It's 2022! We have made it through a pandemic, through supply chain catastrophes and toilet paper crises. A new year has dawned and hope for the future is bright, or at least it should be. 2022 has potential; it could be the year a revival begins in your church, it could be the year the Lord comes back for His bride, or it could be the year you meet those goals you set just a month ago. So much of what we will or won't accomplish this year will be dependent on what is being done in our hearts. 

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." 

The key to these accomplishments is our minds. What are we doing to renew our minds? I have heard from doctors over the years that describe our minds by comparing them to a computer. If you've ever worked with computers you know that they must be updated regularly to function well and keep you secure from viruses. Similarly we must update or renew our minds. Without this crucial step, we leave ourselves not only open to hackers, but vulnerable to Satan and his attacks. 

2 Corinthians 11:3 " But I fear, less by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." We must upgrade our security features. As many of you know who have had to sit through update screens as they spin and seemingly go nowhere, our updates take time. There is no instant update; we must take the time to input or download the new version. We find this in God's Word. Truth is the only way to fight off a lie. The best defense we have is a good firewall. 

Phil 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 

Phil 4:8 goes into detail with a filter or firewall for the mind. One of the first things listed is whatsoever things are true. If it's not true and honest, even if you think it's true, but aren't sure, stop that thought. Is it just and pure? If not, stop that thought. Is there any loveliness or good report? If not, stop that thought. If you take the time to run your thoughts through these safeguards you're going to find more joy in your journey. It's hard to have a negative spirit if you're refusing to think on things that don't line up with this thinking. 

Phil 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:6-7 talks about our prayer life and communication with God. It ensures us that if we approach God with praise and thanksgiving that He will deliver Peace that passes

understanding and keeps our hearts and minds. Struggling with what to think on? Maybe your life is a dark place right now and you're struggling to find good things. Friend, can I just say that we have a good report available and it's full of truth and is so lovely. 

Our Bible is our renewal. It's a living book full of truths and the more that we input it into our heart, the more we'll look like Christ and His joy will reflect off you. Let's take this new year not just for fleeting resolutions but let's take a step forward for the Lord, renewing and updating ourselves until we are secure in Him.