Tag Archives: Renewing your mind

Getting Dialed In

Posted on October 20, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The origins of the expression “dialed in” is unclear.  The only agreement on this saying is that it pre dates cell phones.  There is a thought that dialed in refers back to the Vietnam War.  Whenever a soldier couldn’t do his or her assigned task within the required time or kept screwing up one of the crucial steps, getting dialed in was necessary to overcome their deficiencies.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established, Proverbs 16:3.

If you enjoy watching sporting events, whether its college, professional or the Olympics, most athletes are shown listening to wireless headphones prior to their competition.  Like any profession, there is a set schedule leading up to competitions, games and meets.  Certain styles of music have a way of preparing minds to focus.  While some may be more superstitious than others, listening to your favorite songs prior to competing is a common form of getting dialed in today.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect, Romans 12:2.

Within a letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul informs Christians on how to get dialed in spiritually.  Understanding the power of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:16-18, Paul warns believers that your mind must be renewed by the words of the Bible.  Unless a spiritual discipline of reading and studying the Bible is implemented, individuals are at risk of conforming to the world.  Therefore, if you want to get dialed in spiritually, follow the directions in Joshua 1:8 so that God’s voice and will become clear.

by Jay Mankus

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Brain Freeze

Posted on October 22, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Two of my favorite beverages are Slurpees from 7 Eleven and Arctic Rushes from Dairy Queen.  If you drink either of these 2 frozen treats too fast, there is a chance you might experience a brain freeze.  However, there is only one speciality shake which almost certainly guarantees a brain freeze with every sip, the Orange Freeze from Charcoal Pit.

While brain freezes are usually a summer time occurrence, they are much more common than you think.  Physically brain freezes are obvious to diagnosis as shooting pain reaches your brain as your body cools too quickly creating a shock like effect.  Spiritual brain freezes occur when Christians withdraw back into sinful habits.  Instead of staying alert and disciplined, individuals allow their minds to wander, freezing the presence of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:17.  This trance like state leads to a darkened understanding, hardened hearts and a futile mind which rationalizes any lustful act that you might pursue, Ephesians 4:17-20.

Our enemy, the devil has been using brain freezes to deceive people since the Garden of Eden, 2 Corinthians 4:4.  Although conditions may vary, there is a cure to spiritual brain freezes.  According to the apostle Paul, the first step to recovery is to let Christ renew your mind, Ephesians 4:23.  A spiritual transfusion is necessary to rid your memory of all guilt, shame and sin, Colossians 3:1-4 by replacing this with the holiness and righteousness of Christ, Romans 13:14.  This process does not occur overnight.  Rather, it is gradual as you renew your mind with the word of God and worship, Romans 12:1-2.  Stay the course and be sober so that you mind will thaw from Satan’s grip, warming up with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Renewing Your Mind

Posted on October 18, 2012 by expressyourself4him
     I have heard pastors preach about taking your thoughts captive and renewing your mind, Romans 12:1-2, since high school.  Yet, no one has ever explained to me what this actually means and how it can be done successfully.  Today, I hope to provide biblical insight into why this is necessary and how you can practically renew your mind daily.
     The first obvious place to start with is why; why should I renew my mind or take thoughts captive?  Like Eve in Genesis 3:1, Satan is a schemer and the father of all lies, John 8:44.  Nor is Satan passive, 1 Peter 5:8; he is moving from place to place, searching for signs of weakness.  When he finds a helpless soul, Satan pounces like a lion going in for the kill.  If you are not ready for his attacks, Ephesians 6:10-11, you might end up like the individual in the parable of the sower, Matthew 13:19.  Thus, it is clear you must sharpen your mind with the word of God, Joshua 1:8-9.
     Once this message get’s through, you need to start small, taking baby steps until you work your way into shape spiritually.  Step 1, examine the first thing you think about when you wake up each morning.  Is it selfish, spiritual or worldly?  Depending upon your thought, you might want to consider starting each new day with a short prayer clearing your mind of all unnecessary data.  Then read a short passage of scripture or a verse to give you an emphasis, thought or vision for the day.  Finally, close this time with a worship song to draw you near to God, Colossians 3:16.
     Step 2 begins with mentally preparing yourself for each day.  Remember, Satan will attempt to sow seeds of doubt within your mind.  Therefore, begin to pay close attention to any little thought which enters your mind.  Don’t compromise a bit by disregarding things or letting your mind wander.  Compromise is the language of the devil.  Thus, you may want to write 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 on a note card as a constant reminder to take spiritual authority over your thought life.  Although this sounds easy, this process can be draining or alarming.  Don’t be afraid to keep a daily journal or log book so you won’t repeat the same mistakes day after day.
     Finally, the 3rd step to renewing your mind daily is to fill your mind with a minimum of one hour of Christian music each day.  If you don’t own any, there are outlets like Pandora, where you can create your own playlist for free.  When I allow my tired mind to be rejuvenated by uplifting lyrics, I am a completely different person, energetic and connected to the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  However, when I substitute this with talk radio during the day and the television at night, I become vulnerable, Ephesians 4:26.  One of benefits to renewing your mind is you can limit the number of spiritual footholds the enemy has over your life.  Before you give this a try, test everything, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.  Once you begin to renew your mind, let me know how your spiritual journey goes.
by Jay Mankus

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