As God Renews Our Minds

                                                       When The Door Slams

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."                                                              Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV 

        Perhaps we all know quite well that God has made us righteous and freed us from sin's power, but perhaps it's harder to consider what's next. Are we freed from sin only for our own benefit? Today's passage from Isaiah says that we have been freed in order to liberate others from bondage, both spiritual and physical. If this calling strikes you as intimidating, or if you simply don't know where to start, there is good news for you. 

        God holds you and shapes you. The life of God is taking hold in your life and reshaping your heart, desires, and thoughts. As God brings liberation into your life, you will start to share it with others. You will even begin to recognize the opportunities to share that light with those who are blind or to bring freedom to those who are trapped. 

        As God renews our minds, He also take us by the hand, guiding us forward in His calling. Perhaps the thing holding most of us back is doubt that God is reaching out to us. Are you open to God's renewal and guidance? Are you too distracted? Do you need to set aside time to allow God's renewal to take hold in your life? 

        Think about this: The Bible promises this: Tough times are temporary but God's love is always. God's love lasts forever. So what does that means to me? Just this: from time to time, everybody faces tough times, and so will you. And when tough times arrive, God will always stand ready to protect you and heal you. 

        Psalm 147:3 says, "God heals the brokenhearted" but it do not say that God heals them instantly. So if you are facing tough times, face them with God by your side. If you find yourself in any kind of trouble, pray about it and ask God for help. And be patient. God will work things out, just as He has promised, but God will do it in His own way and in His own time.

        Confession: No temptation has overtaken me except what is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not let me be tempted beyond what I am able, but with the temptation will also provide a way out, so that I may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).   

                                                Temptation is not sin.

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                        Never Rest Ministries