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How Does God Renew Our Thoughts, and Why Are They Important?

Jeannie Waters27 Comments on How Does God Renew Our Thoughts, and Why Are They Important?

In this four-part series, I’m sharing how we can turn all parts of our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions—to the Light of Christ. Here’s a link to Open Our Hearts PART 1. Today in Part 2, we’ll talk about our thoughts.

A problem with my thoughts

Recently, I flipped the switch to turn off my ceiling fan and wondered if the control still worked. The fan blades continued to spin for several minutes before stopping. My mind is like this sometimes. When I try to turn off my brain to relax or pray, it continues to whirl and buzz. Sound familiar?   

Although our brains constantly monitor involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, they flip into action automatically when we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, or remember.

The brain’s ON switch is prompt. I wonder why the OFF switch is so reluctant. My brain’s accelerator works well, but sometimes its brakes fail. Like the fan, it continues to whirl.

Our minds, always teeming with ideas, generate lots of thoughts. Throughout our waking hours, our efficient brains capture ideas from novels, TV news, conversations, advertisements, magazine articles, social media videos, and other sensory stimuli. 

Sometimes our minds settle on peaceful, biblical thoughts, but at other times they spin off into prideful, critical, or ungodly ideas. They whoosh from what-if scenarios to worrisome thoughts—thoughts of “I should have,” “If he would only,” or “Something bad is going to happen.”

We’re powerless to capture spinning thoughts, and sometimes we can’t even slow them down long enough to rest or pray. How can we honor God with our thoughts and become more like Jesus? The Bible teaches us our thoughts aren’t like God’s thoughts at all.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

Human effort to harness these thoughts and steer them in the right direction results in short-lived success at best. But as always, God provides a solution to our dilemma.

God’s solution

He promises to transform believers—to make us more like Jesus—by renewing our minds. This truth shines a spotlight on the significance of our thoughts. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

God uses the power of His Word as the primary tool to renew our minds. As we study and learn, we can better “discern the will of God” and learn “what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Our thoughts will align with His more and more as we listen to a godly pastor, study the Bible individually, and participate in group study. Bible study helps us apply the brakes to those rapid-fire thoughts and reminds us to turn our attention to the Light of the World. When He directs our thoughts, we can relax and pray.

The more we immerse our minds in Scripture, the more the Holy Spirit infuses our thoughts with biblical truth and renews our minds.

The more we immerse our minds in Scripture, the more the Holy Spirit infuses our thoughts with biblical truth and renews our minds. Share on X

Like me, maybe you need help focusing your mind. A familiar verse in Philippians 4 offers the guidance we need.

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 ESV

Imagine how concentrating on thoughts like these could brighten your day. Read the verse again. Do the words help you take a deep breath and smile?

Let’s meditate on this verse and ask God to renew our minds as we turn our thoughts to the Light of His presence and transforming power.  

YOUR TURN

If you sometimes struggle as I do to calm your mind for rest or prayer, what do you do? How do you fill your mind with Truth? I look forward to your comments.

Next time we’ll talk about turning our WORDS to the Light.

How Can We Open Our Hearts to the Light of Christ for Spiritual Growth?

Jeannie Waters22 Comments on How Can We Open Our Hearts to the Light of Christ for Spiritual Growth?

Lately, I’ve noticed how the sunlight streams through my kitchen window and brings health to my plants. I’m exploring how the Light of Christ changes my heart—my thoughts, words, and actions. Here’s how my study began.

My husband rarely complains about anything—unless my plants crowd the kitchen counter space.

“But they love the morning sunlight,” I say.

“They may love the sunlight, but I like the counter space,” he replies with a smile. “I can’t wash my hands in this jungle without bumping into leaves.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll move them,” I usually reply as I plan to sun them another day. Then I return my Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioide for technical readers) to the living room table and my Janet Craig plant (Dracaena fragrans) to the desk in the office.

When I leave one side of a plant turned away from a window for several weeks, glossy green leaves go limp and turn yellow. Every side of green plants—all the leaves—need sunlight. God designed them with sunlight-absorbing chlorophyll to promote health and sustain life.

And God designed believers with Truth-absorbing hearts which need the Light of His presence and His Word every day.

God designed believers with Truth-absorbing hearts which need the Light of His presence and His Word every day. Share on X

The last time I placed plants on our sunny kitchen counter, I pondered how I could open my heart more to Christ. We need to turn all sides of our hearts—our thoughts, our words, and our actions—to His Light.

I often speak without thinking and choose my actions without considering God’s will. I need to absorb His light into my heart to grow spiritually—to be more like Jesus.

When we expose each side of our hearts—every fiber of our being—to God’s Holy Spirit, He corrects us (convicts us of sin) and draws us closer as He promotes spiritual health and growth.

And wonder of wonders—He transforms us to be more like Jesus (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and offers an adventurous walk with Him each day.

Recently, I asked God to show me areas of my life that need His cleansing light. (I have no trouble discerning His answer for that request. How about you?)

In the next few posts, we’ll talk about how the Light of God’s Presence and His Word change our thoughts, our words, and our actions. I hope you’ll share the insights God teaches you.

But first, let’s ask some questions and seek answers together in Philippians.

Who began and promises to finish the work in our hearts once we surrender to Christ? Of course, we know the answer.

 And I am sure of this, that he [God] who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 ESV*, brackets are mine.

This verse comforts me when I feel like a plant with yellow, drooping leaves. I know He’s always working in my life. I can thank Him as I continue to pray, study, and change as He leads.

How did Paul pray for believers to grow spiritually?

It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10

Pssst. I’m glad that’s His responsibility and not ours, aren’t you?

What goal does Paul suggest for our lives?

Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ … standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 1:27

We know only God can make this possible.

Why does God want to shine His light into our hearts?

It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Philippians 2:13

His work benefits us in immeasurable ways but notice the why of His work in the last part of the verse—”for his good pleasure.”

In the next few posts, we’ll talk about turning our thoughts, our words, and our deeds toward the Light of Christ. Choose an outdoor spot or a place in front of a sunny window. Pray and study with me, and please share your insights along the way. I value them.

Until we meet again, let’s pray Psalm 51:10 and ask God to shine His light into our hearts.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Your turn

Please share your thoughts about opening our hearts to Christ so that we can expect healthy spiritual growth. Do you ask an accountability partner how you’re doing in an area you’ve prayed about? Do you journal or write prayers to God? How can we tell when we’re growing in Christ? I can’t wait to hear from you.

When we expose each side of our hearts—every fiber of our being—to God’s Holy Spirit, He corrects us (convicts us of sin) and draws us closer as He promotes spiritual health and growth.. Share on X

*All Scripture is taken from the ESV.

Rise, Shine, and Share the Blessings

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on Rise, Shine, and Share the Blessings

Liz Curtis Higgs grabbed my attention with joyful greetings when she opened her weekly “Rise and Shine Mondays LIVE with Liz” online presentations. “Lively” is a more apt description.

“Good morning, Lord!” she often prays in a cheery voice when she teaches online. Then she praises Him and requests His help and blessings for listeners.

Liz sprinkles funny stories into her teaching, often laughing at herself. She shares the names she assigned to her wigs during chemotherapy and giggles about the large, colorful earrings she prefers.

Although I learn from Liz’s deep study of Scripture and obvious reverence for the Lord, I also enjoy her contagious passion for God’s Word and the way she shares joy and other blessings. An international speaker and author of over thirty books, Liz seeks to obey God and share His truths with her unique blend of teaching and laughter.

I view Liz as a woman who stands on tiptoe each morning with a big smile, ready to capture the blessings God designed for that day. She embraces them for her life and generously shares them with others—blessings like His love, mercy, kindness, laughter, forgiveness, generosity, guidance in trials, and more. She points not to herself but back to the Giver of all good gifts, our heavenly Father (James 1:7).

Although I admire this godly woman, years ago, I learned the hard way not to pattern my life after another person—even a godly woman like Liz Curtis Higgs. God made each of us as unique individuals created for His plans, and He teaches us to imitate Him, not other people.

God made each of us as unique individuals created for His plans, and He teaches us to imitate Him, not other people. Share on X

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

We can, however, notice Christlike characteristics in others and pray for God to continue His work in us. In Philippians 1:6, He promises He will. I admire Liz’s diligent Bible study and her exuberance for sharing His truths and His goodness with others.

As we follow Christ, we can start our days with cheer and prayer as Liz started her presentations. We can take time to study the Bible, notice God’s blessings, embrace them into our lives as we thank Him, and then ask Him to help us share His gifts with those we meet each day.

As we follow Christ, we can start our days with cheer and prayer. Share on X

Your turn

What suggestions do you have for beginning each morning on tiptoe with a big smile, ready to capture the blessings God designed for the day? How have others helped you focus on a truth from God’s Word or shared His blessings with you?

How Winter Frost and Manna Remind Us of God’s Love and Faithfulness

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on How Winter Frost and Manna Remind Us of God’s Love and Faithfulness

Winter frost sparkles on our lawn like diamonds and reminds me of God’s provision. The higher the sun rises, the more reflections shine from the tiny ice crystals on the tips of the grass blades.

Bread from Heaven

This morning when I looked at the frost from the kitchen window, I thought of the manna I’d recently read about in chapter 16 of Exodus. God had promised Moses He would “rain bread from heaven” for the Israelites who were traveling through the wilderness after God had delivered them from enslavement in Egypt (v. 4) *.

As Moses witnessed, after the dew had evaporated each morning in the desert, “there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground” (v. 14). The Bible compares the manna to frost, so maybe it sparkled in the sunlight.

When the Israelites saw the white flakes, they said, “manna” (v. 15) which means “What is it?” They’d never seen this “bread from heaven” which was a new creation designed by God to feed His people.

For forty years, He sent the exact amount they needed for each day until they reached Canaan, the promised land (v. 35). Like the Israelites, we may not understand all our blessings, but our heavenly Father provides them.

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:9

Reminders

The manna not only fed the Hebrew people, but it later served as a reminder of God’s provision. He instructed Moses to keep a jar of it in the ark of the covenant along with the stone tablets of commandments (v. 32).

Our Father knows we need reminders—to praise Him for blessings and trust Him in hard times when we don’t see or understand His provision.

Bill, one of our Sunday school teachers often says to the class, “Why are we here today? We are here to remember.” His lessons remind us of God’s promises and how He fulfills them.

Of His love and care for His children.

Of the mission He gives to each believer.

When I read the laws of the Old Testament, I wonder how the Hebrew people remembered all of God’s commands once the prophets conveyed them. They didn’t have the written Word and the Holy Spirit like we do, but they had manna and other provisions to remind them of His goodness.

Like the pillar of cloud guided the Israelites, the Bible guides us and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

From Heavenly Bread to the Bread of Heaven

God no longer creates manna, the heavenly bread, but what blessings are ours as believers today.

We have the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, living within us. He came to feed us Truth and to create a path to relationship with Him by grace—an exciting life of daily adventure.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

Every winter morning, I peer through the blinds to look for frost. When the sun rises higher, I notice the sparkle and wonder what “manna” God has provided for me this day.

The frost reminds me to thank Him. What will happen on warmer days when there is no frost?

Will I remember His past blessings and thank Him for today’s? Will I complain as the Israelites did when they faced challenges, tired of the consistent diet, or doubted God’s love and faithfulness?

We don’t know what His blessings will be, and we may not see provision for every need right away, but as surely as manna dotted the desert landscape and as surely as frost forms on freezing days, we can trust our faithful God to provide for us.

We don’t know what His blessings will be, and we may not see provision for every need right away, but as surely as manna dotted the desert landscape and as surely as frost forms on freezing days, we can trust our faithful God to… Share on X

When we pray each morning and seek the Bread of Life in the Word, we can remember and praise our God for blessings seen and unseen and for His constant love and care.

A Promise and a Praise to Brighten Your Day

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

*Verses are taken from the ESV Bible.

Your Turn to Share

How do you remember God’s blessings? What reminds you of His faithfulness? How does His faithfulness comfort you in hard times?

Here’s a link to my last post: Three Ways to Navigate Difficult Days

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-to-navigate-difficult-days/

Three Ways to Navigate Difficult Days

Jeannie Waters41 Comments on Three Ways to Navigate Difficult Days

                                                                                                            

My leg muscles screamed in protest as I gasped for breath and pulled myself upward to the next rest bench on the mountain trail. I promised myself, “Girlfriend, you WILL be in better shape next year!” Can you identify?

For several years, our family of four participated in a volksmarch, a German term for people’s walk. Beginning at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail near Helen, Georgia, we walked only five kilometers, but with steep inclines, the distance seemed much further. At the finish line, with relief and perspiration, we accepted our medals as family tradition mementos.

Do you have days that feel like an arduous walk up a mountain while others resemble a leisurely stroll? I do. On those troublesome days, challenges can feel like rocks in our backpack, slowing progress and discouraging us.  

The verb walk in the Bible describes the daily life and behavior of one who has surrendered her life to Christ.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.

Colossians 2:6 ESV

                 Paul prayed believers would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10 ESV). How can we navigate life’s challenging times as believers and continue to bear fruit? Consider the following:   

Three Ways to Navigate Difficult Days

1. Look for markers in the Bible.

On the Appalachian Trail, arrowed signs pointed the way and prevented error when undergrowth obscured forks in the trail. The Bible is like a collection of markers, guiding us in God’s way. Bible study steadies and steers us and prepares us to face the trials of mountain trail days. Writing and decorating a verse may help you commit it to memory.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 ESV

2. Lean on the Lord in prayer.

My walking stick worked like a lever to push me up the mountain when weak muscles faltered. Communication with God in prayer strengthens us when we meet roadblocks and encounter difficulties. Having an ongoing prayer conversation with God throughout the day helps us enjoy His presence and yields His peace and wisdom to bolster us to the next level on the journey. He knows the future, and we can trust Him with today and tomorrow.      

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

3. Listen to trustworthy Christ followers.

Although I read the signs and used a walking stick, I also needed my family’s encouragement, and at some points, a literal push over the next ridge. Truth. Asking for help can be humbling, yet other Christians can remind us of biblical truth and the fact that God is always with us, even on hard days.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

            How is your walk today? Perhaps printing the verses above on cards or typing them into a phone app will help in troublesome times. When a day’s journey feels like a steep mountain hike, turn the day into an adventure with God by searching for His direction in the Bible and in prayer as you seek encouragement from fellow hikers.

Now it’s your turn

What helps you on trying days?