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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. (NASB)
For as long as I remember, I've heard people make New Year's resolutions about something they are going to change in their lives. Then later, I observe that they are back doing the very thing that they committed not to do. Year after year, they make the same resolutions, merely because it is tradition; then, they are soon forgotten.
But if we are serious about shedding old habits, consider Scripture as a renewing adventure. You may find this lasting and perhaps life-changing. There is a simple three-step process that is outlined in today's Scripture text: (1) non-conformation, (2) transformation, and (3) a renewing.
In this progression, we must first make Jesus the Lord of our lives.
1 John 2:15 – Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (NASB)
So as a non-conformer, we mirror Christlikeness and the love of God.
Secondly, Paul tells us to be transformed. The Greek word is metamorphoo from which we derive our English word metamorphosis, meaning changing from one form to another. Analogous to this is modifying our lifestyle to match our saved condition, and stopping mimicking the world and its system. In other words, becoming a new you.
Finally, the third step in this procedure is a renewing of our minds. A comparable analogy is that of a computer. An adage says, Garbage in; garbage out. If we depress the restart button of our minds, a process of renovation takes place. If we think like God, instead of how the world thinks, we absorb spiritual values.
Colossians 3:10,16a – Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created [you]. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom. (NASB)
The world desires to change our minds from without. If the world controls our mind, we become a conformer. But by meditating on the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will change our minds from within and render us a transformer. Then, not only will we become good and acceptable in the will of God, but we will be following a path toward perfection. As a result, we become lights to the world and salt to the earth. Therefore, I challenge each one to make this pledge for the coming year: Resolve to renew your mind daily.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for Your Word and the fellowship that we have with You. We pray that the Holy Spirit will renew our minds and our hearts with wisdom and understanding through Christ Jesus — Your Son — our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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Thanks Lou for the challenge.
Thanks. That was very instructional and reminded me to include God in my thoughts and plans for 2015.
Thank you Lou. May 2015 be one of Peace, Good Health, Much Happiness and Continued “Daily” Inspiration for you, Lori and all your loved ones.
Thank you Lou, for reminding me, it is God’s Word and His power only, that can help me to be a better person in this coming new year. God bless you and your family.
Good morning Lou, Thanks for sharing that wonderful meditation with us. Very appropriate for the beginning of another new year.
May you have a blessed new year keeping the word of the Lord always in our hearts and minds as you say.
Dear Lou,
Very clear, indeed! Thanks for discussing our Christian lives as a non-conforming, transformation process as evident in our lifestyle changes. Allowing God to renew our minds each day of 2015 is a great reminder.
Lou thanks for the great reminder of making resolutions each year and forgetting then within two weeks. What do they say “doing the same thing over and over and expecting things to change, is the definition of insanity”. We must make the commitment to change and become more Christ like.
Happy New Year to you and Lori.
Amen!
Great things God has done, not failing to surround His own with His power and loving-kindness – with best yet to come.
Thank God for every devotional in Jesus name!
Happy New Year 2015!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you & Lori,
Thank You for you & Lori’s devotionals. I am sure they touch the heart & souls of your readers & me, as well. May FATHER reward you & your wife, Lori, with further health, happiness & prosperity and the blessing & honor of being FATHER’s vessels to pour out HIS word upon those who read your words to put before us. May the messages you share guide us in our faith & practice.
Again Lou, a sincere Thank You,
(Texas)
Dear Lou Ciccanti,
Thanks for the devotional.
Your last paragraph fits with the book our little Bible Study group has begun to use, The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. Warren says, “You were born by his (God’s) purpose and for his purpose” (p.17).
May God continue to cause you and your wife to be enthusiastic about spreading the Word and the Way of Jesus Christ.
Hi Lou,
Thank you for your writings this past year, they are a blessing to many people.
All the best to you and yours for this year.