By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong
Anakainoo is the transformation of the mind, to change from one form to another. To change the soul, you have to start with the mind. It has to begin with the way you think. The mind is so strong you can be whatever you think. Sometimes, you already think that something is difficult when you have not even began. This is why many are defeated without even doing anything. It is very important to learn how to renew your mind because it dictates your emotions, and when the mind and the emotions agree, the will will follow.
1 Corinthians 15:10 says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” You are saved through Christ alone. Nothing can be added to grace to be saved. You work is never added to the grace of God. It is by the gratitude in your heart that you work for the Lord.
Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” The reason you are doing what you are doing is because you cannot contain the blessings released by God to you. It is very interesting how God will use you if you will allow Him to work through you. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform 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.” You have thought patterns that you believe in. You will be able to test and approve what God’s will is through these. The patterns of this world are not to be followed.
Is a change of mind a requirement in going to heaven? It is not required because the way to heaven is only through Jesus Christ. His grace alone is enough. But if you do not renew your mind, you will not enjoy earth. You will not appreciate the blessings God is giving you. Every Christian is blessed automatically. But if you do not renew your mind, you will not see your blessing and it becomes useless. The Lord said you are more than conquerors but you act as if you are defeated.
Romans 5:17 says, “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Because of Adam, everyone reigns in death. But because of one man, Jesus Christ, you were given the chance to receive God’s abundant provision of grace and righteousness. You are made to reign like kings and leaders. Favor and grace runs after you because you are the children of the King. To all who received Him, you are together with Him in reigning and will receive abundant blessing. 1 Cor. 2:16 says, “We have the mind of Christ.” You have the mind of Christ in your spirit. The Holy Spirit who lives in you will help you and give you wisdom. The natural mind will always be corrupted. But you can renew it with the Word of God.
John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” The word of God is the voice of God. Some people say they have not heard God. Have you opened your Bible lately? That is His love letter to you. Some of you feel dead. Read God’s word and let Him breathe life into you. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Use it accordingly.
Matt. 8:2-3 says, “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Many of your prayers have already been answered by the Lord. You can ask God without begging. When you bang on the gates of heaven, you are outside heaven. As children of God, you are inside heaven already. You do not need to bang on the gate. You do not need to twist the arm of God because you know the truth and the truth never changes. Facts and truths are two different things. Facts change according to time, place and many other factors. But the truth always prevails. Proverbs 24:5 says, “A wise man has great power. Man of knowledge increases strength.” When you know more of the word of God, you can stand. Proverbs 4:7 also says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it can cost all you have, get understanding.” Wisdom can take you to many places. Knowledge is power. Ignorance costs more.
How do you cooperate with God?
Read His word regularly. (Matthew 12:3, Matthew 19:4, Col 4:16, 1 Thess. 5:27, Rev. 1:3) Put it in your schedule. Most of you read God’s word when it is convenient. If it is that important to you, you will put it in your schedule.
Hear God’s word attentively. (Luke 8:8, Hebrews 2:1) Not everyone can hear. Listen attentively. Pay most careful attention to what you hear so you do not drift away. God wants to give you more. The hungrier you are to His word, the more you will receive.
Take God’s word seriously. (2 Timothy 2:15, John 5:39) You can deliver a good message with the wrong content. Study the scriptures diligently.
Meditate on God’s word thoughtfully. (Joshua 1:8) Meditation is not just thinking about God’s word. It is to the mind as digestion is to the stomach.
Practical steps to meditate:
Picture what you read
Pronounce it - say it
Paraphrase it - say it with your own words
Personalize it - what does it mean to you
Pray back to God - thank HIm for His word
5. Apply God’s word immediately. (James 1:22. John 13:17)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Sin to avoid
Promise to claim
Example to follow
Command to obey
APPLICATION:
Schedule regular bible reading.
Catch every opportunity to hear God’s word.
Receive the word with great anticipation.
Invest in bible knowledge.
Practice what you now.
Teach others what you know.
Uphold your biblical convictions.
It is not popular to stand in the word.
Enrich yourself through God’s word.
There are no shortcuts to renewing your mind. Read the word of God.
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