In The Bubble

Bubbles are so much fun; just ask any kid!  They love to chase them and try to catch them! They are so kinetic and pretty.

When I read God's Word  and retain it in my mind by believing, I feel like I'm walking around in one of those beautiful bubbles. It is the bubble that God provides us as he reveals himself to us.

In Romans 12:2, Paul writes:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

It is the renewed mind that is the source of all power.  It is one thing to read the words on a page, but it is quite another thing to have the words on a page transform your mind.  God's Word is no ordinary book. God's heart is magnified to us as we read and understand the truth that pertain to our specific situations, properly applied. It is 'gold' to us and puts us in the zone!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

The bubble is transparent, we can see through it. We don't walk around blind to life. The challenges of any day can be seen and can seem to press against the curve of the bubble, but we can stay within its boundaries in our minds to accomplish whatever we have to do.This bubble doesn't have to pop! The renewed mind is not a 'grit your teeth and bear it' thing; it is living and acting in that deeper meaning of life, knowing and trusting the God that truly loves us.  It is really kinetic and pretty! That is when our life bubbles over to others.

Freedom

Recently, floating out on the Sound off the shores of Connecticut, I began thinking about the brave pilgrims and their courage and belief to worship God freely without bounds by traveling to an unknown land. Our ancestors focused on the promises and ability of God and pointed their bows to the clearing in the the sky with new hope for freedom. Sure there were a lot of clouds, but they looked for the 'sonshine'. That is what the renewed mind is. It is about  pointing your compass to the promised land of freedom allowing God to be the wind in your sails.


When I first heard about the renewed mind, my mind thought about the old days when heading out of the confessional feeling squeaky clean after having spilled the beans about how many sins I had committed. Oh glory, as if God is interested! He really is only interested in  repentance (oops, sorry, that word has been darkened and dramatized too). Repentance means a change of mind, a redirection to a more prosperous path, a path that He can shower one with blessings. He is happy about that!


The renewed mind is so much more than dealing with sin.  It is about the power of God reigning in your life without limits. Just look at Romans 12:2:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Reading the rest of Chapter 12, we are encouraged to get functioning in the body of Christ. What a joy it is to do that! There is so much life in those verses to be lived. Don't let anyone talk you out it. If they try, lovingly tell them to get their own renewed mind and get busy with their own exciting work. You have the God-given right to hear from God and uniquely utilize holy spirit from Him to help people.  You don't have to wear a backwards collar, put on a pointy hat, walk around with a pious puss, or even have a fancy title to help you renew your mind. Just hold on to the Word in your mind, act accordingly and when you run into a 'truth seeker' say "Greetings pilgrim, your search has landed!" "This is the land of the free and the home of the brave!"