Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope
completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

Since we came into this world physically alive but spiritually dead,
we had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His
will. Our minds were programmed to live independently of Him. We were
mentally conformed to this world.

When we became Christians, nobody pushed the CLEAR button in our
preprogrammed minds. Even as Christians we can still allow our minds to
be programmed by the world. So what must we do?

First, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1). How do you renew your
mind? By filling it with God’s Word.

Second, Peter directs us to prepare our minds for action (1 Peter
1:13). Do away with fruitless fantasy. To imagine yourself doing things
without ever doing anything is dangerous. But if you can mentally
prepare yourself in advance to obey the truth, you can motivate yourself
toward productive living–as long as you follow through by doing what
you imagine.

Third, take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2
Corinthians 10:5). Practice threshold thinking. Evaluate every thought
by the truth, and don’t let your mind entertain thoughts contrary to the
will of God.

Fourth, turn to God. When your commitment to do the will of God is
being challenged by thoughts from the world, the flesh, or the devil,
bring it to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6). By doing so you are
acknowledging God and exposing your thoughts to His truth. Your
double-mindedness will dissolve "and the peace of God . . . shall
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians
4:7).

Fifth, assume your responsibility to think. "Finally, brethren,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any
excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on
these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Lord, I commit myself to practice these steps daily in order to
bring my mind under Your control.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is
written by Neil Anderson at http://www.freedominchrist.com/
.

Additional devotionals are available from GOSHEN: http://www.Devotionals.net/