THURSDAY 20TH SEPT., 2018

WORD FOCUS: YOU CAN CHANGE
TEXT: Ephesians 4:22-23 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;…”

Mind-sets are patterns whereby your mind automatically operates a certain way. That means you can set yourself up for misery by reacting to the same people and circumstances in the same way, and expecting different results. Maybe you are saying: After all these years I thought he’d change…No matter how hard I try, my family doesn’t appreciate me…How come I’m the only one who makes an effort to stay in touch?’ It’s easy to blame your problems (inadequacies) on others – Therefore, ‘look what he’s doing. Look how long I’ve waited. Why doesn’t she call?’ We think the answer lies in getting the other person to do what we want, but that kind of thinking is self-defeating; it gives control to others. Your happiness isn’t determined by other people, even though you’ve convinced yourself it is. An experienced counsellor writes: ‘If you don’t like the same results…try pushing a different button. Look at your relationships. Is there a situation that’s going downhill despite your best efforts? Are you waiting for something to change, instead of doing something different? Stop acting the same way but ask God for clarity to see the situation honestly and to act with wisdom and responsibility.’ You’re not a victim of circumstances; you don’t have to stay stuck or keep going round in circles. Importantly enough, our motives need to be check if they line up with God’s Word and one’s expectation from others. Paul says, ‘Put off…your former conduct …and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.’ The Word for you today is: you can change irrespective of difficult different challenges. As followers of the Light, the Holy Spirit will shed more light; enlightening the eyes of our understanding on how He, God wants us to change to His glory. Most critical, we do not need to walk in darkness but rather see your deliverance in Prov. 3:1-2. (read) Reach out to God today for a deliverance of change.

MEDITATION: Eccl. 3:14, Jn. 15:5, 16

STUDY THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 SAM 8/2 COR.6/EZEK.20/PS.46-47