Changing our Thinking

 

“Those who have been most strict in their conduct before conversion, will afterwards see abundant reason for humbling themselves, even on account of things which they then thought ought to have been done.” – Matthew Henry (I might also add that as we are on this Christian journey there may also be things we see abundant reason to humble ourselves about, even on account of things we once thought ought to be done.)

 

Read:  Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 22:8-11; and Acts 26

 

S.O.A.P.

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

 

S:  I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead?  Acts 26:6-8

 

O:  Paul comes before King Agrippa to give his testimony and when it was all said and done King Agrippa could find nothing in Paul deserving of death and he even stated that he felt Paul was trying to convert him.  Matthew Henry says this, “Active and laborious followers of the gospel often have been despised as dreamers or madmen, for believing such doctrines and such wonderful facts; and for attesting that the same faith and diligence, and an experience like their own, are necessary to all men, whatever their rank, in order to their salvation.  Agrippa saw a great deal of reason for Christianity. His understanding and judgment were for the time convinced, but his heart was not changed.”

 

A:  To allow God to continue to change my heart and grow me even if that means humbling myself and changing the way I look at things.

 

P:  Dear Jesus, Thank You for the many gifts and blessings You give us.  Thank You for healing.  Thank you for the journey that we walk toward You and for the many ways You teach us and show us the way in which we should walk.  Give us the grace and desire to change our thinking to align more with Your ways and thinking and to allow ourselves to be changed.  Through Christ I pray, Amen & Amen.

 

"A world that sits in darkness must be enlightened, [but] it is not enough for them to have their eyes opened, they must have their hearts renewed. "– Matthew Henry