Designed Service

Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (NIV)
This is a great verse. When you read the section/chapter, this verse is in; it is even better. The chapter starts by telling us to accept one another and goes on to tell us to love one another and help one another just as Jesus did. It also says give thanks and praise to God. This section ends with a powerful and joyful blessing for each and every one of us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This section is all about everyone. It says, “accept one another.” It does not say accept just the pretty people or the rich people. It does not say accept just the white people or the black people. It does not say accept just the Jewish people or the Baptist people. It does not say accept just the heterosexual people or just the LBGTQ people. It says accept one another. God is for all people. He loves all people. He sends endurance and encouragement and hope to all people.
But previous posts this week have been about fighting personal demons, this verse is great for that too. Ephesians 4:23 “to be made new in the attitude of your minds” (NIV) and this verse says, “attitude of the mind.” Perhaps we are reminded that the battle is more in the mind than in our physical world. Perhaps these verses remind us that renewing our mind with God’s word will renew our attitudes and fill us with endurance, encouragement, joy, peace, and hope. Each day is a new day. Though the battle has been raging for years, or simmering in the back of your head, your personal demons know when to strike and how to strike. You need to know how to fight back and the Bible is telling you to renew your mind through the Spirit, “May God give you endurance and encouragement…” “May God fill you with joy and peace.” And what is even better, it does not say, “come to me when you get your act together.” God loves you now just the way you are, and He wants to bless you. You just have to believe. He will give you the strength to fight those personal demons. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (ESV) The Bible will not sugar coat it. It says in John 16:33, “…In this world you will have trouble.” The Bible does not throw you into the wind and say good luck. In the same verse it also says, “…But take heart! (Jesus) has overcome the world.” With your hope in Christ and your mind renewed by God through the Spirit, you can overcome. Believe what you believe, renew your mind (pray and read your Bible), and you will be blessed with endurance, encouragement, joy, peace and best of all, hope.

Ephesians 4:23 “to be made new in the attitude of your minds” (NIV)
As I fight my demons today, this verse gives me much hope. My demons continue to tell me I am worthless. My demons tell me that I am a hurt to this world and the ones I love. Yes, my demons are mean, and they use every struggle, every hiccup, every road block to demonstrate to me how worthless I am. But this verse tells me otherwise.

This verse tells me the battle is in my mind which makes it an exceptionally difficult battle. If someone came at me with a stick or a fist, I would know to block and fight or flee. If someone said some nasty things about me or to me, I would know they are just being nasty. But the battle is in our minds where our deepest fears lie. This verse tells me to look to God’s word to renew my mind and strengthen my resolve and improve my attitude.

Of course, there is more to the story. When you read this chapter in the Bible, there is so much more encouragement. You read verses about Christian living, and it mentions a few other things we would consider sins or character flaws. BUT the beauty of the Word of God is it never stops there. If you keep reading, it tells you that God loves all of us and wants all of us. This section ends with, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)) These verses are not for everybody else but you, and they are not just for you, but they are intended to include you. God forgives everybody. God loves everybody. God tells you to be kind and compassionate to everybody and that includes being kind and compassionate with yourself. Don’t let the demons beat you down. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Remember God knew you were going to fail, and He still created you to be a part of His plan. You are loved, and your life has purpose.