Is Your Mind Refreshed?

TWILY Ministries | LOVE NOTES | May 2010

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Talk about a whirlwind; truly, the month of May has been just that for me, along with an awesome time of growth! Consequently, I didn't get started on this issue of Love Notes until last night, and even then, after hammering out a complete page, the unthinkable happened: Half asleep, I hit the wrong KEY, leaving me staring at a CLEAN SLATE. Of course I was upset, but I could only be upset with myself; it was all due to a USER ERROR.

You know, having worked in the Information Technology department for many years, I can tell you this: Most technical problems, software and otherwise, are caused by the USER, and not by the poor IT team, as is so often implied!

Some errors are quite humorous, too. Yes, END USERS can be funny, not in a "put-down-sort-of-way", but in a goofy sort of way, like when someone forgets to plug in a power cord, or even - get this - someone else, having worked too many hours, mistakes their "Blackberry device" for a doughnut, and takes it for a dunk! Don't get me wrong. These types of "technical dramas" aren't unique to jobs I've worked. No, they are quite common in many Technology companies and situations. Take my friend "Pam" for instance, who has her own company.

She hired a Web Design company to, not only design, but manage her company's website. Preparing for a MAJOR SALES presentation, she contacted her Webmaster, asking her to update the site with current information pertaining to services, pricing structures, and other pertinent info, all needed to help win over a potential client.

The Webmaster assured her that the updates would be made, as requested and in time for the presentation. Having completed the updates, she contacted Pam to let her know that "things were all set!" Well, Pam, having worked with her many times before, didn't think anything else about it, until it was time for the presentation. That's when she got upset, and WHY? Well, when she opened the website, all she saw was the OLD DATA on the screen; old prices, old service listings, old everything! ANGRY, she SKILLFULLY arranged a short break. She called her Webmaster and lit into her for "not coming through" and "potentially costing her a client". The Webmaster, SURE OF HER WORK, didn't even sweat it. She just let her VENT and then, asked her one question:

"Pam, did you remember to hit the REFRESH KEY?" to which she responded, "Oh, that's right, ...the REFRESH key! I totally forgot! I'm so sorry! "

Now, if you've worked on a computer long enough, you probably know by now that the REFRESH key is quite important. After all, it's the key that, well, refreshes the screen. Essentially, it paints over the old stuff, revealing all the new updates. In short, it displays the TRUTH!

Friends, while this is true when it comes to software updates, as Christians, it is equally true when it comes to our minds! In spite of being forgiven by God, many Christians struggle to "forgive themselves" for their past sins. By failing to REFRESH their minds with the Word of God, and His presence, they allow the enemy to bombard them with thoughts of their past, causing them to believe they are useless, unloved, unforgiven, etc. They forget that he - the enemy - is a liar and the father of it! (John 8:44). The truth is, of course, that regardless of what we did before we were saved, being blood-washed, the Father no longer sees us in the old way; He sees us through the blood of Jesus. It is just as one pastor said to his congregation: "If you're saved, God has wiped your slate clean; your past is gone!

They need to get the update: We're brand new creatures!

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (NASB)

You know, yesterday, we watched the sentencing of a very high profile individual, during which time, he was given an opportunity to address the judge. One thing he said to the judge, really stuck out to me. He said:

"...the prosecutor continues to prosecute that old person who isn't here anymore."

Now, whether he - who professes to be a Christian - was referring to the above passage or not, his statement pretty much sums up the point, which is: no matter how we've been changed, the enemy will always try to hold us back with our past. He will always remind us of who we WERE.

Really, there's not much else to say about it, so let me head towards closing - while it is still the month of MAY -with this question:

Are you allowing the prosecutor - the enemy - to bother you with thoughts of the OLD YOU? - past sins, past mistakes, failed relationships, etc.

I hope not , but if so, remember, you have a POWERFUL WEAPON to get him off your mind; the Word of God. Like any recently updated Website, from time-to-time, our past sins may come across the screens of our minds, but when they do, we CERTAINLY don't have to feel guilty - (Rom 8:1).No! They serve as backdrop for "the thanks" we offer up during our times of Worship, for Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. - (Rom. 4:7). The past IS the Past!

One may be asking, "What about now, though? What about the mess-ups I've had TODAY, yesterday, and the day before?", and the answer is: Even now, you can be REFRESHED, for if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Does this give us license to sin? No, but it does give us assurance that, when we do sin, we don't have to stay out of fellowship; we can, once again, enjoy the intimacy of our relationship with Christ by turning back to Him. In other words, if you have breath, it's NEVER TOO LATE to, as someone said - don't know who - admit it (confess or "agree with the Lord"), quit it (repent, which is what happens with true godly sorrow), and forget it; the Lord certainly will. So then, let somebody know that they can come boldly to the throne of grace and receive the help that only He can offer in their time of need! - (Heb 4:16), and that's a wrap, friends!

I've got to tell you before I leave, though, all this "REFRESHING" talk has brought to mind one of my favorite worship songs of old, with lyrics that simply say:

"Times of refreshing, here in Your presence. There's no greater blessing than being with You. My heart is restored, my mind is renewed. There's no greater joy, Lord, than being with You. - © 1993 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)

God willing see you soon. Until then, friends, don't forget the REFRESH key; Jesus Christ, He alone is the Key to our refreshment! Why not pause to spend some time worshiping Him, RIGHT NOW! Thank you all for reading and all the encouraging feedback and prayers!

Joyce

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