Read /Colossians 3:1 - 17/ We are thinking beings. It is impossible, to find amongst the living, those who do not think. We think whether by intention or default. Even, as we sleep we think. The Bible teaches us that our thinking is essential to our being; it teaches that how we think influences how we live. And it teaches that there are two primary modes of thinking: that which is earthly and that which is heavenly. Earthly thinking is thinking about earthly things. Earthly things are those things we deem as important because of the selfish and unrenewed longings of our earthly bodies. These are the longings of the rebellious nature that we put to death (or turned our backs on) when we identified with the work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross. Things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire and greed. (verse 5). The meditations of a mind set on these things results in a life unworthy of the dignity Jesus Christ suffered and died to restore to us. Yes, He suffered and died so we could be freed from the penalty of our sin. But, He also got up to give us a new life-an abundant life. (John 10:10). The Bible teaches that as a man thinketh so is he. (Proverbs 23:7). The abundant life cannot flow from a mind set on earthly things. It comes from a mind set on things above. Heavenly thinking is thinking in the light of Jesus Christ. It is to think about things as He does. It is the thinking we come to have when we renew our minds daily, through Holy Spirit directed meditation on His Word. It is the thinking that has the following question as its filter: What does God have to say about this? It is the thinking that, when honored through obedience, results in the abundant life Jesus Christ came to give us. This abundant life is empty of anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, lies. (verse 8). It is full of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, unity, peace and gratitude to God. (verses 12 - 15). The woman who lives the abundant life is one in whom the teachings of Christ richly dwells. She knows she belongs to the Good Shepherd. She knows she can hear His voice. She presses in to hear what He has to say. She knows that He is good and so she obeys His instructions with respect to all her living. (John 10:27 -28). She is most blessed and comes to bless many “in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing...through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude” in her heart. (verse 16, CSB). She does everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Father’s honor. (verse 17). Go DeeperAs Be-Held Women we believe that true self-care is accomplished in a lifestyle of intimacy with Jesus Christ. We take care by drawing near to God through seeking and living the truth of God’s Word, by the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. We are confident that in living the truth by His Holy Spirit we will be transformed into women who bear the image of Jesus Christ in spirit, soul and body-women who are empowered to bless many. Dear Be-Held Woman, seeking, living and being transformed by the truth of God's Word, we offer you this Bible study guide to support you in your endeavors! Apply it to this week's Scripture readings. 
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EditorCarolyn Sinclair McCalla is a daughter of God who believes that as we seek the truth of God's Word, and humble ourselves to live in agreement with it, that we will experience the transformation which allows us to enter wholistic wellness: spirit, soul and body. She is the Founder and President of EarthBasic and leads its Be-Held Community: a group of women seeking, living and being transformed by the truth of God’s Word together. |
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