Renewing Your Mind without Checking Out Your Brain

    Sometimes when we hear the term “renewing the mind” we have visons of some eastern-style meditation that invites the participant to check their brain out at the door before entering into this mysterious realm. This is the last thing anyone struggling with mental health issues needs if they want to get better. Thankfully, there is a time-worn antidote that is tried-and-true and I know that because I have practised this myself. It is the “washing of the water of the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). 

     There is a pivotal verse in the New Testament that is key to understanding how God can help us with our mental health issues by simply giving close attention to His Word, the Bible. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Scripture is more than just words on a page (or a tablet or phone). These are the very breath of God, breathing life into us, His creation. Once I realized that truth I never read the Bible again as just “another” book. It is God’s Book, His revelation to ME!

     The word translated “transform” means ‘a change in form’ and it is where we get our English word ‘metamorphosis’. It is the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly. Our lives are actually transformed, changed in form, when we renew our minds with the words of Scripture. This renewal is the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God. Think of it as kind of like thinking God’s thoughts after Him. For me, His thoughts are WAY better than some of the stuff that comes my way in media, the arts, philosophy, etc. that brings me down.

     One other key that I have found in this renewal process is to have time with God in my Bible that is both unhurried and undistracted. I like to find my own little quiet, out-of-the-way spot and just hang with the Lord for a bit. I start every single day like this because I need it.

Just passing the salt!

Pastor Brian Horrobin

Making my faith my own

As a Christian, I haven’t always been proud of the greater Church’s response to COVID19 and it’s caused me to question our expression of faith.

That distinction is important. I’ve never questioned the truth of a God who cares for me and is involved in my life, or my belief that scripture is inerrant.

It’s been a tumultuous time for me, many have pulled me aside, concerned that I’m walking away from Christianity.

On the contrary!

I’ve been digging in more!

Since I didn’t have consistent church or Bible study, I had to do the studying!

And no topic was off the table.

What is Church?

What is my parental responsibility for my children’s spiritual well being?

Should we be paying pastors?

What is persecution?

What would Jesus do in the light of the pandemic?

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

Is this the correct translation?

What is ‘salvation’?

And sometimes there isn’t one right answer for every situation.

This last year has taught me to be okay with the mystery.

I’m no longer afraid to dive into a topic out of fear of what I’ll find. I’m not God, I won’t know everything while I’m here. I’m simply going to trust that God’s got this, and He will show me what I need to know.

Explore my friends! Adventure awaits!