A Renewed Mind for a New Season

From the Pastor’s Desk: A Renewed Mind for a New Season

As we step into a new season, whether it’s a new year, a new opportunity, or simply a fresh chapter in life, one of the most important transformations we can experience is the renewing of our minds. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

A renewed mind is essential for stepping into all that God has for us in this new season. It enables us to break free from old patterns, align our thoughts with God’s truth, and move forward in faith and purpose.

Why Our Minds Need Renewal

Our minds are constantly bombarded with messages from the world—messages of fear, doubt, comparison, and even hopelessness. Left unchecked, these messages can shape our beliefs and actions in ways that pull us away from God’s plan. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we gain clarity, peace, and confidence in God’s will for our lives.

Renewing our minds is not a one-time event; it’s a daily process of intentionally choosing God’s perspective over the world’s. It’s about replacing lies with truth, anxiety with peace, and despair with hope.

How to Renew Your Mind

1. Spend Time in God’s Word
   The Bible is our ultimate source of truth. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is alive and active, able to penetrate and transform our hearts and minds. Make it a priority to read, meditate on, and apply Scripture daily.

2. Pray for God’s Perspective
   Ask God to reveal His perspective in every situation you face. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Prayer invites God into the renewal process and helps us align our thoughts with His.

3. Guard Your Thoughts
   Be mindful of what you allow into your mind. Philippians 4:8 gives us a filter for our thoughts: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Choose to dwell on things that uplift and encourage your spirit.

4. Surround Yourself with Encouraging Community
   Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Being in fellowship with other believers who share God’s values will encourage you to stay focused and grounded in truth.

5. Speak Life Over Yourself
   Words have power. Speak God’s promises over your life and reject thoughts of defeat or negativity. Declare truths like, “I am more than a conqueror through Christ” (Romans 8:37) and “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Results of a Renewed Mind

When our minds are renewed, our lives are transformed. We begin to see challenges as opportunities, setbacks as setups for growth, and uncertainties as moments to trust God. A renewed mind equips us to discern God’s will, make godly decisions, and step boldly into the new season He has prepared for us.

This season, I encourage you to invite God to renew your mind. Surrender your thoughts to Him, immerse yourself in His Word, and allow His truth to shape your perspective. As you do, you’ll find that He equips you with the peace, strength, and clarity you need to embrace all He has in store.

Let’s step into this new season with renewed minds and renewed hearts, ready to walk in God’s perfect will.

With grace and expectation,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Vision and Purpose—Seeking God’s Vision for Our Lives

Have you ever wondered if you’re truly walking in the path that God has prepared for you? It’s a question many of us wrestle with at different stages of our lives. We sense that we’re made for something more, yet we’re unsure exactly what that more looks like. The good news is, God has a vision and purpose for each of our lives, and He delights in revealing it to us as we seek Him.

Why God’s Vision Matters

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision gives us direction, hope, and a reason to press forward when challenges arise. It anchors us to God’s promises and keeps us from drifting aimlessly through life. When we have a divine vision, every day becomes an opportunity to take a step closer to the destiny God has in store for us.

Aligning with God’s Purpose

1. Prayerful Surrender
   To discover God’s vision, we must first surrender our own. In our culture, we’re often encouraged to dream big and pursue our personal ambitions. But Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:10 to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” Before anything else, we must place our plans at His feet, asking Him to guide and shape our desires according to His will.

2. Studying Scripture
   God speaks to us through His Word. Passages like Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” remind us that God’s thoughts toward us are hopeful, purposeful, and loving. As we spend time in the Bible, we align our hearts with God’s truth, positioning ourselves to discern His guidance more clearly.

3. Obedience in the Small Things
   Sometimes we look for grand, life-changing signs, but God often starts by asking us to be faithful in the little things. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” When we obey in the small steps, we cultivate a heart posture that’s ready to receive bigger assignments from the Lord.

4. Seeking Wise Counsel
   God has placed us in a community of believers for a reason. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surround yourself with people who love Jesus and desire to see you grow in Him—mentors, small group leaders, trusted friends. Their wisdom and prayer support can confirm God’s leading in your life.

Practical Steps to Pursue Vision

• Set Aside Quiet Time: In the noise of our busy routines, scheduling intentional moments of solitude with God can create space for Him to speak.

• Journal Your Prayers: Writing down your prayers and the impressions you sense from the Lord can help you look back and see His guiding hand over time.

• Take Incremental Steps of Faith: Once you sense God nudging you toward a particular direction, trust Him enough to take the first step—even if it feels small.

Living Out Your Calling

When we begin living out God’s vision, we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment. Each act of obedience becomes an act of worship. The overflow of this purpose pours into our relationships, our church, and our community. It’s in living out His plans that we not only bless others, but also encounter the abundance Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Friends, remember that God’s vision and purpose for your life isn’t about perfection—it's about pursuit. It’s about daily seeking Him, daily trusting Him, and daily stepping out in faith. As you do, you’ll find Him faithful to lead you every step of the way.

With hope and anticipation,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Embracing God's Plan

From the Pastor’s Desk: New Year, New Beginnings—Embracing God’s Plan

Happy New Year, church family! As we turn the page on another year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and eagerly anticipating the future. Perhaps you’ve been making resolutions, setting goals, or dreaming about what the months ahead might hold. Whatever is on your heart as 2025 begins, I want to encourage you to take a moment and consider what God’s plan might be for your life in this season.

The Bible reminds us of God’s faithfulness in creating new beginnings. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This promise speaks directly into our lives today. No matter what we’ve experienced in the past year—successes, failures, joys, or sorrows—God is always at work, weaving together a new and hopeful future for us.

One of the keys to embracing God’s plan is learning to let go of the past. Philippians 3:13–14 encourages us to “forget what lies behind” and “press on toward the goal.” This doesn’t mean we ignore the lessons we learned or discount our memories; rather, it means we refuse to let past disappointments or hurts define us. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we step forward in faith.

As you set your intentions for this new year, I invite you to include a spiritual goal among them. Perhaps it’s reading through the Bible in a year, committing to regular prayer and journaling, or joining a small group where you can grow deeper in faith and fellowship. Ask God to show you where He’s calling you and what He’s asking of you in this season.

Remember, new beginnings aren’t just about fresh starts; they’re about being open and available to the new things God wants to do in and through your life. When you put Him first—trusting in His wisdom, seeking His guidance, and following His Word—you’ll find purpose and fulfillment far beyond your own plans.

Let’s step into 2025 with courage and anticipation, knowing that our Heavenly Father has already gone before us. May this year be filled with greater faith, deeper love, and unshakeable hope as we embrace God’s plan together.

With anticipation and joy,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"