RENEWING OF THE MIND. . .

Prayer for Renewing the Mind
(From the book Prayers I, by Dr. Mary Craig)

Holy Father, I thank You that I shall prosper and be in health, even as my soul prospers (3 John 2). I have the mind of Christ, the Messiah, and do hold the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of His heart (1 Cor. 2:16). I trust in You, Lord, with all my heart. I lean not unto my own understanding, but in all my ways, I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my paths (Prov. 3:5,6).

Today I submit myself to Your Word which is able to expose and discern the very thoughts and purposes of my heart (Heb. 4:12). The weapons of my warfare are not carnal, but mighty through You to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down vain imaginations, I refute arguments and every proud and lofty thing that exalts itself against the true knowledge of God; and I lead every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:4,5).

Today I shall be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). Your Word, Lord, shall not depart out of my mouth; but I shall meditate on it day and night, that I may observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then I shall make my way prosperous; then I shall have good success (Joshua 1:8).

My thoughts are the thoughts of the diligent which tend only to plenteousness (Prov. 21:5). Therefore, I will not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will make my requests known. Your peace which transcends all understanding shall guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Today I fix my mind on whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind. If there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, I will think on these things (Phil. 4:6-8).

Today I commit to You, Lord, whatever I do, trusting that my plans will succeed (Prov. 16:3).

With my soul, I bless you, Lord (Psalm 103:1). Grant me grace to keep my mind stayed upon You (Isaiah 26:3) and that I might remain in your presance. Help me to walk in love and not keep records of wrongs (1 Cor. 13). Help me to set my mind on things above and not on earthly things (Col. 3:2).

In Jesus' Name, I will practice what I have learned and received and heard and seen in Christ and model my way of living on it, and the God of peace will be with me (Phil. 4:9).

Thank You, Father, that my life is hid with Christ in God and that I have redemption and renewal in Jesus (Col 3).

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

RECUPERATING. . .

I am often moved by people. Especially those who have humble spirits and consider the feelings of others. Then there are times that I just hide away in my own world not wanting to deal with either because I have encountered one that is spawn of satan himself :). I admit to myself and to others that at those times I can do nothing but hide and recuperate. My feelings become irrational and I wonder how can it be so easy for someone to be so evil. I guess you can say that at my age I am still naive to the world and those who live in it.

While I am hiding away during these last few days, I wonder to myself, what is it that drives people to be so distant, cold, and unfeeling toward another human being? I wonder if it is something that I have said or done to warrent a response so deadly from another? Today I have decided that it is not me. I'm often more times a person that smiles and make the best of the day. I've been told that no one can be that happy LOL LOL. Yes you can! It's not easy, but when you put yourself in prayer each day (before leaving home) God will keep you smiling through the day. He constently reminding you that today is a start of a new day and where you were a year ago, He has brought you to a higher place on this day.

One thing that I have noted about where I work, most people there have been at their jobs so long that it becomes a dead end for them. The joy of being there has become a burden to them and they hate what they were once happy or enthustiastic about doing. They are worn out or should I say burned out and they take their frustrations out on others. They feel that if they are not happy, they do not want anyone else happy at all. I'll just keep them in prayer and hope for a better time for them.

God Bless!

ANOTHER RANDOM THOUGHT. . .

There's always something beautiful in everyone. The hardest part in life is finding what's beautiful about ourselves and others. I always appreciate the person who is "Just the way they are". That keeps me from wondering what's on their minds and how they may feel about me (not that it matters). Even the worst of the worst in people makes you cringe and when they do something special and nothing selfish, we don't understand and it shocks us. The best way to never be shocked about the good things in them or the good deeds that they may do is to realize that God can touch the hardest of hearts, so I just chuck it up to God sure touched that persons heart today. I've even commented statements just like that about myself. God you sure touched my heart today, because I would not have responded like that. I can be just as cranky as the next and have been declaired by students as a mean person. I try to keep that in prayer because I hate myself when I am like that. We can all keep each other in prayer that God will continue to touch our hearts and to make us better people.

God Bless!