Renewing Our Minds

Theme

As we pray this week, we are preparing ourselves to be the people of God by renewing our minds

Scriptures

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. 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.

Ephesians 4:22-24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflect

The more I learn about the way we each were intelligently, uniquely designed, the more I fall in love with God.  One thing that has absolutely fascinated me over the years is learning more about neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows us the ability to reorganize, create new connections and form new ways of thinking. 

Whether we are new believers or have been following Christ for years, God is inviting us to continue to renew our minds. Our minds are a product of what we allow or intentionally put into them. 

As we think about growing in faith by loving the Lord with our minds, that requires action on our part. Starting with a devotional is a great actionable step towards loving the Lord with your mind- so congratulations you’re on your way!

As you read and reflect on the Scriptures this morning I invite you to reflect on some questions that popped up for me in my study:What would it look like for me to be a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God? What are some ways that I have allowed myself to conform to the patterns of the world?What area of my life can I invite God to renew that He doesn’t currently have access to?

Pray

Lord, thank you for my Emmanuel Church family. Thank you for their hearts that love you and are seeking to grow. I pray that as they seek, they would experience deeper intimacy with you. I ask for all of us, that you would search our hearts and lives and reveal to us areas that we have conformed to behave like people who don’t know you. I pray that as we seek you, would your Word and Spirit renew our minds. Make us more like you. Each day would we be reminded to put on our new self and pray for opportunities to invite others around us to do the same. Thank you for your Word, may it fill our hearts and minds and transform every ounce of our being. Amen.