February 2008

The intent of the Monthly View is to reflect on how God sees things, so that we may surrender our will to His point of view. Rebellion has been the problem since Adam and Eve surrendered to the voice of the serpent in Eden, 1 and God’s thoughts ceased to be their thoughts, and His ways no longer their ways. 2

Changing in - 2008

As the saying goes, “It’s the same old song and dance.” Once a song or jingle is caught in our head, it is very difficult to get it out. This is called a soul tie, when we keep returning to a thought that has created a certain euphoric felling. We all have strongholds in our minds from the past that we decided are either good or bad. 3

After my conversion in 1975, the hymns I learned from my hometown Methodist church in Texas sprung forth from memory. It was so beautiful to sing these hymns once again that were rooted traditionally in my family for the generations. On my mother’ side, my genealogy shows that many members of my family were named after John or Charles Wesley, whose movement became the early Methodist church in the 1700s.

Over the years, I had allowed the joyous truth of these hymns to be replaced with the lies of most musicians. I could agree with Bob Dylan that I was like a “rolling stone with no direction home,” but many musicians during the 60’s sung contemporaneously while on drugs. As I investigated many of the song lyrics, they made absolutely no sense, and were deceptive when left to the hearer’s personal interpretation. I challenge you to examine the song lyrics of the musicians that hold you captive to find any word of truth, especially if you are converted like me.

Choosing Our Thoughts?

Music is just one stronghold in our lives that must be discerned in 2008. We are to “…examine ourselves to see if our faith is really genuine.” If we cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among us, it means we have failed the test.” 4 It is in our thought life where we will first fail the test. King Solomon said, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” 5

We are bombarded with media attempting to shape our belief system throughout the day. The political system desires your vote. Millions of dollars are spent on commercials for you to buy their product. The religious world desires to entice you with their gods. What we give our hearing to shapes our thoughts, which determines our actions. For most, it’s easier to see that “we are what we eat”, since our bodies become obese or develop other health problems.

A few years ago, the Lord gave me a chart called “We Are What We Think” click here (Study Chart A7). By studying this chart, it will be easier to understand how our thoughts form beliefs which lead to actions, character, and destiny. I believe the Holy Spirit will use this chare to help you wake up to a more mature way of thinking so that God’s best comes forth in your life. My understanding of this process has help change the direction of my life.

Destiny At Stake

Our thoughts are based on promises, whether from a life in general of God. For instance, a college education promises a job, robbing a bank promises fast cash or drugs promise a quick fix, but these promises are not always true. On the other hand, God promises righteousness, peace and joy through Jesus Christ, which is absolute truth. “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that Is Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.”

Without a doubt, our thoughts affect the way …… we live. Buy most important is what you think and believe in your heart about the good news of Jesus Christ, and it is God’s Word, the Holy Bible that is to shape our belief system. As you hear God’s Word, faith comes, which is acting on what you believe. 6

For the believer, “…you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism [His death, burial, and resurrection] have been made like Him. There is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians - - you are the one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are heirs, and now all the promises God gave to Him belong to you.” 7

What's On The Menu?

Forest Gump didn’t say it, but “Life is like a Waiter offering you a menu of deceptive beliefs.” I have tried many items on the menu, but none are fulfilling, until I experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I found Him to be the only true Waiter, Who said “…I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to server other, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” 8 He not only said it, but did it for me 2000 years ago on Calvary’s cross where all my sin was forgiven once and for all.

He not only died for my sins, but “…He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God, and one Mediator, who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time.” 9

It took 29 years for my eyes to be opened to the truth. I wanted to help others not end up where I had in life, but didn’t know how to go about it. I needed Jesus Christ in my life to make me right with God through His blood for the life of the Holy Spirit to help me and others. This is what this ministry of abounding love offers to you – a new life.

Won’t you receive this new life today? It is received through faith in the blood of Christ. If you confess that you are a sinner, God is faithful to forgive your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of His Son. 10 But now, you must confess Him as Lord with your mouth, and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. 11

A Prayer for You …

Our loving Father, You know the beginning from the end, and the purpose of our lives. You plans are for good and not for harm. When we are faithful, you remain faithful. In faith, we ask for your will to be reveled in our life, so that we may step forward and receive all you desire to have happen. We seek to do your will and to begin anew as you would want us. Please open those doors you plan for us to go through to further your kingdom as we minister in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Scripture References:

1 Gen. Ch. 3
2 Isa. 55:8,9
3 Heb. 5:13,14
4 2 Cor. 13:5
5 Pro. 23:7
6 Rom. 10:17
7 Gal. 3:26-29
8 Mk. 10:45
9 1 Tim. 2:4-6
10 1 John 1:9
11 Rom. 10:9,10