Preparing Our Hearts for Annual Session: 30 Days of Prayer and Devotion - Day 10

Day 10 Renewing the Mind

Rev. Timothy Joyce

Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstown

ABCNJ President

Romans 12:2 — "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds…"

Reflection: 

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This powerful passage is one we need to believe and practice. My wife is a middle school special education math teacher, and she keeps a Rubik’s Cube on her desk. Her students love to try to stump her, but no matter how much they scramble it, she always finds a way to solve it. Our 7-year-old has picked up on this trend and has practiced solving it and creating fun patterns. I saw what my 7-year-old did and BELIEVED I could do it, but I was wrong. So, with lots of help from YouTube and plenty of practice, I have slowly figured out different patterns and solutions. I still haven't mastered the art of solving the puzzle, but I am better than I once was. 

As Paul writes, we need to practice renewing our minds to be transformed. We might see others who are transformed and believe we can be transformed as well. But we need to put this belief into practice through a daily pursuit of renewing our minds and being rooted in Christ. So day after day, we become a living sacrifice as we set our minds on Christ, on his mercy, his grace, and his goodness. 

Prayer
Transforming God, renew our minds and root our thoughts in Christ. Help us resist the patterns that draw us away from You and focus daily on Your mercy, grace, and goodness. Shape our hearts and minds so we may discern Your will and live faithfully for You. Amen.

Practice
Choose one thought or habit that needs renewal. Each time it surfaces this week, pause and replace it with a truth from Scripture. Ask God to reshape your thinking and help you practice the way of Christ daily.