GLEANINGS 3

In GLEANINGS 2 we introduced big bad Bob and his conversion that had turned him into the newly created, born again Bob.

Now for the paradox, Bob is new in his spirit, a new creation, but there still remains a residue of the old Bob within the soul (mind, will and emotions.) This is compounded by the memories lodged in the mind and the habit patterns in the subconscious.

Since birth we have developed these operational patterns, we do things the same way, this makes our life simpler and more functional. This will continue until something intervenes and causes us to want to change to a different method of doing things.

Everyone knows about Bob’s ribald past and some of his actions bordered on debauchery without remorse, this means he has a lot of work to do in order to mirror his soul and spirit. So how does he get beyond his past and live the “New man life”?

A good place to start is by getting motivated. The new Bob must ask himself this question; what happens if I don’t become transformed by the renewing of my mind, and if I don’t present my body as a living sacrifice for GOD’S service, and don’t become willing and obedient so as to eat of the fat of the land? If Bob doesn’t realize it is only by the grace and mercy of GOD, he can present his body, and that his mind can be transformed.

If he decides to keep part of the old Bob around he will be hanging on by a thread of grace and mercy and he will be doing despite to the grace and mercy of GOD.

One of the key ingredients of change is recognizing value. We become more educated because we see value in it. When old Bob sees the value in mind renewal by the Word and the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, he will have motivation for proceeding with it.

The test;
Bob sees a shapely young lady walking down the street (most men will look) and think; well what he thinks depends on how far his mind has been renewed. I can guess what the Old Bob would think, but if he has allowed the washing by the Word and the SPRIT OF GOD to wash out the programming of the old Bob, he will keep his lust in subjection to righteousness. In doing this he doesn’t mean he isn’t still a passionate man capable of desire but that he has a higher calling and he keeps his desire out of the dust, so to speak.

The only thing that can renew the mind is the Word of GOD, for it is SPIRIT filled information that your spirit can agree with. As soon as the word is applied and the issues of the carnal mind (old Bob) is dealt with, the enemy of your soul will come to void the effect of the word. This must be dealt with by resisting the counter attack by using the Jesus method; “Get thee behind me Satan.”

Everyone lusts after something and Satan comes with the very thing you desire, presents it to you and you are tempted. Even though you have dealt with that issue, your emotions are stimulated and the message to the Mind is “Don’t you remember how good this is?” This information is sent to the Will and the emotions will press the Will to agree to act contrary to the minds new standard. This cannot happen if the Word is sown on good ground and planted deep in that good ground.

Mark 4:5 "Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil."

Mark 4:6 "And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away."

Note the words; because it had no depth of soil. When the Word is only partly received or shallow planted, Satan’s heat will sere it and you return back to the way you were. You will be subject to temptations you thought you were beyond.

The way to deal with this is to move to where the soil will allow better cultivation. This seed (the Word) needs to be planted below where the sun effects are and the roots go deep. Well Bob is on his way and doing good, how are you making it?

Just in case you could use a little more help I will conclude with the next blog.