Rejoice as
God
Re-patterns
Us
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always] (Colossians 3:15 Amp)
Prayer: Wow! Soul harmony through Jesus Christ rules. Father, You are worthy of all praise and glory. Thank You from the depth of my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Years ago, a woman in our area suffered severe brain damage. Although paralyzed, she had a choice—fight against those prepared to combat the problem or fight with them to achieve the goal. She chose the latter, and her fight became theirs. I don’t remember if the injury was the result of a stroke or an accident. My sister would know. She helped “pattern” her. Around the clock, volunteers worked the victim’s arms and legs in an attempt to “re-pattern” her brain to command her limbs to function.
It might seem ludicrous to think that the woman could have chosen to fight against those who came to help her. However, many people do just that in the face of one-way-out situations.
Joshua chapter two introduces us to a harlot named Rahab, who realized that she was in a one-way-out situation. Like the woman in the scenario above, Rahab chose to cooperate with the Hebrew spies. News of God’s chosen people traveled throughout Canaan.
And she (Rahab) said to the men (Hebrew spies), I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror is fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. (Joshua 2:9-11 Amp.)
Obviously, Rahab recognized her helplessness in the face of Almighty God and His warriors. When she chose to fight with the spies, she had to “re-pattern” her thoughts and her heart to go against all former beliefs and loyalties.
Every Christian, at the moment of conversion, decided to “re-pattern” his/her thoughts and heart to go against the former sinful nature. Paul remains one of the strongest examples we have. His process began years prior to his imprisonment. In Acts 7:54-60, by his presence as well as his actions, Saul of Taurus consented to Stephen’s execution by stoning. (Stephen was a righteous follower of Christ). In chapter 9 of Acts, Saul traveled on the road to Damascus with the intensions of persecuting Christians there. The appearance of Jesus blinded Saul, putting him in a one-way-out situation. For three days, Jesus “re-patterned” Saul’s mind until Saul surrendered and his spirit joined the fight for Christ. Saul’s sight was restored and his name was changed to Paul.
In Philippians chapter one, we see the results of Paul’s “re-patterning.” Again, he was in a situation he had no control over. He could have fought against his captivity through his own means. But he joined a far greater battle—the furtherance of the gospel. He accepted his destiny without giving up hope of freedom, trusting Jesus to bring victory in whatever way the LORD saw fit.
Not only does Paul’s resolve regarding his own circumstances prove he was “re-patterned” to function according to God’s will, his prayer for other believers confirms it as well.
And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may [d]display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [[e]that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]. (Philippians 1:9-11 Amp.).
Our destiny is a one-way-out situation. We have a choice to make: join Christ who is prepared to “re-pattern” us for His good purpose, or fight against Him and lose our very soul. When we make the logical decision, we can depend on God to fight the battle for us. It takes infinite wisdom, loving patience, and never-ending perseverance for the LORD to “re-pattern” our minds to enable us to function according to His will. While He works on us, our sole duty is to fight with Him and not against Him. As we surrender our will to His, we find improvements that initiate thanksgiving.
reasuring
what is valuable to God places His will above our own
onoring
God shows our commitment to Him
bounding
love to others testifies to Christ’s love for us
earness
to God “re-patterns” our lives
nowledge
of Jesus Christ extends beyond belief to obedience
incerity
and certainty give us access to God through Jesus Christ
ratitude
enables us to serve and please God
nsight
from God reveals our sin, need for repentance, and our Savior
alues
change as we grow in His grace
nnocence,
which was lost at the fall of man, is restored
ecessities,
the absolute essentials of life become clearer
enuineness
accompanies our every action and word
Our Next Bible
Study
Reread: Philippians Chapter 1:12-20
Joshua Chapter 3
For previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies, please visit our archives
Praise Report:
God is sending workers to the field. Through faithful servants, many are learning more about Christ and in turn, are telling others.
Hallelujah!
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 33:3 paraphrased by me).”
WOO HOO!!
God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Prayer Requests:
Chandler, the Moore family, Haley, Connie, Steve and Kelli, Caroline, Amy, Valerie, Sharon, Amber, Jackie, Pauline, Shelia, Brad, Mike, Frosteen, Phil and Kathy, Dodie, Adrian, Hans and Erin, Matt and Julie, military personnel, unemployed, Sarah and Ben, children with cancer, unsaved, Melinda & Barry and family, Ryan, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me,
Brenda Hendricks.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.
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