04/29/2026
Let God Tame Your Thoughts
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8
Ever been distracted by thoughts that won’t seem to go away? Ever have difficulty falling asleep because certain thoughts are racing through your mind? I certainly have those experiences and I would guess you do too. Often it seems that we don’t have much control over our minds. However, in the passage above, the apostle Paul suggests otherwise, that we can set our minds on things of the Spirit and experience life and peace. Just look at all the other passages where Paul speaks of our minds.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 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 12:1-2
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
It is clear that because of the promises that God has given us through Jesus, we can think differently. Our minds can operate differently. The Spirit is truly at work to shape our thoughts. In May we are going to address the challenges to how we think by exploring the teaching of Max Lucado in his book Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind. May God use this time to empower us to experience a deeper sense of life and peace.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Bruce
