Daily Renewal

Scripture:
Romans 12:2 — “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Observation:
Paul’s words indicate that God’s will for me is for that which is good and acceptable and perfect to be the pattern in my life. That is, each day of my life, I am to be moving farther and farther away from this world’s pattern of thinking, talking, and living, and closer to God’s ways. It is a higher standard than the way of the world to which I am called. And the only way that this is going to happen, the only way that my life is going to model the transformed life, is if God’s Word begins to reorient my mind to think His thoughts. What I think about, meditate on, and keep my mind focused on is what my life will begin to model. So whenever I begin to drift, I must keep coming back to Scripture as my compass.

Application:
It is so easy to become distracted from pursuing the life that pleases God. When I allow my schedule to get so busy doing good things, I neglect doing the best thing – daily time with God allowing His Word to renew my mind. God’s call to me is to join Him in a daily relationship of sacrifice and worship. Every part of my life – my attitudes, thoughts, and desires – if I want to stay healthy spiritually, I have to guard my time with God. Yet, when I neglect this, these areas begin to suffer. Without the sword of God’s Word sharp and ready for battle I am not ready to defend against the temptations that come at me. The bottom line is I was made for a relationship. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. When my flesh fights against this, I have to endure. I want my life to be a picture of worship that brings pleasure to God.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wonderful gift of Your Word. I want my life to bring pleasure to You today. I know that begins with a mind that is reoriented to You. I want to think Your thoughts. I want to dwell on things that are pure, noble, honorable, right, and true today. I want to desire these things. But my flesh fights against this. If I allow my flesh to win, I will begin to drift away from You. Help me today to anchor my mind, my thoughts, and my attitudes deep in the still waters of Your Word.

— Jeff Holland, congregational care pastor, Reservoir campus