Publisher's Review:
As a man thinks, so is he. This is a fact we do well to heed. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6-9) In Mind Frames, the author shares six scriptural exercises to strengthen the mind's ability to focus Godward and then presents a dozen Christlike attitudes -mind frames- to guard our thoughts in challenging circumstances. These mind frames are used by the spirit to bring our thoughts into alignment with the ways of God. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7) "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment" (Mk. 12:30).
Summary:
First the author looks at where the mind fits in our makeup. We are a three-part being: spirit, soul and body. The spirit is God-conscious, the soul self-conscious and the body world-conscious. The soul links with the physical realm through the body, and to God through the spirit. It is made up of intellect, emotions, personality and will. It also includes the heart (the seat of affection) and mind. Scripture focuses more on the mind because that’s where spiritual battles are won or lost.
The relationship of mind to soul is likened to a window frame which holds the glass (the soul being the connection between spirit and body.)
This is why the author chose “Mind Frames” as the title of his book.
The heart is the core of man’s soul – the seat of moral character, emotions, will and reasoning. The mind is the seat of reflective consciousness, having the ability to perceive, understand, analyze and make decisions. It thinks and remembers, and is the doorway to the inner self. An evil heart affects the mind as well as evil communication. Through temptation the mind may allow the old nature to control the heart. By listening to the Spirit the mind can strengthen the inner self allowing the new nature to control the heart. Of course, the body ultimately carries out the decision, whether good or bad. Control of the mind is absolutely necessary to living a life that pleases God.
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a life of harmony with God. The spirit completely ruled the mind. They enjoyed peace, joy and security until they listened to Satan. Spiritual death and the beginning of physical death set in. The spirit no longer ruled the mind. The flesh soon bombarded it with evil desires and the human race was set on a downward spiral.
Now intimacy with God must be restored by receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. At conversion, God redeems the entire person: spirit, soul and (eventually) body. The soul is set on an upward course. The proper order of spirit, soul and body is reestablished. However our old nature, Satan and the world are constant forces to be overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. Is it any wonder that Satan does his best to fill the mind with anything that goes against God’s will? Demon forces bombard us with suggestions hoping to find an open door to enter and wreak havoc on our spiritual lives. How can we ward off such attacks?
Just as our physical bodies require a good diet and exercise to maintain health, so does the spiritual life. They are found in Philippians 4:8. Here are a few of the exercises the author mentions to maintain spiritual health: “settling the mind” when distressing news comes (Isa. 26:3); “recalling the mind” of God’s past faithfulness (Isa. 46:8-9; Lam. 3:21-26); “renewing the mind” from conforming to the world (Rom. 12:2); “girding the mind” to prepare it for the struggles ahead – such as discouragement, depression, fear and persecution (1 Pet. 1:13).
The author gives us a dozen frames of mind as weapons in spiritual warfare. A few of them are: love, faith, hope, prayer and thanksgiving. Most are found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23. His last three chapters form a very appropriate conclusion: “A Mind Set Upon Christ,” “The Blessed Mind of Christ” and “One Goal – Christlikeness.”
A very interesting book, challenging the believer to consider their own lives in the light of Scripture, especially in these days of humanistic teaching and New Age influences in every area of life.
Reading level: Adult
Paperback.
Pages: 148
Size: 137 x 203mm (5.5" X 8.0")
Publisher: Gospel Folio Press. 2004
Bible Version: KJV
