We all understand that if you keep doing what you’ve done, you keep getting what you got. So, if you want something new, you need to make up your mind to try something different. The New Year is a perfect time to do that. God would have us stop hobbling back and forth between two options or opinions. We must realize the importance of making a decisive commitment to follow God wholeheartedly rather than wavering between different priorities or influences.  

 

Put It Into Practice: Meditate on what it means to set your mind on things above. Identify practical ways to focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, and share this with someone.

   

Day 1      Colossians 3:1-4     

Reflect: How have you experienced dying to your old life and living a new life in Christ? What do verses 3 and 4 mean to you? How do you model this? Does hope fit into your lifestyle?

Apply:   How does the concept of heaven influence your choices and attitudes in everyday life? In what ways can you actively practice setting your mind on positive or spiritual things? 

Pray:    Father, I can be confident that You are leading me to grow in Christ to become more like Him. As Your beloved child, I anticipate the day the Lord Jesus returns and invites me to share in His glory.

 

Day 2      Philippians 4:8-9      

Reflect: What kinds of thoughts would Paul have considered true, noble, or praiseworthy? How can you control which thoughts you dwell on? What actions of Paul do you admire most?

Apply:    Think of a time when you turned a negative thought into a positive one. How did that change your perspective? Daily monitor your level of peace. What robs you of it? 

Pray:      Lord Jesus, are my thoughts leading me closer to Your heart or away from it? Help me to    make Philippians 4:8 my focus today to shape my attitude and outlook.  

 

Day 3      Galatians 5:16-25      

Reflect: Explore the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit (aka mind wars). Why are we so often defeated instead of victorious in our thoughts and actions? Are you reactive or proactive?

Apply:   Cite one word that means the opposite of each quality listed in verses 22 and 23. How can you walk by the Spirit and produce the fruit of the Spirit versus the opposite in your life? 

Pray:     Holy Spirit, may I live according to the nature of Christ. Help me listen to Your voice, submit to Your will, and be obedient to Your correction that I can walk  in newness of life.

 

Day 4      1 Kings 18:20-21      

Reflect: Consider this call to make a decisive commitment to God. Reflect on areas in your life tin which you may be wavering between two opinions or paths. Why so? 

Apply:    Identify the two opinions in which you’re wavering. What does it mean to “make up your mind” in the context of your faith journey? How can indecision affect your spiritual growth? 

Pray:     Jesus, my heart is struggling to fully surrender to Your will. Keep me mindful of the foundational role that the scriptures, prayer, and service have in sustaining and strengthening my faith. Not my will, but Yours be done.

 

Day 5      Romans 8:5-11      

Reflect: How do intrusive thoughts impact your daily life and spiritual walk? How can thinking about heaven and eternity change the way you handle challenges and opportunities in this life?

Apply:   Relationships with other believers, Scripture reading, and a lifestyle of worship are key to cultivating a life led by the Spirit. In which do you need to more engage this year?

Pray:     Father, I choose to actively seek Your influence over my will. I want to be focused on seeking the Holy Spirit and responding to His lead.