Devotionals

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In the World, Not of the World

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1)

Many times you are faced with peer pressure, media pressure, and musical messages that encourage you to conform to the ways of the world. One of the things that set you apart as a Christian is your ability to step out of the “world”, to walk forward in the faith that renews your mind and leads you to the perfect will of God.

But is it that easy? Stepping out of the world's influences can be difficult. You are constantly bombarded with images and messages that are in direct opposition to God’s word. You decide to read the word of God and pray, but in a short period of time you realize that your time with God is non-existent or limited. What happened?

The scripture said, "but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Pause for a moment and consider what goes through your mind on a daily basis. Where does your thought life lead you? Are you aware that your mind is a spiritual battlefield? It is an area where you can gain control and succeed in knowing the perfect will of God for your life.

There are three influences in your thought life; the Holy Spirit, Satan, and you. The Holy Spirit leads you to repentance, to peace, and to fulfillment as a Christian, even in times of pain. He gives you encouraging thoughts, gentle conviction, and scripture verses when needed. Satan bombards your thought life with things that lead you away from God. He gives you thoughts that seem like your own so you believe them.

When you have a negative thought. Stop. Ask yourself, "where did that thought come from?" Analyze the things that flow through your mind and reject the things that are not from God. Replace the thought by saying a scripture out loud that proves what is good and acceptable to the Lord. Practice until it becomes a habit to check your thought life. You will regain control in an area where Satan attacks without mercy.

It is important to learn the word of God so that you can reflect on the truth when your mind is attacked. Memorize scripture that encourage and compel you to succeed in the spiritual battle you face daily. Renew your mind and you will find your ability to step out of the world is not such a hard thing to do.

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