

“But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. 21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised22 So God accepted him” Romans 4:20-22 CEV

God told Noah it was going to flood but it had never rained. At age 600, Noah built an ark, gathered all kinds of animals, went inside and waited for the rain.

At age 75, God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations. At 100, that promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac. 25 years and Abraham never doubted God’s word.

At 80, Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt only to be stopped by the Red Sea. God told Moses to hold out his staff and the waters parted. They walked across on dry ground.

David, the shepherd, believed God’s promise to be the protector and defender of the Israelite people, so he faced down a giant with 5 smooth stones and a sling shot.

Daniel refused to honor the king’s order “don’t pray to anyone but me” and his faith protected him in a den of lions.

A leper heard Jesus say, “ask and it will be given to you”. He asked Jesus to heal him, and he was cleansed.

A woman with a bleeding disorder tried everything medically known and had no change but she came to Jesus, touched the hem of his garment and was instantly healed.

The disciples saw a storm and were ready to sink. Jesus saw God’s promise of protection and commanded the waves to cease.

Paul and Silas were in a jail cell after being beaten. They knew that God was with them and began to sing. The jail was shaken, the chains fell off and people were saved.

Right now, I have at least 100 more examples of people, just like us, who believed God’s word, walked by faith and not by what they could see. By faith, they received what God promised.

 But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

If we believe God is real and we search for Him, He promises that we will be rewarded. The testimony of those in the Bible is for our benefit. When we think that no one could possibly understand what we are facing or going through we have their examples. And we have God’s promise.

 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

Walk by Faith!

Working With & Not Alone

Have you ever thought about who you will want to talk to when you get to heaven?

Mercy Me’s song, “I Can Only Imagine”, immediately comes to mind. Beholding the face of Jesus, being in the Father’s presence, experiencing the total unfiltered expression of their goodness and holiness. I can only imagine!

But after the first millennium or two I think I would like to visit with some of my Bible heroes.

David, Moses, Daniel, the 3 Hebrew children, Peter, Paul, Rahab a prostitute and so many others.

These people are all accredited with doing great things with God. Yes, I said “with” God.

Too many times, we Christians try to do things “for” God when we should be working “with” Him. That is one of the foundational truths of our victory in Christ. When we try to do things in our own efforts, we will fail but when we know that we are “with” God we will succeed.

As I was completing my mental list of those whose lives had pleased God, I thought of God himself. How in each and every circumstance above, He considered not the ability of the man but His ability working through them.

Why would God choose a man who stuttered, a woman who was a prostitute, a teenage boy, young men who had been taken into captivity in a foreign kingdom, a fisherman and man who betrayed him, a man who had as his goal to kill every christian he found and more. If God had considered their past, their failings and shortcomings, He wouldn’t have chosen any of these folks.

A Bible teacher I listen to is known for saying “God hasn’t had anyone qualified working for Him yet”. What God does consider is His word. He knows that His word works, and it will effect a change in our lives.

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love? 36 As the Scriptures say, ‘For you we are in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.’

37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. ” Romans 8: 35-37

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. ” II Corinthians 2:14

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” I Corinthians 15:57-58

There are so many verses in God’s word that say He has already given us the victory; we simply need to keep our focus on His word and not on our circumstances.

Think about this today – God has considered you today and found you valuable and worthy of use. Let Him work through you.

“Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, 4 because everyone who is a child of God has the power to win against the world. 5 It is our faith that has won the victory against the world. So who wins against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5

It is God working through us to accomplish His purpose in our lives and with us to see His love carried to the world.

Proper Input

Remember yesterday I asked you the question, “What are you considering?” Today’s thought is a follow up to that.

Our most powerful adversary as believers is not the devil. He was defeated when Jesus was raised from the dead and we have been given authority over him and all his evil works. However, our greatest adversary is also our greatest ally – it just depends on how we use it. I’m talking about our minds!

The one thing God won’t do is force us to do things against our will. He won’t force us to accept His wonderful gift of salvation, even if it means we will eventually go to hell, and He won’t force us to accept His blessings that He is pouring out in this life either. We must willfully accept all of His provisions for them to work in our lives.

So how do we move the mind from an adversary to an ally? The answer is simple; it’s by what we consider. Our mind is much like the computer I am using to message with right now. It can only produce on screen or in memory what I input. It becomes our responsibility to input the correct information.

Today’s image is called a “screen saver”. When downloaded, properly input, it will be embedded in the computer’s memory and bring enjoyment until it is removed. We can do the same with our minds; input the good and delete what is contrary to God’s character.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

We let God’s word be our input and then our minds will be renewed. We should be considering what life will be like in heaven and all that Jesus did to provide this for us – if that’s our focus, we won’t have time to be “considering” thoughts that are contrary to God’s way of thinking.

“You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

It’s imperative that we guard our minds more than we guard our wallets. The damage caused by wrong thinking is more detrimental than losing our cash. In fact, it’s very similar to spiritual identity theft. Thinking like the world thinks will keep us from realizing all the wonderful blessings that God has provided.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5

So, counteract the world’s influence today and live out this verse. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

Consider This

What are you considering today?

A job change, a relationship, a trip, a new car, holding a grudge, financial difficulties, being lazy – so many things to consider. To consider means to think carefully about, especially in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on.

The things we consider are very important in directing our lives. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23 that “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. The things we think on can become snares.

Have you ever heard a noise in the night, something different that you haven’t heard before? It’s outside, it’s dark, the dog is whimpering on the floor looking at the door. If you’re not careful as to what you consider you will frighten yourself just with your own thoughts.

Abraham was an old man when God told him he would be the father of many nations. His wife, Sarah, was past “the age of bearing children” but that wasn’t really an issue because even in her child bearing age she had never been able to conceive. But God made him a promise!

“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, ‘You will have many descendants.’ 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised. 22 So that’s why “he was accepted as one who is right with God.” Romans 4:18-22

One translation says that Abraham “considered not the deadness of his own body or that of Sarah’s womb”. He pushed out any thought that wasn’t God’s promise. Yes, every one of those thoughts may have been accurate but he had a promise from God!

So, let me ask you again, what are you considering today? Is it a doctor’s report, then consider this “He forgives all my sins. He heals me.” Psalm 103:3 TLB

A bank statement, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory” Phillipians 4:19

Depression, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

Comfort: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” II Corinthians 1:3-4

God loves you and His promises are for you as much as they were for anyone who has ever lived. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Acts 10:34-35

So whatever it is that your mind has been considering, consider it not and think on this:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. 8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected… And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

Now, consider the promises of God!

I Am Convinced!

What a powerful statement spoken by the Apostle Paul. Convinced of God’s love and nothing would persuade him differently!

Have you ever been in a place where you wonder “does God really love me”? That’s a very lonely place to be. The thoughts in your head show you all the times you’ve failed; there’s a spotlight on every insecurity you’ve ever felt, and the measuring tape used to assess your goodness falls short.

In times like these, it’s easy to become depressed and discouraged.

That’s when we take the advice of the Apostle Paul.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world doesThe weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

 Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 ERV

If anyone had cause to wonder if God could really love him, it was Paul. It’s a trick of the enemy to get us to question God’s love for us. But God gives us power over those arguments and ideas. He gives us a new way of thinking, centered on His love.

Paul had zealously arrested and imprisoned Christians. He had been at the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity. He was on his way to arrest even more Christians in Damascus when the Lord stopped him in his tracks. Right there on that road Paul had an encounter with Christ and his life was forever changed.

Everywhere Paul preached he met with opposition and persecution. Beatings, imprisonment, stoned, shipwrecked.

 After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. 24 The jailer did as he was told. He put them deep inside the jail and chained their feet to heavy blocks of wood.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. 26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners.” Acts 16:23-26 CEV

He had plenty of reason to be discouraged but Paul faced it all – knowing this:

 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrownot even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39NLT

The Father sent His Son to die for us because He loves us. The power of hell couldn’t stop it then and can’t stop it now.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners... 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:6-8 NLT

My purpose in spending the last month teaching on the love of God is that you and I will boldly say with Paul “I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s love”!

A Life Transformation

As I was reading in Colossians this morning, I immediately thought of a series of stories I read to our younger grandchildren. Two of them are old enough to read the stories for themselves but I think they really enjoy the time of us sitting together, cuddling, and I’m glad they still like to hear the sound of my voice.

Max Lucado, the Christian author, not only writes books for adults but he has a whole children’s book line as well. One of these characters is a caterpillar named Hermie. Hermie has all sorts of adventures, each one teaching him about God’s love and character.

So, I want you to think about Hermie, his transformation, and your life and your transformation as directed by God’s word.

 When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” II Corinthians 5:17 ERV

Let’s read:

 Now you are wearing a new life, a life that is new every day. You are growing in your understanding of the one who made you. You are becoming more and more like him. 11 In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, circumcised or not. It doesn’t matter if you speak a different language or even if you are a Scythian. It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he is in all of you.

12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:10-18 ERV

Wow! That’s enough good solid teaching to live on for the next month or so. Daily application of God’s word brings transformation. Our spirit is created new the minute we receive Christ as our Savior, but our emotions and our will need to be transformed on a daily basis.

 Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 ERV

Don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged by the process. “Let God change you inside with a new way of thinking”. The transformation takes place daily – God is working in us and through us, giving us a new way of thinking, completing the transformation.

“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 ERV