Day 18

Rom 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. NLT

On December 7, 1941 the Japanese Imperial Navy and Air Force thrust America into World War II by attacking our Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. It wasn't pretty. The U.S. Fleet's Pearl Harbor base was reachable by an aircraft carrier force, and the Japanese Navy secretly sent one across the Pacific with greater aerial striking power than had ever been seen on the World's oceans. Its planes hit just before 8AM. Within a short time five of eight battleships at Pearl Harbor were sunk or sinking, with the rest damaged. Several other ships and most Hawaii-based combat planes were also knocked out and over 2400 Americans were dead. Pearl Harbor became the first American battlefield of World War II.

Such an attack had to have been planned carefully to succeed. The Japanese caught the US military off guard and won an important, if incomplete, victory. History records how the US and her allies mounted an amazing comeback and ultimately won the war but the Pearl Harbor battle remains one of the most chilling and somber moments in US History.

Every Christian has a battlefield on which most of the battles we face in life take place. Our mind - will, emotions, intellect,thoughts, dreams, memories, heart - is the critical element in living a victorious life. Every battle is fought there first, regardless of the situation. Someone said that every sin is committed twice - once in the mind or heart and once in the flesh. The key to a clean life is to be very careful what you allow your mind to dwell on. Paul says we must "renew" our minds or reprogram our thinking by studying and living by the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is by our side, helping us with this process and He will guide us through this re-learning effort.

The Psalmist said it another way:

Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. NIV

Before 2008 gets moving too fast, inspect the thoughts and intentions of your heart. Success or trouble in this new year will begin there. And by the help of the Holy Spirit it will be success!

Have a great day,
Pastor Andy