Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 21, 2013
“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
God calls His children to think anew,not like they did in the past with old prejudices and skewed perspectives,but with renewed thoughts captured by Christ. Like medical science that discovers new remedies for old illnesses, the Christian mind grows under God’s influence. We love the Lord with our mind when we humbly unlearn untruths.
The mature follower of Christ learns to unlearn beliefs that are untrue. For example, the Bible does not teach: “God helps those who help themselves.” Yet, because we hear it repeated multiple times without rebuttal, it begins to blend into our belief system. God helps those who die to themselves, and who come alive by faith in Jesus Christ. Yes, the Lord wants us to work hard, but not as a substitute for our utter dependence on Him.
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Another untruth that needs to be unlearned says, “If you have enough faith you will be physically healed or you will prosper materially.” Jesus can of course do either of these, but your faith does not guarantee that He will heal you (though the ultimate healing is heaven) and He will bless you financially. Some with great faith, die of disease and some filthy rich in faith live a life of poverty on earth. True faith trusts God to do His will.
Often repeated but wrong is: “bad people go to hell and good people go to heaven.” Saved people go to heaven and lost people go to hell—only belief in the blood of Jesus Christ as the payment for our sin can gain us eternal life with God. No amount of moral acts can justify a life before Him—it requires grace not goodness.
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isaiah 64:6). “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).
Therefore, rid your mind of old thinking that assumes something that is not true, and replace it with Scripture’s timeless truth. A mentor or teacher may have meant well but a sincere heart that delivers half-truths can confuse your mind and emotions. Read the Bible to validate what you believe,and have the courage and faith to unlearn untruths.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
Prayer: What belief do I currently embrace as true that does not align with Scriptural principles?
Related Readings: Job 6:24; Psalm 119:15; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 2 Timothy 2:25-26
Post/Tweet today: Rid your mind of thinking that assumes something untrue, and replace it with Scripture’s timeless truth. #truth
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I look forward to reading Wisdom Hunters every morning to reinforce and strengthen my faith. Thank you for providing such a wonderful beginning your reader’s days.
This question is in relation to today’s topic. People in my Bible study class have often questioned if JUST faith in Jesus Christ will save us. Will there still be a place in Heaven for those with this faith, yet who still conform to “worldly ways” (love of money, etc.)? As for myself, because of my love and faith in God, I WANT to obey his commandments and teachings – no question.
Hi Kathy,
We are blessed to hear you are a fellow wisdom hunter!
To answer your question above, yes faith alone saves us. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
You can also check out a great series on this topic by Andy Stanley here: http://store.northpoint.org/now-airing/christian-dvd.html
Have a blessed day,
Bethany
Today we are finding more people comming into the church with a closed mind as to what is Truth. Also there are more churches comming out with a watered down Gospel.