BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND
Renewing of the mind, renewing of the heart, renewing of the spirit! This is my PRIORITY for 2021. This week, one of the Bible verses that I was studying was in Romans, chapter 12. This verse sure packs a punch, so I thought that I would talk about what the verse means to me and how I am trying to be transformed.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.
When I think about transformations, I think about looks. I’ve seen so many “What Not To Wear” episodes that I immediately think of that as being transforming. On the show, participants are transformed by the end of the show, which I also want. I want instant results, and I struggle with the waiting process. I don’t like baby steps; instead, I want to start by running.
Let’s take dieting; for example, if I say NO to a piece of cake, I expect to have lost weight the next time I step on the scale. If I do some exercise, I expect my clothes to fit better, and the rolls around my tummy suddenly disappear. I know that is not how it works, but my mind thinks that is how it SHOULD work.
Because I spend a small, and I mean a very small, portion of my day with the Lord, I think that suffices. I did my devotional, I posted a verse on my blog, I wear my cross necklace, so I get a big checkmark for the day…right? Is this what the Lord meant when He told us to go and become Disciples?
I desire to become closer to the Lord this year, and just like diet and exercise, I need to realize that I should start with baby steps. For me, here are the baby steps that I am adding to my daily routine in the hopes that I can renew my mind and be transformed.
Baby Steps
- Morning Devotional – Currently using the Write The Word Journal, Cultivate JOY.
- Listen to a small online sermon.
- Doing a 21 Day Prayer and Fasting plan on the YouVersion App.
- Posting a Prayer and a Bible verse on my Instagram Stories (2021 goal to post on this platform every day)
- Begin and end my day with prayer
Would I love to be able to walk or run instead of taking baby steps? Yes, but this is as far ahead as I am looking for now. I want to train my mind to talk to the Lord throughout my day, and call on Him in all circumstances. How wonderful it would be to feel His presence guiding me.
I’m praying for His strength as I struggle to find my balance. I am praying for Him to open my eyes, my heart, and my ears so that I might see Him in all things, feel Him surrounding me, and hear His encouraging words. I’m praying!!!
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
I love this. My husband and I are pastors and this is our theme for the year!!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I’d love to have your sister on as a guest. I am 5’3 and am more of an upside down pear. lol. I love all of your posts. You always have very helpful ideas😊
I’m trying to do the Write the Word Journal: Cultivate Faith
I’m not very consistent, but it had us start with Gen. so sometimes I don’t feel like it’s very relevant, but I know that is just ME missing the point.