1-13-21 THOUGHTS

The older I get, the more it seems that my mind wants to wander.  I know well that if it wanders for too long, trouble awaits.  The world begins to draw it and I find myself trying to serve two masters.  As the world begins its draw, I want, I need...  Maybe it is merely “THE  I”!   I find that continual “MIND MAINTENANCE” is needed.  
Prov 4:23  Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it [flow] the springs of life.

The passage area below contemplates continual RENEWAL OF THE MIND! The danger is described as FUTILITY, DARKNESS, AN EXCLUDING FROM GOD, HARDNESS OF HEART, CALLOUS, and finally, A GIVING OVER TO.   Verse 23 powerfully states that we are to “BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND”!
Eph 4:17-24     So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility [can mean frailty, want of vigor] of their mind, 18  being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19  and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20  But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21  if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22  that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23  and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Of God’s mercies, Lam 3:23a says “[They] are new every morning;”    The “EVERY MORNING” paints its own picture.    RENEWAL CONTINUALLY!
Ps 139:23-24   Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24  And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Mark 14:38   "Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Eph 5:1-2    Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;  2  and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

My Prayer:
We praise you and exalt you Oh God.  Renew our spirits and hearts daily.  Teach us to guard over them carefully.  Help us to set you apart in our hearts always. Make us alive to your Being continually, that we may love you with our all.  Revive our souls each day.  
In Jesus name,              Amen