Message summary: Let us all ask these three questions: "How is my mind being renewed?" "How is my attitude being adjusted?" "Does my life conform to the pattern of Christ?"

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"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 12:1,2).

Our church, like many, has coat racks in the foyer along with a shelf to place Bibles, hats, casserole dishes and so forth. But last Sunday I noticed an unusual item sitting on the shelf, a power drill. I suppose it was mistakenly left after some project. But it did my heart good sort of like seeing a roll of duct tape.

I greeted Fred, a longtime friend who often serves as an informal greeter. He is a hardworking mechanic who has worked at the same farm implement dealership since he was in high school for some 45 years. Fred is one of those people characterized by steadiness and I periodically call him "steady Freddie".

He picked the drill up and informed me, "The drill is here for an attitude adjustment". Now wouldn't it be nice if we could get our attitudes adjusted by adjusting a few screws in our head! But of course it's not that easy.

However we do regularly need our attitude adjusted and, although we don't usually see this as a purpose of the church, in reality church is a place we can go for an attitude adjustment.

Rich is another friend, a CPA I know through a business group I am in. Several years ago he had surgery to remove a brain tumor and he has recovered well. He told me that the doctor said something to him that he was quite sure no doctor had ever said to me before. That piqued my curiousity so I inquired as to what that might be. The doctor informed Rich, "You have a good-looking brain!" Well, indeed no one has ever told me that but his question did get me thinking about what my brain (mind) might look like to the Great Physician and the study of the spiritual renewal of the mind.

A surgeon has never seen my brain but the Almighty, all-knowing God knows my every thought (Ouch!). "The LORD knows the thoughts of man" (Psalm 94:11). "You perceive my thoughts from afar" (Psalm 139:2). We all have an ongoing need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. That's a vital attitude adjustment that can't be received by scheduling surgery, using mechanical tools, or paying a sum of money.

Bible teacher W.E. Vine describes this renewing of one's mind as "the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life."

The Precept Austin online study guide states, "Our mind is the control center of our attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions. Paul says that God wants our mind because He knows the power of the mind and wants it for Himself. He wants you to think His thoughts. As you do, your mind will be renewed. As your mind is renewed, you will be able to fulfill His will for your life."

As the believer chooses to saturate his or her mind with the living and active Word of God, the Spirit progressively renews our mind so that the way we see, think and feel lines up more and more with the mind of God.

I strongly recommend you memorize and hide today's verses deep in your heart. We both did so as young Christians and have often drawn spiritual strength and encouragement from these verses through the years. It reminds me of my personal responsibility in the God-ordained process of transformation.

Vance Havner understood this truth about the power of God's Word to renew our minds. "The storehouse of God’s Word was never meant for mere scrutiny, not even primarily for study but for sustenance. It is not simply a collection of fine proverbs and noble teachings for men to admire and quote as they might Shakespeare. It is ration for the soul, resources of and for the spirit, treasure for the inner man. Its goods exhibited upon every page are ours, and we have no business merely moving respectfully amongst them and coming away none the richer."

In summary, let us all ask these three questions: "How is my mind being renewed?" "How is my attitude being adjusted?" "Does my life conform to the pattern of Christ?"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, when we offer our bodies to you as living sacrifices we find out what pleases You and what brings You honor. Then we begin to renew our mind to be like the mind of Christ. We prayerfully choose to conform no longer to the pattern of this world, but rather Christ's pattern for life when He walked upon earth clothed in frail humanity. Virtuous character traits are seen in His words, in His works, in His resistance to temptation, and in His fierce devotion to lay down His life to free us from the penalty of sin. As we observe His life and His influence on other people it helps us discern Your will for our life. We're more accepting of You as the Potter who takes our hearts of common clay and shapes them into beautiful vessels of clay that make us useful for Your kingdom, honoring to Your service, affectionate toward that which comes from above, and clinging loosely to that which serves us only in this life.  Amen.

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"Renew My Mind"  Video  Kim Hill

"May The Mind of Christ My Savior"  Video  Jake Amerding  (Vocal and acoustic)

"May The Mind of Christ My Savior"  Video  Congregational singing

"Renewing Your Mind"  Video  A short (2 minute) video challenge by Paul Washer.