Tag: Romans 12:2

Saying Yes

She was around twelve years old; not yet married but already betrothed, as was the custom for Jewish people in her time period. In a stunning set of events, an angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28, NIV) He explained that Mary would be the mother to the Messiah that had been promised since the time of Abraham, thousands of years earlier. Not surprisingly, she was troubled by the announcement. Despite being a virgin, under Jewish law, she could have been stoned to death as an adulteress for being pregnant out of wedlock. Even if she wasn’t accused of adultery, it would likely end her betrothal to Joseph. She would be doomed to a life of shame, ostracized from her family and her community. However, Mary responded simply, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38, NIV) She didn’t know how her story would unfold, but she trusted the One who was writing it.

Mary said “yes” to the adventure the Lord had planned for her. Kristi McClelland encourages us to be inspired by her example: “Think of all the times you were minding your own business and something came out of nowhere and grabbed your heart—something that changed the direction of your life.”1 She urges us to consider what opportunities God has for us to go on a “kingdom adventure.”

Maybe you’re feeling a bit confused or unsure about how to discern when to say “yes.” Or, maybe you’re a little scared about how God will mess with your life if you do.  Each “yes” has led me significant spiritual growth and has expanded my comfort zone. That said, every opportunity may not be our best “yes.” Over the years, I’ve used a series of questions to help me discern the right answer. Try using the questions and verses that follow next time you sense a new kingdom adventure may be afoot.2

1.  Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

“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.”  Romans 12:2, NIV

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV

2.  Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NET Bible

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31, NIV

3.  Is what I’m hearing being confirmed through other messages? Do people with godly wisdom affirm this decision to say “yes”?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, NIV

4.  Is what I’m hearing beyond me? Is this something that will require me to rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance rather than just my own skills or gifts?

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” First Thessalonians 5:24, NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NIV

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26, NIV

5. Would what I’m hearing please God?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10, NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” First Corinthians 10:31, NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV

Once you’ve sorted out the biblical reasons for saying “yes,” it’s time to ask yourself about practical aspects of your current life situation:

  • Can I handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
  • How would this commitment affect my marriage, family, and/ or other important relationships?
  • How will this “yes” mean saying “no” to other things?
  • Do I have the time and mental space to add this onto my plate right now? 
  • Do I have emotional space for this commitment in my life right now?
  • Is there something God is calling me to eliminate to make room for this?
  • What’s holding me back from saying “yes”? 
  • What positive things could happen if I say “yes”?

As you’re praying about the decision, consider inviting someone you trust and respect to be praying with you. This will enable you to answer with confidence and peace. Above all else, remember that anything God calls you to do is for your good and His glory; He will equip you with exactly what you need. May you discover incredible joy as the Lord leads you to opportunities He’s prepared just for you!

Let “Same God” by Elevation Worship remind you that the God of Mary is there to guide you and equip you, just as He did for her. Click here to listen.

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1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women: In the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 129.

2. Five questions adapted from What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa TerKeurst, Harvest House Publishers, 2011.

Your Mind Matters to God

Wiggling my toes in the sand, I settled into my chair and turned the page on a book I’d brought on vacation. Although it was a fun “beach read,” I found myself evaluating the events in the story against my own life. The relationships between the characters inspired me, but also stirred up some unhealthy comparisons. I could feel myself sinking into discouragement even though I was sitting in an idyllic location.

Many of us don’t stop to consider what we’re thinking about or why certain thoughts are running through our minds. For me, I didn’t realize how the book was affecting me until my husband asked why I was so preoccupied. As soon as I started sharing my negative thoughts, I realized I’d been comparing myself to fictional characters and events. Once I saw how silly that was, I put the thoughts aside and moved on. Without my husband’s prompting, I would’ve continued stewing on those negative thoughts for hours.

At that moment, the Holy Spirit reminded me that our thoughts matter to God. What we think about affects how we see ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Our thoughts dictate our actions and our attitudes. Everyone we encounter and everything we watch, read, and listen to affects the way our characters and identities are shaped, for better or for worse. Our thoughts color our perspectives, causing us to be positive or negative, enthusiastic or cynical, hopeful or discouraged. 

Not surprisingly, the Bible has much to say about our minds and how we regulate our thoughts. In fact, one of the most important aspects of studying Scripture is that it informs our thoughts so we can make wise choices: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

In a similar vein Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30, NIV) Loving the Lord with our minds means focusing our attention and our thoughts on subjects that honor God and draw us closer to Him. The Lord perceives our thoughts (Psalm 139:2), so whether we honor Him or not, He knows what we’re thinking. This is both alarming and comforting. It means that God knows when we’re distancing ourselves from Him or choosing mental inputs that are drawing us away from Him. Since He already knows, we might as well come clean and ask for help to re-direct our thoughts.

There are two passages in Scripture that I return to regularly when my mind gravitates towards negative topics that I know are dishonoring to God. The first one says: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5, NIV) Often, I’ll turn this verse into a prayer confessing destructive thoughts I’m having about myself or others. Then, I’ll ask the Lord to help me take the thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. 

The Message translation for 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 says, “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”*

Think for a moment about the many “warped philosophies” and “barriers erected against the truth of God” in our culture. This distorted thinking affects how we see God and ourselves. For example, worldly thinking often leads us to believe our worth and identity are dependent upon our appearance, our accomplishments, our wealth, our possessions, our social connections, our education, our sexuality, or whatever the dominant culture around us values most. We might also be drawn into thinking that leads to viewpoints that contradict the Bible. And if we’re not reading our Bibles, we won’t even know it. 

This brings me to the other verse I look to when I need to re-set my thoughts: “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.” (Romans 12:2, NIV) Unfortunately, our default mode is to conform to the pattern of the world. So, when my thoughts start leading me astray, I use this verse as a prayer, asking God to renew my mind and to remind me to align my will with His. We’re formed by our culture and constantly influenced by it. It is only through God’s transforming power that our minds can be renewed, and we can see that God’s will is not only good, but pleasing and perfect.

How often do you think about what you’re thinking? How do the people around you and the inputs you receive affect your mind? Consider praying and asking God to show you any thoughts you need to take captive. Ask Him to renew your mind and to give you a greater desire to love Him with all of it. Don’t let the world have the last word on what goes into your mind. 

*Eugene Peterson, The Message, NavPress, 2002.

A Guide for Saying “Yes”

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

How will we discover the adventure of trusting God’s plans for us if we’re never willing to try something new? Maybe you’ve been pondering and praying about that as you’re wrapping up studying Megan Fate Marshman’s Meant for Good. And perhaps you’re feeling a bit confused or unsure about saying “yes” to new opportunities. If so, I’d love to share some questions that have helped me with decision making. Over the years, I’ve used them to process the pros and cons of getting involved in new ventures. 

Saying “yes” creates an exciting opportunity for the Lord to work in and through you. It is important, however, to evaluate your options carefully. Before you decide, read the questions and verses that follow and pray for God to give you clarity. Consider inviting someone you trust and respect to be praying and checking in with you for a set period of time (I suggest one week). 

1.  Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

“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.”  Romans 12:2, NIV

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV

2.  Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NET Bible

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31, NIV

3.  Is what I’m hearing being confirmed through other messages? Do people with godly wisdom affirm this decision to say “yes”?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, NIV

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalm 32:8, NIV

4.  Is what I’m hearing beyond me? Is this something that will require me to rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance rather than just my own skills or gifts?

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” First Thessalonians 5:24, NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NIV

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26, NIV

5. Would what I’m hearing please God?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10, NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” First Corinthians 10:31, NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV

Once you’ve sorted out the biblical reasons for saying “yes,” it’s time to ask yourself about practical aspects of your current life situation:

  • Can I handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
  • How would this commitment affect my marriage, family, and/ or other important relationships?
  • How will this “yes” mean saying “no” to other things? Is there something else filling my time that it’s time to let go?
  • Do I have the time and mental space to add this onto my plate right now?
  • Do I have emotional bandwidth for this commitment in my life right now?
  • What’s holding me back from saying “yes”? 
  • What positive things could happen if I say “yes”?

Experiencing the adventures God has in store starts with giving your best “yes.” Processing and praying through these questions will enable you to make a decision with confidence and peace.

Above all else, remember that anything God calls you to do is for your good and His glory; He will equip you with exactly what you need! He loves you and wants to bless you in amazing ways as you serve Him. May you discover incredible joy as He leads you to the opportunities He’s prepared just for you! Let “God Who Listens” by Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett remind you of His intimate and personal love for you.

*First five questions adapted from What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa TerKeurst, Harvest House Publishers, 2011.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God’s Plans for You, Zondervan 2020.

Re-route Your Thoughts

Rolling my bike to a stop, I surveyed the trail. Just ahead of me, a large tree limb had fallen across it, blocking my way forward. It would have been awkward to scramble over, especially with my bike getting tangled in the foliage. The best option seemed to be going around it, which meant trudging through knee-high weeds and over rocky ground to forge a new path. 

On my next ride a few weeks later, the tree was still stretched across the main trail, but the long weeds I’d pushed through were now trodden down. Clearly, others had made the same choice to navigate around the obstacle in the path. Each time I took the trail in subsequent months, I noticed how the new route began replacing the old one. Matted grass gave way to bare patches of dirt; rocks were kicked aside. Over time, the rough trail was smoothed by a multitude of feet and bikes. Within months, the path around the fallen tree had become the main route. It had just taken repeated and consistent use.

Recently, I envisioned that re-routed trail because it illustrates changes I’m making to my thought patterns. I’m not proud to admit that my default mode of thinking tends to be critical, negative, and cynical. Rarely do my natural inclinations lead me to assume the best or to feel confident that circumstances will turn out well. Can you relate? Unsatisfied with my negative tendencies, I’ve been focused on building new neural paths that will point me in a more positive direction.

The desire to change my thinking isn’t futile, there is research that supports what I’m trying to do. It turns out our brains are more pliable than we realize. In her book Get Out of Your Head, Jennie Allen explains the work of Dr. Dan Siegel, a professor of clinical psychiatry. “’Where attention goes,’ he wrote, ‘neural firing flows and neural connection grows…Patterns you thought were fixed are actually things that with mental effort can indeed be changed…We are not passive in all this activity of mind and awareness.’ What we think about, our brains become. What we fixate on is neurologically who we will be.”1 So, the more we think certain thoughts, the wider those paths become and the more we’re inclined to travel on them mentally.  

Allen goes on to explain, “Good things happen when we train our attention on that which is beautiful, on that which is authentic and compelling and good. What’s more, beyond the obvious emotional experience, those good things from the hand of God can point us to the One who creates beauty, who is beautiful. Cynicism puts our minds on things of this earth, and we lose hope. Beauty points our gaze toward the heavens and reminds us of hope.”1

The Bible provides the roadmap we need to change our thoughts. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians show us how to build a new web of trails in our minds: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) We can ask the Lord to re-route our thinking onto more positive paths that honor Him. Allen explains, “The spiraling, chaotic thoughts that have so long keep us trapped will give way to the peace and beauty and abundant life Jesus died to give us.”2 This brings hope to us and to others. And when we venture back down negative roads, we can trust the Holy Spirit to show us we’re off track before we’ve traveled too far.

Paul’s words to the Romans describe this process of shifting from old and unhealthy thought patterns to new ones: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, NIV) When we realize we’re letting the world influence us more than the Lord, let’s make it a regular practice to ask Him to renew our minds. Jennie Allen explains, “We renew our minds by filling our minds with truth, with who God says we are, and then holding every other thought up to those truths. Those truths are our weapons, and they stop the spirals in our minds.”2

As we focus on forging new mental paths, we’re learning to keep our thoughts in check. Our mindsets change as we trust the Holy Spirit, apply the wisdom of Scripture, and surrender our thoughts to God consistently. Every day provides a new opportunity to invite the Lord to continue widening new and better paths in our minds.

For some musical inspiration, listen to “Burn the Ships” by the band For King and Country. It invites us to walk away from the negative elements of our pasts and start fresh. As you listen, ask God what unhealthy practices you need to turn from today so you can let Him help you forge new and better paths.

  1. Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts, Waterbrook, 2020, pages 42 & 135.
  2. Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head Study, Thomas Nelson, 2020, pages 54 & 59.

Forging a New Path

Rolling my bike to a stop, I surveyed the trail. Just ahead of me, a large tree had fallen across it, blocking my way forward. The thick trunk and spiny branches would have been awkward to scramble over with my bike. The best option seemed to be going around it, which meant trudging through knee-high weeds and over rocky ground to forge a new path. 

A few weeks later, the tree was still stretched across the main trail, but the long weeds I’d pushed through were now trodden down. Clearly, others had made the same choice to navigate around the obstacle in the road. Each time I took the trail in subsequent months, I noticed how the new route began replacing the old one. Matted grass gave way to bare patches of dirt, rocks were kicked aside and, over time, the rough trail was smoothed by a multitude of feet and bikes. Within months, the path around the fallen tree had become the main route. It had just taken repeated and consistent use over time.

I imagined this trail as I began thinking of my hopes for the new year: I want to build some new paths—not on dirt trails, but in my mind. I’ve been learning there is science to support this goal, it’s not just wishful thinking on my part. In her book Get Out of Your Head, Jennie Allen explains the work of Dr. Dan Siegel, a professor of clinical psychiatry. “’Where attention goes,’ he wrote, ‘neural firing flows and neural connection grows…Patterns you thought were fixed are actually things that with mental effort can indeed be changed…We are not passive in all this activity of mind and awareness.’ What we think about, our brains become. What we fixate on is neurologically who we will be.” (p.42) So, the more we think certain thoughts, the wider those paths become and the more we’re inclined to travel on them mentally.  

Allen goes on to explain, “Good things happen when we train our attention on that which is beautiful, on that which is authentic and compelling and good. What’s more, beyond the obvious emotional experience, those good things from the hand of God can point us to the One who creates beauty, who is beautiful. Cynicism puts our minds on things of this earth, and we lose hope. Beauty points our gaze toward the heavens and reminds us of hope.” (p.135)

I’m not proud to admit that many of my neural pathways take me to negative places. It requires intentional effort for me to look on the positive side, to assume the best, and to be confident there will be a favorable outcome. My default modes of thinking tend to be critical, negative, and cynical. But I hope to change that this year.

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians fuel my desire for a new web of trails in my mind: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) I want to re-route my thoughts onto more positive paths that honor Jesus and bring life to myself and others. And when I venture back down negative roads, I want the Holy Spirit to stop me before I’ve traveled too far. That way, I’ll develop a reflex of asking for God’s help to renew my mind so I can continue establishing new routes. Paul’s words to the Romans describe the process of shifting from old and unhealthy thought patterns to new ones: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”(Romans 12:2, NIV)

This year, I’m focusing on developing mental paths that are positive and hopeful. I want to assume the best and see the good from the start rather than having to talk myself into it. This can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit and the consistency of prayer.

Maybe, like me, you’re ready to step into a new day and forge a fresh path in the year ahead. The band For King and Country has an inspiring song called “Burn the Ships” that invites us to walk away from the negative things of our pasts and start new. Singer/songwriter Luke Smallbone explains, “The analogy of burning the ships came to me: the story of the sailors not wanting to explore the new world, wanting the comforts of their boats. Their leader calls them out and says, ‘We’ve got to burn the ships. This is a new world.’”

As you listen, ask God what ships you need to burn today so you can travel down new paths He has planned for you.

Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts, Waterbrook, 2020.

Luke Smallbone quoted from: ccmmagazine.com

Straining Out Truth From Lies

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Nehemiah was an impressive man with a singular focus.  One of the things I most respect about him was his ability to discern truth from lies quickly and not to second-guess himself or God.  In Nehemiah chapter 6 his enemies hatch a scheme to derail him while he leads the people of Jerusalem in their wall re-building efforts.  The three schemers, Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem repeatedly send messengers asking Nehemiah to stop work to come and meet with them.   When he refuses, they finally fabricate a lie to strike fear in him.  They write and tell him there are rumors that he is planning a revolt and offer to “confer together” with him.  I love Nehemiah’s response:  “I sent him this reply: ‘Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.’”  (Nehemiah 6:8)  Nehemiah goes on to explain:  “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’  But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.’”  (Nehemiah 6:9)

Nehemiah saw the lie for what it was and didn’t let it upset him.  He didn’t lose his focus or spend time fretting over what other people might be thinking about him.  He didn’t worry about politics because he knew he was doing the right thing and that he had the king’s support.   His only response to their threat was to pray for strength and continue building.

Nehemiah’s story gives a great example for what Satan often does in our lives.  Sometimes we are working steadily toward accomplishing God’s call for us when Satan slips in and sows seeds of deception to get us off track.  Sometimes he uses other people, as he did with Nehemiah, and sometimes he uses our own doubts and insecurities.

We see a clear example of this in the New Testament in a conversation between Jesus and Peter:

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’  Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’”  (Matthew 16:21-23)

Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends, but Jesus recognized Satan was using him. Peter’s words were dissuading Him from carrying out the very purpose for which He came to earth: to suffer and die for the sins of all people.  Although Peter didn’t understand his error, Jesus recognized that his friend’s “supportive” words were actually clouding His focus.

Jesus knew well that lies and deception came from one source.  In an earlier exchange He has with a group of Jews who refuse to accept Him He says:  “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Both Jesus and Nehemiah immediately recognized Satan’s attempts to distract them from God’s goals for them.  Satan isn’t very creative and tends to grab from the same bag of tricks to derail us over and over again. The best way we can arm ourselves from falling for his lies is by knowing the truth of God’s word and having our gaze singularly focused on Him.  Satan wants nothing more than to render us ineffective by succumbing to our weaknesses and insecurities.  Lukewarm, complacent, insecure Christians rarely make an impact for the kingdom of God.

Our best defense against believing lies is being able to recognize God’s voice.  This happens when we spend time with Him and in His word consistently.  Jesus explains this using the metaphor of a shepherd (God) and His flock (us):  “The gatekeeper [shepherd] opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  (John 10:3-5)

There are many times in my life when I haven’t stopped to think about the voices I’m hearing.  Without God’s wisdom and discernment, I easily fall prey to Satan’s lies.  One of the fastest ways he does this is by causing me to focus on myself.  When I wallow in my feelings of inadequacy and insecurity I prevent myself from being used effectively for God’s purposes.  When I find my confidence in Christ and focus on God and what He can do through me, He moves in my life in powerful ways.  This can be as simple as taking my eyes off myself to smile at a stranger or as involved as saying “yes” to a ministry opportunity that is going to stretch me beyond my comfort zone.

A few years ago I attended a silent retreat sponsored through our church.  Included in the materials was a handout called “Three Voices” that provided wisdom for discerning between God’s voice, Satan’s voice and the world’s voice.  It has been like a spiritual and mental strainer for my mind.   All the internal and external voices I hear throughout the day get filtered through it.  I hold onto the voices containing God’s truth and discard the rest.  Over time, I’ve added to the list through my own experiences and observations.  I hope you’ll find it a useful tool as you learn to strain out truth and let the lies wash away.

Three Voices:

God’s Tone of Voice is:  soothing, quieting, peaceful, encouraging, invigorating, inspiring

Satan’s Tone of Voice is:  insistent, demanding, mesmerizing, hurried, rash, accusing, discouraging, doubt-producing, pride-building, vengeful, selfish, self-centered, critical, negative, defeating

The World’s Tone of Voice:  agrees with the world’s standards and attitudes, is driven to be accepted and acceptable, lets the culture set personal standards, compares self to others, believes we are what the world says, is fearful of what others think, seeks value in exterior and measurable qualities, constantly struggles to “measure up”

God’s Motives and Character:  builds relationships, empowers us, give us courage, provides wisdom, gives peace, stretches and challenges us, reassures us, convicts us to bring positive and healthy changes, offers grace, understands, forgives

Satan’s Motives and Character:  destroys, deceives, accuses, divides, isolates, turns people away form God, lies, makes us feel guilty, creates self-loathing, capitalizes on insecurities and doubts, exaggerates faults, magnifies misunderstandings

The World’s Motives and Character:  to please people, to fit in, to satisfy self, to look out for self, to judge self and others, to compare self to others

As you ponder the voices in your own life, let the verses below encourage you:

“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.”  –Romans 12:2

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” –Philippians 1:9-11

Click on the link below to hear Jason Gray’s song “Remind Me Who I Am.”  It’s a great encouragement to keep our minds fixed on God’s truth and not to believe the lies that assault us throughout the day.