Fresh From Old

Researchers from Columbia University recently looked at the brains of healthy people who had died suddenly. They found that the brains of older people were able to produce new brain cells like those of younger people. Although there are other factors to consider, this discovery undermines previous beliefs about healthy older people.

God can work miracles in the brain of any person. When the Holy Spirit dwells in people, He brings the presence of Christ to them. This is why the apostle Paul could say, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Knowing that Christ is dwelling in us should fill us with hope that we are becoming new people through His presence (Ephesians 3:17). When He comes to dwell with us, He desires to engage our decision-making abilities in the process of transformation. In other words, God does not want us to fear that He will take over our identity without our permission. Instead, He encourages us to commune with Him and to make decisions that put His words into action.

When He was on earth, Jesus described the experience of transformation by using the metaphor of eating and drinking: “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him” (John 6:56). This process may begin with an intellectual understanding of the plan of salvation, but our interactions with God are most effective when they also involve our emotions and decisions. Meditating on the Word of God is the first step.

Apply It:

Make a conscious effort to make at least one decision today that is based on the Bible.

Dig Deeper:

2 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Titus 3:5

Key Bible Texts

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. (Romans 12:2 KJV)