Renewing Your Mind
by Helen Lescheid
“Do not conform any longer 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” (Romans 12:2).
Someone has said, “I’m made new in Christ. I’ve got a new heart and I’ve got a new spirit. My only problem is I’ve got an old brain. Old thought patterns die hard. Echoes of the past come to torment us. Voices of the world assault our minds and give us wrong information.
The Bible says, “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desire; to be made new in the attitude of your minds… (Ephesians 2:22,23)
There is a battle on for our minds and we need to continually feed our minds on the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, flushing out the junk. It’s a process and you need to diligently apply yourself to it. The following are a few practical steps towards renewing your mind.*
Speaking the Truth: We live in a “Me first” generation. We’re constantly told to: “Pamper yourself. “Fight for yourself. “Get the most out of life.” No matter what is being advertized we’re told, “you deserve it.” It’s become the modern mantra of a “me generation.”
What does Jesus teach about true self-esteem? “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How do we love ourselves in a healthy way? By speaking the truth about ourselves. And what is the truth?
God made me according to a beautiful blueprint, therefore I have value. Jesus died for me, therefore I am loved. God has given me specific works to do; therefore, I have significance. Yes, I do fail at times, but God forgives me. We need to speak honestly about ourselves, the good and the bad. When we are really honest, we can’t help but be humble before God.
Thinking the Truth: Meditate on the special Scriptures the Lord gives you regarding your forgiveness, your strength in Jesus, your new heart, and all the riches of Christ. Write them out on cards. Tape them on your bathroom mirror, say them out loud as you go about your work, as you walk the dog, or as you are stopped in traffic. Memorize them. Review them often.
Living the Truth: Don’t fan the flames of old feelings and desires. If you don’t want to struggle with lust, don’t go to enticing movies. Be careful about the influence you receive from television and books. Don’t rehash past hurts. When negative, condemning thoughts come say, “That belongs to the old me and I’ve died to that.” Then repeat a Scripture that affirms your worth in Christ. Practice the simple things the Lord shows you, obey His instructions, and you will be made new in your mind as well.
Prayer: Dear God, I want to be diligent in keeping my mind focused on Your truths. Help me to practice the self-discipline of turning off the television, of walking away from tempting magazines and books. I want to renew my mind today by filling it with Your truths.
*Outline by Melody Green “But I can’t forgive myself!” Wise Tracks #067
Comment: Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment” (just under the devotional title).
Related Reading: Renewing your mind can help renew your body: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/health/migraines.html
About the Author: This devotional was written by Helen Lescheid. Learn more about Helen: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/helen-lescheid/
Copyright: This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from TruthMedia Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines:
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Dear Donna,
You asked where you could get Melody Green’s Wise Track #067 on “Forgiving Yourself.” I would gladly send you a copy if you would give me your address, please.
Would you like to stay in touch and tell me more of yourself? If so, I’m here to listen and help if I can.
Sincerely,
Helen Grace Lescheid
Author of “Renewing Your Mind.”
This was a very powerful word. I just read it today, but that is because I have been letting the enemy attack my mind. Wow, it really spoke to me. I needed to read this. I praise God for all He has done, and for continuing to reveal Himself to me through His word, and encouragement of other in the Faith.
I need to forgive myself, and keep my mind stayed on Jesus, and the Word of God. Here lately it has been a real struggle. It feels good to get this off my chest. I thank God for all the ways we are able to communicate and spread His word, and share.
I found the article, “But I Can’t Forgive Myself??? By Melody Green on the following website. http://www.lastdaysministries.org/articles/buticantforgivemyself.html
Hi Donna
I looked up “Meldy Green” on the internet and her website(keithgreen.com) came up with title of articles, one with the title you mention. Is this what you are looking for?
*Outline by Melody Green “But I can’t forgive myself!??? Wise Tracks #067
I am having so much trouble truly forgiving myself for some things. Where can I find the wise tracks #067 from Melody Green???
Father God, I pray for all these precious ladies to have a strong faith and to be focused on the renewing of their mind. Give them wisdom and guidance as they struggle with this. I pray this prayer for me also, for I need your help just as much. We are spiritual beings, and we must be spiritual fed. How do we accomplish this: through daily prayer,daily reading of your word, and relying on your strength, not our own. Thank you Father. I love you!
P.S. I SAW A GREAT MOVIE LAST NIGHT. Please all of you when it comes to your town, go to see “Facing the Giants”. It is a true story made by a Christian church in Albany Georgia. It brings honor to our Lord, and you will be blessed. Let’s show Hollywood what movies we like, by attending this one.
God bless you all,
Evelyn
The battle begins within our mind . Always the word of God can be the only way out . The lie can be exchanged with the truth found in His precepts . Let no sin be found in within me , but let the word richly dwell within my heart . Read or hear and be doers of the word . Really our faith is based on what we choose to read and trust and obey . God’s way is perfect . May He always hold me , guide me and may my spirit yield to His leading moment by moment . I can’t have it any other way . No man is an island . He either has to choose to whom he will give his loyalty and beliefs . Sometimes we like or try to escape . Alas , downfall begins when pride reigns . Let i decrease and He increase even in my thought life , patterns of making decisions . He is my strength and my only portion in heavenly dwelling . GOd thank You . Renew my mind , and may your hand hold mine as I daily take my walk with You .God bless all those who wiah to have a daily walk with His creator . No better place to be than to be with Him always . Moment by moment !
good morning! I just wanted to encourage you and say God is more than willing to renew us even in our dirt. I struggled with preverted thoughts in the beginning of my Christian walk even though i’ve been a Christian since a young girl i still was abused by the worlds thoughts and pictures. I came to a place in my life where i knew i needed prayer and somebody to reach out to. Now I know that going to church isn’t a duty it is required of the Lord. 1Corinthians 12:12-…etc. talks about what would we do if the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were the hearing, where would be the smelling. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? We all need each other. If you are struggling with something that’s not easy to control trust God and ask Him to give you somebody from the body of Christ to pray with you and councile you. It’s not easy to reach out but it is required so we can function for others and ourselves. And doesn’t it sound great that one day you will be walking in more peace!!!!!! Jesus says.”You will have touble in this world but take heart for I have overcome the world.” I believe and know with all my heart that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. God wants to rescue His children. I believe He’s waiting for us to say “come Jesus! Help me! I need you” He will fight on your behalf. He’s already destroyed the sin so it’s up to us to be sanctifed in the blood by renewing our mind. Sometimes doing it alone is what God requires in a season but if you struggle with always finding yourself in the same place reach out and ask somebody you can trust. There were times i reached out and didn’t get what i wanted. But God is faithful and knows exactly what i needed. Sometimes he does things slow to grow our faith for others and sometimes he reaches into the pit of your being and rips out whats destoying you. He gives, I believe. only what we can handle. He never wants to shock you or hurt you.God is Love. He loves His children. But he hates the sin. Arise children of God and come out.Come out of the ememy’s territory. Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. Speak against what destroys you for He gives us authority in Himself to fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. Bless you, a sister who has suffered also, but walks in more peace,love kimberly(:
WOW! what a profound word. To know the Lord os so merciful and that he is always with us. Our minds are like a video player and anything unpleasant to our spirit we can just push the eject button. We are what we feed our mind.If we feed it junk then we will always think of junk. If we feed it with substance it will always flow substance thinking and thoughts. Be careful what you feed your mind. If you want to know what is good look at the scripture Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
WOW! what a profound word. To know the Lord os so merciful and that he is always with us. Our minds are like a video player and anything unpleasant to our spirit we can just push the eject button. We are what we feed our mind.If we feed it junk then we will always think of junk. If we feed it with substance it will always flow substance thinking and thoughts. Be careful what you feed your mind.Remember when those thoughts come and they will we can hit the eject button by proclaiming the word of God. If you want to know what is good look at the scripture Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Hi, wow, what a devotional. I struggle with self-doubt, rehashing past hurst, and even taking spoken things to low levels. Even yesterday, something was said at work by a co-worker, and I immediately took it personally. I was sitting at my desk thinking about this “slight”, to only be reminded that it was most likely not meant in that manner. I immediately started praying asking God to clear my mind of this, and asked for forgiveness for where my mind went. It took about 5 minutes for the entire thing to be cleared from my mind,a nd a relationahip was not broken.
Thank you God for your awesomeness
I want to reiterate what the last three manny, Shereen, and Suzanne have said. I am a very new christian who has been broken and trying hard to find my way back. Today’s devotional Helen wrote reminds all of us how important our minds are. The “renewal of the mind” as Manny stated is perfect! Sometimes we need to renew our mind many times a day, as I do. If you are at a strong place in your mind and life, you may have to renew every morning/evening…our God is a patient God, thank goodness!
Thank you so much for todays devotional. I have been having a struggle all week, and there are times my mind has gone into overdrive.
Thank God for you Helen!
I said the prayer through tears, now Im going to fill my mind with His word.
Blessing in Jesus!
Thank you .I think this devotional its for me .I am planning to began a new life .with our Lord .I am preparing for that .I was with our Lord .world attracted me sometimes .so i ran away from his presence without saying a Bye ..After some time i suddenly think Oh Abbaa i am sorry forgive me Abba ,i ‘ve sinned against you .I know you are angry at me .so i will not come in front of you .But my dear friends ,to my surprise i realize that he also with me ,he is protecting me ,even though i never sensed his presence .Now i think i will begin a new life from ocotber 1 ,sunday on wards .i want self decipline .to cut off all wordly things .am preparing for that .Then this devotional came in front of me .Now i know Jesus loves me .please pray for me
Thank you so much for this devotional. I have been SO long struggling with the renewal of my mind. Every morning I declare scripture and then by 9AM I’m a goner! How do our minds end up in such a horrible condition? I am making a commitment this morning to diligently work toward the renewal of my mind. This devotion has ministered to me!