Pastor Norman

The apostle Paul described the struggle he often contended with, his new nature (spirit or heart), that resulted from giving his life to Jesus Christ, wanting to serve God but his soul (mind, will and emotions), wanting to live in sin like the world. This struggle originates in our thoughts. We need to, “set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:2; NKJV). As Christians, Paul tells us not to walk according to the dictates of our soul or fleshly sinful nature but under the direction of our spirit, directed by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:1-2). Paul went on to say that to be carnally or fleshly minded results in a life of sin and suffering whereas to be spiritually minded brings peace and the God kind of life (Rom 8:6). Paul exhorted us, “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2; NKJV). We do this by, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:56; NKJV). This involves immersing ourselves in God’s word. Jesus gave up His life for His church, “to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word” (Eph 2:5b-6; NLT). We need to think God’s way not only at church and in our prayer times but during everyday life; God is interested in every aspect of our lives. We speak what is in our heart (Luke 6:45); our words will show how much our thoughts are directed by the Holy Spirit, but remember also that, “The Lord knows the thoughts of men” (Ps 94:11; NKJV). Food for thought!