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.

– Romans 12:2, NIV

Are you living the best life God desires for you? Shifting your patterns and focus can change your life. That’s what this verse is about renewing your mind, changing the way you think to create a better life for yourself and a life that honors God.

The world and society have patterns or ways that lead to a broken life. These patterns are easy to fall into and can be difficult to transform. The patterns, or routines, are often preformed mindlessly, without any consideration of our actions or their consequences; however, we are not stuck with them.

Our patterns can be identified and changed by:

• Choosing to focus on Christ.
• Focusing on God’s mercy, and the love of God.
• Focusing on being in Christ and reject the lie and deception of sinful desires of the enemy of your soul.
• Rejecting the patterns and routines that the world promotes as desirable, and live with a heart for God.

Changing your patterns and focusing on Christ will change your life. When we understand God’s love and mercy for us, we find the reason to transform our lives and renew our minds.

Your mind is your greatest asset and also the greatest battleground. Ask God to help you make the choice every day to feed on God’s Word, free your mind of destructive thoughts, and fill your mind with Jesus, others, and eternity. Then you’ll have won the battle. –Rick Warren

Questions To Ponder: How do you create new patterns? Under the reign of God’s love and mercy in your life:

• Spend time in prayer.
• Read the scripture.
• Serve others.
• Listen to the voice of God.

Focus on God rather than yourself. God promises to lead us and show us his will for our lives when we submit to his leadership in our lives.

• The Message version says this verse this way:

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:2, MSG).

Daily Prayer:

Father God, help us to take captive all thoughts that are not from you, Lord, and help us to hunger for your knowledge and wisdom…to fill our minds with your Word and your love. Our hearts belong only to you Lord. Thank you for your direction and guidance to enable us to live a better life through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name. Amen

DAILY DEVOTION