“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”– Romans 10:17

Have you ever heard someone say that talking to plants helps them grow? While there is no scientific evidence supporting that, some studies suggest that plants and insects may actually communicate through sounds and vibrations. If nature needs to communicate in order to thrive, shouldn’t it be the same for us?

Communication is the transfer of information between two parties. It involves listening as well as speaking. Done well, it improves relationships and enhances lives. There are various ways to communicate — through words, music, art, etc. A major way God communicates with us is through His written Word. We communicate with Him through prayer and worship.

Our text reveals that when we hear the message of Christ, something happens on the inside. Our faith increases. The more we tune into God’s redemptive message, the better we are at walking ”by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is crucial to our growth. Then, when waves of trouble crash down on us, our faith can better thrive the onslaught.

Later in his letter to the Romans, Paul also tells us,

“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).

How are our minds transformed? By letting God deposit the Truth, found in His Word, inside of us. For God’s communication with us to transform us and make us better disciples, we need to listen, and then respond in faith.

Heavenly Father, give me an undeniable love for your Word. Teach me to quietly listen for you to speak into my life. I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind as I communicate daily with you. Increase my faith. Make me new. I am yours. Let my life shine for you, Lord. Amen.

Go Deeper — All relationships need time and communication. Will you put time aside to do just that with God? How about setting a daily “date” with Him to pray, read, and meditate on His Word?

by Caroline Bellemare
used by permission

RELATED READING

• What Faith Looks Like – A Choice to Trust
• The Walk of Faith
• Faith Walk

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • ‘X’ Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Crucial Communication appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. “  Romans 12:2

There is a mighty battle going on for control of your mind. Heaven and earth intersect there and the tugs of both spheres influence your thinking. God created us with the capacity to experience foretastes of heaven, but we have to shut out the world and focus on His presence in order to experience it.

The world exerts a downward pull on our thoughts. Media bombards us with greed, lust and cynicism. We must pray for protection and discernment. We must stay in continual communication with Jesus as we walk through the wastelands of the world.

Refuse to worry, because this form of worldliness will weigh you down and block awareness of His presence. We must remain on guard, stay alert and recognize the battle being waged against our mind as we look forward to an eternity free of strife-free living reserved for us in heaven.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:6 that the mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. 1 John 2:15,17 tells us to not love the world or anything in the world because the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

How are you doing in your battle? Who is winning …. the way of the world (Satan) or the way of heaven (Jesus)? Electronic communications, the media and the grip of Satan on the world around us makes this a fierce battle and all the more difficult for those not grounded in the Word of God. It is daily. It is constant, but for those of us who have professed Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we know who will win in the end.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

Further Reading

• Practicing the Presence of God

• Prayer – Asking Specifically

•  Salvation Explained

Follow Us On:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

The post The Battle for the Mind appeared first on Thoughts About God.