The Transformed Mind

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:2 (NIV)

"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."

Brothers and sisters, friends, and family,

We live in a world that is constantly trying to shape us. From the moment we wake up and check our phones, we are bombarded with messages that tell us who to be, what to value, and how to live. This "pattern of this world" is a constant, subtle force, pulling us to conform to its ways.

But today, we look at a profound verse from the Apostle Paul that offers a different path. It's not a path of conformity, but a journey of transformation. Paul gives us not only a command but also a clear and powerful method for change.

Let's break down this powerful statement.

1. The Call to Non-Conformity

Paul begins with a strong prohibition: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” The word “conform” here, in the original Greek, means to be molded or shaped by external influences. Think of a piece of clay being pressed into a mold. The world has its own mold—a set of values, priorities, and ways of thinking that are often at odds with God’s will.

This mold includes things like:

• The pursuit of endless consumption: “I will be happy when I have more things.”

• The idolization of self: “It’s all about me and what I want.”

• The need for approval from others: “My worth is based on what people think of me.”

• A culture of instant gratification: “I want it now, and I deserve it.”

To “not conform” means to actively resist these pressures. It requires a conscious decision to stand apart, not out of stubbornness, but out of a deep desire to follow God's way.

2. The Command to Transformation

But Paul doesn’t stop at telling us what not to do. He gives us the positive command: “but be transformed.” This word “transformed” is a beautiful and powerful term. It’s the same word used in the Gospels to describe the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. It means a complete change from the inside out, a metamorphosis.

This isn’t about just changing our behavior on the outside. It’s not about putting on a new suit or acting a certain way on Sundays. Transformation is a deep, internal change of our very nature. It’s the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly—a change of essence, of being. It's a miracle only God can perform.

3. The Process: By the Renewing of Your Mind

So, how does this incredible transformation happen? Paul gives us the key: “by the renewing of your mind.”

The mind is the control center of our lives. Our thoughts shape our beliefs, our beliefs shape our attitudes, and our attitudes shape our actions. If we want to change our lives, we must start with our thoughts.

Renewing your mind is an ongoing process. It’s like weeding a garden. We must regularly pull out the negative, worldly thoughts and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. This renewal happens in practical ways:

• Daily time in Scripture: Immersing ourselves in God’s truth to reprogram our thinking.

• Prayer: Bringing our thoughts and worries before God, allowing His perspective to guide ours.

• Worship: Shifting our focus from ourselves and the world to God’s greatness and goodness.

• Christian fellowship: Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to think and live for Christ.

As we consistently engage in these practices, the Holy Spirit works within us, gradually changing our thought patterns. We begin to see the world not through the lens of worldly values, but through the lens of God's truth.

4. The Result: Knowing God's Will

Paul concludes with the amazing outcome of this process: “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

When our minds are renewed, we gain spiritual discernment. We are no longer tossed and turned by every worldly idea. Instead, we can stand firm and confidently discern what is from God. His will, which once may have seemed distant or confusing, becomes clear. We understand that His will is not a burden, but is “good, pleasing and perfect.” It is the best possible life for us.

This transformation of the mind is not just for our own benefit; it is so that we may live a life that glorifies God and reflects His kingdom to a watching world.

So today, I encourage you to take this verse to heart. Let us reject the mold of this world, open our minds to the renewing power of God’s Word and His Spirit, and watch as He transforms us from the inside out.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and for the power of your Word. We confess that we often conform to the patterns of this world. Please forgive us. We ask now, Lord, that you would transform us by the renewing of our minds. Help us to replace our worldly thoughts with your divine truth. May we grow in wisdom and discernment so that we may know and live out your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

All about Times and Seasons - in God's hands

 Hi dear brothers and sisters, 

Today I would like to talk about the topic of Times and Seasons which are in God's hands. 

Many a times, we worry and lose our sleep over many things which we cannot control. We think too much and this causes us anxiety and we worry a lot. God is speaking to us today and is asking us to believe that the Times and Seasons are in His hands. 

This situation in Acts 1:7 tells about the time when the disciples of Jesus get panicky and ask Jesus about the time of his return. Then Jesus answers them and tells that the times and seasons are in the Father's hands and we need not worry. 

If we look in to the book of Daniel 2:21 - we read similar text: 'God changes the times and seasons'... How true it is, God has complete control and he has complete authority to change the times and seasons in our lives. We might wonder why things are not moving as we thought, but we need to understand that God is in complete control of our life and He is overseeing everything. 

In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:11, it states that He has made everything beautiful in its time... this is also a comforting word. God has made everything beautiful in its time and we need not worry a bit. 

So, today, be encouraged that Jesus Christ is in control and the Father has everything set to happen in its time. 

May God be with you. 

The Glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Hope for the World

 In a world filled with uncertainties, turmoil, and despair, the promise of the second coming of Jesus Christ shines as a beacon of hope. For believers, this event holds immeasurable significance, offering solace, encouragement, and a reminder of God's ultimate plan of redemption. As we explore the profound truths surrounding Christ's return, let us discover the hope it brings and how it should shape our lives.

1. The Certainty of Christ's Return:

Throughout the pages of Scripture, the promise of Christ's second coming resonates. Prophets of old foretold it, and Jesus Himself affirmed it during His earthly ministry. We find assurance in the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:30: "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

2. The Significance of Christ's Return:

a. The Completion of God's Plan:

Christ's return marks the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It symbolizes the fulfillment of His promises and the ultimate defeat of sin, evil, and death. Revelation 21:4 assures us, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

b. Final Judgment and Justice:

With His return, Jesus will establish righteous judgment over all creation. Acts 17:31 declares, "He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed." The assurance of divine justice offers hope to the oppressed and reminds us that God will make all things right.

3. Living with Expectation and Purpose:

a. Watchfulness and Readiness:

As believers, we are called to live in constant anticipation of Christ's return. Jesus urged His disciples to be watchful, for they did not know the exact hour. Likewise, we are called to live with a sense of readiness, faithfully serving and proclaiming the Gospel to all nations.

b. Living Holy and Purposeful Lives:

The anticipation of Christ's return challenges us to live lives characterized by holiness and godliness. Knowing that we will one day stand before our Savior, we strive to align our lives with His teachings and pursue righteousness, reflecting His love and grace to the world.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is not a distant theological concept, but a glorious reality that fills our hearts with hope and purpose. It assures us that God's promises are true, justice will prevail, and our ultimate home is in His eternal presence. As we eagerly await His return, let us hold fast to our faith, sharing the hope of the Gospel and living lives that honor Him. May the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ inspire us to be beacons of light and agents of transformation in a world longing for redemption. Let us embrace the hope and let our lives shine with the anticipation of His glorious return.

Integrity - What everyone should possess!

 What is the definition of the word 'integrity'? 

Many people give many answers to the word, but let us read this definition which explains it better. 

Integrity is "what you know on the inside matches what do you on the outside."

Let me illustrate this point with a short story:

There was an old make-believe country where only ducks lived. On Sunday morning, all the ducks came into the church, waddled down the aisle, waddled into their pews, and squatted. 

Then the duck minister came in, took his place behind the pulpit, opened the Duck Book, and read. "Ducks, you have wings, and with wings you can fly like eagles. You can soar into the skies! Ducks! You have wings!!!" Then all the ducks yelled, Amen Amen. and then they all all waddled home.

Many people are actually like those ducks. They know the truth, but they don't act upon the truth. In other words, they don't have integrity. 

A person with integrity has the three basic qualities:

1. Faithfulness

2. An uncompromising lifestyle

3. Purity

In today's fast changing world, it is extremely difficult to live a life of integrity, but that is what God is called each one of us to do.

Let us live our lives with INTEGRITY. 

Importance of Holiness in Christian life

 There is a question which many people ask me: 

Can holiness save us? 

Can holiness put away sin and cover iniquities? 

The answer is a big NO. The answer is that ONLY JESUS can redeem you and only HE can save us from all sin. In the book of Ephesians it is written that we are saved by grace alone and not by our works. 

Holiness is very essential once we accept Christ and start living a Christian life. We become the children of God and then we need to portray his image in this world. We cannot live an unworthy life and ask God to be with us. He is a Holy God and he cannot tolerate filth. 

Let me answer a few points as to why one should be Holy:

1. We must be holy because the voice of God in the scripture commands us to be holy. In I Peter 1:15, 16 is says 'Be ye Holy as I am Holy'. It is a direct command from God to be holy. 

2. We need to be holy because this is one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world. Jesus died for all so that they may all live a holy life which is acceptable and pleasing to the father. 

3. We should be holy because this the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 

4. We need to be holy because this the only sound evidence that we are true children of God. 

5. We need to be holy because without holiness on earth, we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven. 

Holiness - That is what God desires of us

 Let us discuss on Holiness - that is what the Lord desires of us these days. 

There is a verse in the Bible which says "Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" Hebrews 12:14

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the wise man tells that there is a time for everything under the sun, a time to laugh, a time to cry, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,...Ecc 3:4,7, but there is no time, no not in a day, in which a man ought not to be holy. 

We are all busy in this world and each one is after fulfilling their destiny. Let us stop for a moment and consider the matter of holiness. 

A man may go great lengths, and yet never achieve true holiness

Balaam - very knowledgable; Judas Iscariot - had the best teacher; Herod - had zeal for certain matters in religion, and so on.. we see that in Bible many people had many passions, but without holiness, all of them perished. 

Let us understand what is practical holiness and how we can achieve it ?

1. Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God. It is the habit of agreeing in God's judgement, hating what he hates, and loving what he loves, and measuring everything by the standard of His word. 

2. Holy man will hate everything that is called sin. He will have a holy hatred toward sin as mentioned in Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the Lord is to Hate evil. A holy man will hate all kinds of evil, but will love the sinner and will pray for his / her salvation.

3. A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. In thought and in deed, he would like to be like our saviour. 

4. A holy man will follow after meekness, longsuffering, gentleness, patience, kind tempers, keeping in control of his tongue etc. He will not be in a hurry to do anything, but will learn to wait on God. 

5. A holy man will follow after charity and brotherly kindness. 

These are 5 points which talk about practical holiness. 

We will discuss more about this topic in the following blog posts. 

Lessons from the book of Daniel

 I have been reading the book of Daniel from the Bible since a few days. I have learnt a few lessons and would like to share them here:

1. From verses 8 to 16 in the first chapter we learn that we need to 

    a. Stand firm in our faith and honor God in every decision. 

    b. Look to Him when faced with temptation to deny Him or to turn from His ways. 

    c. Believe that He will either provide a way of escape or the grace to endure. 

    d. Ask God to give us favor, wisdom, and creative alternatives so that we can remain obedient and

        bring glory to Him.

2. From verses 12 - 18 in the third chapter, we learn that we need to 

    a. Refuse to compromise Godly standards. 

    b. Regardless of the consequences, we need to place our trust in God and maintain our stand for                     righteousness.