Paul in his letter to the Romans gave us instruction by The Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)

2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

This is something I am to do with HIS grace. I cooperate with HIS word, and as I apply myself to this new “attitude”, I am then changed. I cast off limitations, doubts, fears, and learn to recognize the lies of “the enemy”, but more importantly, I am finding HIS will for me. Jesus said that it was “known truth” (applied truth) that would set me free. (Jn. 8:32)-“Not just hearers- but doers of The Word “ (James 1:22)

This is a great area of concern and importance to The Body of Christ, and one that each child of HIS must take seriously. There is a consequence if I do not renew my mind. It is a vital discipline for every child of God and you can bet our adversary works hard to keep me from doing so. If he can keep our minds clouded, then he can suggest his deceptions with success. Notice what James chapter 1 says about the mind.

James 1:6-8 (New King James Version)

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

We all have doubts from time to time as we grow and develop more and more into HIS character and our fellowship with The Father. But James reveals the source of these doubts- “ a double mind “.
Can you ever be stubborn about something? Do you ever choose to cop an attitude? -Something like this:
Well I am not going to let him dominate the remote control tonight.
Or, "If she thinks I am going shopping with her for her mother, she has another thing coming.Or-…. well you get my drift.
There are just something’s we dig our heels in and will not budge from. We have made up our mind about it.
This is the point James is getting at. “Make up your mind”. Settle it once and for all. If I don’t, I am unstable, and not on sure footing.

Now for me to have a renewed mind is a battle. It does take effort. The mind is the battleground, but I have an assurance from Our Father,

 Hebrews 8:10 (N.I.V.)

10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
   after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
   and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
   and they will be my people.

The Battleground

Romans 8:5-6 (N.I.V.)

 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
 Now notice this scripture.

Colossians 1:21 (New Century Version)

 21 At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, and the evil things you did were against God.

Jesus said that the devil is the father of lies, and that he cannot stand in the truth. But here is one way that he works. It’s in my thoughts. Our adversary wars by “suggestions”- and he loves it when I try to rely solely on my own thoughts, but- Prov. 3 5 says NOT to lean on my own understanding. The devil lies, accuses, and plants suggestions to make it seem like I just had an epiphany! We just thought of it!- But if I have a renewed mind, I am less likely to fall for that trick.
Paul was concerned about this demonic tactic. Notice.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (N.I.V.)

3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

The apostle Peter had the same concern.

1 Peter 5:8 (N.I.V.)

 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
How? Through our mind. A renewed mind, a mind trained and exercised in knowing and doing what the WORD of GOD, reveals to us, so that we discern when a thought is contrary to HIS will, can then be easily rejected.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (N.I.V.)

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Ephesians 4:23 (Contemporary English Version)

23Let the Spirit change your way of thinking

As I apply myself to HIS ways, thoughts and desires, “The Holy Spirit “ is changing my mind. My mind is being transformed.

Colossians 3:2 (N.I.V.)

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things

It is having a new perspective. Seeing things from HIS point of view makes all the difference in the world as I walk with HIM.

Isaiah 26:3 (N.I.V.)

3 You will keep in perfect peace
   those whose minds are steadfast,
   because they trust in you.

The old saying is true. Do I see the glass half empty? Or- is it half full? Which is it? A positive renewed and transformed mind comes from The Spirit of God, but I am to do my part. I am to re –train my thoughts with HIS thoughts, HIS will, and HIS word.
What do I do AFTER I pray? Do I just go blank? How do I handle my emotions when I am in a fix? Paul gave us these timeless words to live by.

Philippians 4:7-8 (N.I.V.)

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Each day I am to decide to renew my mind, and HE will keep me in perfect peace.
 

Know HIS love daily,

Pastor John