21-Day Studies (+ more to come) and Resources
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Renew Your Mind
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You are created by the hands of God, with the breath of God, in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). The human mind is like no other created thing. In the beautiful creation that is your mind, God has given you the ability to think, study, analyze, process, ponder, store into memory, reframe, and so much more. There is unfathomable potential available to you.
When God’s word says to renew your mind (Romans 12:2), it is because God knows you have the ability to do this. He created this ability in you. But it takes focus, commitment, and intentionality. Without these things, you will simply drift with the current of the culture and the loud voices all around you. Without intention, you will simply conform to the patterns of the world. The result? You will live a life outside of God’s perfect design and will for you, you will believe the lies of the enemy over the truth of God, you will experience anxiety and unrest from striving and spinning your wheels on the things of the world. But a renewed mind transforms. A renewed mind discerns the perfect will of God, believes who God says you are, walks in sync with God and the plans He created in advance for you, experiences oneness with God, joy, contentment, peace. Sounds amazing, right? You have the ability to control what you choose to think about. What you let in your mind. How you process what goes into your mind. What your reaction will be. There are countless studies and incredible science demonstrating that God’s desire for you to renew your mind isn’t just some lofty, unrealistic idea, but instead a reality built into the magnificent intricacies of your brain and how it functions. These things God tells us about renewing our mind, experiencing peace, finding contentment in all things…these things are possible and part of how God created you. If you are interested in a deeper dive into a study of the brain, I recommend checking out Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neuroscientist. Many of the concepts included in this 21-day study are based on her mind-renewal research with incredibly impressive results. For 21 days, you will dive deep into God's Word while also practicing habits to begin a journey toward renewing your mind. Friend, it is only 21 days. You can do it. Stick with it and trust the process. If you want change, you have to be willing to change. Commit to 20-30 minutes a day of focused mind renewal and watch transformation unfold, as God promises it will. We pray this process will help you fill your mind with truth, replacing any thoughts that are hindering living your best life…the life God designed for you to walk in for such a time as this. You are here on purpose for a purpose. You are exactly where you are in this season for a reason. Allow God to fill your mind with His truth, guidance, and direction. Seek to journey along the perfect path He has created for you. Downloadable Worksheets (instructions for each step follow below)... |
Do not be conformed 
See below for a detailed explanation of each step.
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Downloadable daily worksheets (click on image)
Seven Steps (20-30 Minutes a Day for 21 Days)
For 21-days we invite you to set aside focused time each day – about 20-30 minutes – to complete the following seven steps based on Scriptural references. This is not intended to be a magical formula, but rather a time of intention to recognize and capture thoughts not of God that are keeping you from living your best life that God has created for you for such a time as this.
Set your alarm early, grab a cup of coffee or tea and devote your first minutes of the day to renewing your mind.
1. Pray (1-2 minutes)
Seek God first. Abide in Him. Begin with a short prayer. Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding. Ask Him to change your desires to match His and to join you in renewing your mind to be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus. If you don’t know where to begin, we have included a prayer you can recite on the bottom of this page to help you get started. Your prayers don’t have to be complicated works of poetic art, but rather a heartfelt conversation with God.
Set your alarm early, grab a cup of coffee or tea and devote your first minutes of the day to renewing your mind.
1. Pray (1-2 minutes)
Seek God first. Abide in Him. Begin with a short prayer. Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding. Ask Him to change your desires to match His and to join you in renewing your mind to be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus. If you don’t know where to begin, we have included a prayer you can recite on the bottom of this page to help you get started. Your prayers don’t have to be complicated works of poetic art, but rather a heartfelt conversation with God.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
”If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:6
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God.Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” Mark 11:22-24
2. Take Every Thought Not of God Captive (5 minutes)
This is an important step not to be taken lightly or brushed over. Capture any toxic, anxious or negative thoughts. Search your heart for any sinful patterns or desires. Dig deep to examine any idols taking up a higher position in your life than God. Rather than suppress or ignore these things, bring them to the surface so you can replace them with God’s truth and God’s will.
What voices are you listening to that are dragging you down and leaving you paralyzed? Here’s a good rule of thumb to think through the root of the words filling your mind:
God’s voice will line up with Scripture. It stills, leads, restores, enlightens, encourages, comforts, uplifts, calms, and convicts. On the other hand,
Satan’s voice rushes, pushes, frightens, confuses, discourages, worries, compares, obsesses, and condemns.
Reflect on the voices you hear in your mind. Are they in alignment with God’s truth or the lies of the enemy? Take every thought not of God captive. Don’t assume they will disappear on their own. There is a spiritual battle raging all around you and you must be intentional. Call the toxic thoughts out for the lie that they are or the impossible barrier they seem to be in your mind.
Sometimes the thoughts in our mind are rooted in sinful patterns and idols in our life we are clinging too more tightly than God. Are we fighting for control, for approval, for affirmation from others, for self-medication, for self-glorification, for respect at all costs? Are we elevating our social status, our family, our finances, our appearance, our career aspirations, our possessions above our relationship with and obedience to God?
Sin patterns and idols in our life often become so ingrained in our daily life and thought patterns that they become hard to recognize. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal them to you. A quote I often reflect on is, “the level of your irritation often reveals the depth of your idolatry.” In other words, pay attention to what gets you the most angry. Dig deep to understand the root of the anger. Is it rooted in an idol or sin pattern you are clinging too that is getting ruffled by another person or circumstance?
As you work through these 21-days of prayer, study, and reflection, you may find that you are working on one thought pattern the entire time. That is okay! It takes time and intention to change our thoughts and actions. That is what this intentional time is for.
This is an important step not to be taken lightly or brushed over. Capture any toxic, anxious or negative thoughts. Search your heart for any sinful patterns or desires. Dig deep to examine any idols taking up a higher position in your life than God. Rather than suppress or ignore these things, bring them to the surface so you can replace them with God’s truth and God’s will.
What voices are you listening to that are dragging you down and leaving you paralyzed? Here’s a good rule of thumb to think through the root of the words filling your mind:
God’s voice will line up with Scripture. It stills, leads, restores, enlightens, encourages, comforts, uplifts, calms, and convicts. On the other hand,
Satan’s voice rushes, pushes, frightens, confuses, discourages, worries, compares, obsesses, and condemns.
Reflect on the voices you hear in your mind. Are they in alignment with God’s truth or the lies of the enemy? Take every thought not of God captive. Don’t assume they will disappear on their own. There is a spiritual battle raging all around you and you must be intentional. Call the toxic thoughts out for the lie that they are or the impossible barrier they seem to be in your mind.
Sometimes the thoughts in our mind are rooted in sinful patterns and idols in our life we are clinging too more tightly than God. Are we fighting for control, for approval, for affirmation from others, for self-medication, for self-glorification, for respect at all costs? Are we elevating our social status, our family, our finances, our appearance, our career aspirations, our possessions above our relationship with and obedience to God?
Sin patterns and idols in our life often become so ingrained in our daily life and thought patterns that they become hard to recognize. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal them to you. A quote I often reflect on is, “the level of your irritation often reveals the depth of your idolatry.” In other words, pay attention to what gets you the most angry. Dig deep to understand the root of the anger. Is it rooted in an idol or sin pattern you are clinging too that is getting ruffled by another person or circumstance?
As you work through these 21-days of prayer, study, and reflection, you may find that you are working on one thought pattern the entire time. That is okay! It takes time and intention to change our thoughts and actions. That is what this intentional time is for.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love….Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Matthew 16:33
3. Replace lies with truth (5 minutes)
Here is the freeing part, friends. We can replace the lies of the enemy and desires of the world with God’s truth and God’s plans. Remind yourself of God’s truth. Remind yourself who God says you are. Remind yourself that God is with you. Remind yourself that God will fight for you. Remind yourself that God will provide for you. Remind yourself that following the things of God far surpass following the things of the world. Remind yourself how much God loves you. Remind yourself that God can do the impossible...in fact, He loves to do the impossible! Remind yourself that God is working even in the suffering, the hard, and the waiting. Let truth flood over every negative, anxious and toxic thought. Let God change your desires. Retrain your mind to focus instead on God’s truth. You are so very loved by Him and He has such beautiful plans for you.
Here is the freeing part, friends. We can replace the lies of the enemy and desires of the world with God’s truth and God’s plans. Remind yourself of God’s truth. Remind yourself who God says you are. Remind yourself that God is with you. Remind yourself that God will fight for you. Remind yourself that God will provide for you. Remind yourself that following the things of God far surpass following the things of the world. Remind yourself how much God loves you. Remind yourself that God can do the impossible...in fact, He loves to do the impossible! Remind yourself that God is working even in the suffering, the hard, and the waiting. Let truth flood over every negative, anxious and toxic thought. Let God change your desires. Retrain your mind to focus instead on God’s truth. You are so very loved by Him and He has such beautiful plans for you.
“But he said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” Luke 18:27
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
If you are struggling with replacing God's truth with the enemy's lies, click on the image below for some verses that may help you get started.
4. Gratitude (1-2 minutes)
Part of renewing your mind and replacing lies of the world with truths of God is to focus on gratitude. Gratitude is a game changer and perspective shifter. God tells us to be grateful in all circumstances. Countless studies have been conducted showing the health and well-being benefits of documenting gratitude. Again, science and research are catching up to what God teaches us to do. Each day you will write 5 things you are grateful for.
Part of renewing your mind and replacing lies of the world with truths of God is to focus on gratitude. Gratitude is a game changer and perspective shifter. God tells us to be grateful in all circumstances. Countless studies have been conducted showing the health and well-being benefits of documenting gratitude. Again, science and research are catching up to what God teaches us to do. Each day you will write 5 things you are grateful for.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
5. Study God’s Word (5-10 minutes)
Filling your mind with God’s truth – God’s Word – and an abiding relationship with Him is foundational to renewing your mind. On this 21-day journey, you will be slowly going through a select portion or book of the Bible. Each passage is presented in the English Standard Version (ESV) translation as well as the Message (MSG) translation. Read it through a couple of times. Underline, highlight, doodle, and take notes as you read. Note transition words (so, therefore, by, but, instead, etc.). Jot down things you don’t understand and want to look up later. As you read the selected passage each day, slowly focus on God’s truth and instruction. Let it soak in. Restate it. Wrestle with it. Ask yourself hard questions about it. Talk to God about it and ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His word. Questions to prompt your thinking accompany each day’s passage. If you want to go a bit deeper or have questions about a passage, a great commentary to start with is David Guzik’s Enduring Word.
Filling your mind with God’s truth – God’s Word – and an abiding relationship with Him is foundational to renewing your mind. On this 21-day journey, you will be slowly going through a select portion or book of the Bible. Each passage is presented in the English Standard Version (ESV) translation as well as the Message (MSG) translation. Read it through a couple of times. Underline, highlight, doodle, and take notes as you read. Note transition words (so, therefore, by, but, instead, etc.). Jot down things you don’t understand and want to look up later. As you read the selected passage each day, slowly focus on God’s truth and instruction. Let it soak in. Restate it. Wrestle with it. Ask yourself hard questions about it. Talk to God about it and ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His word. Questions to prompt your thinking accompany each day’s passage. If you want to go a bit deeper or have questions about a passage, a great commentary to start with is David Guzik’s Enduring Word.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4
6. Action Item (2-3 minutes)
Next you will write out one thing you are going to do each day to change your thought patterns, or focus on God first/more, or take a step in obedience you feel Him calling you to take, or to turn away from something He is telling you to turn from. It can be a small baby step…action in the right direction is progress. But I challenge you to really stretch yourself to the point where you know you need God to help you. And it is okay if it is the same thing each of the 21 days. It takes time to change our thought patterns and resulting actions. The key thing is to do something. While reflective time with God is critically important, taking action is important too!
If you are struggling with your feelings not matching up with the truths you have inserted in place of the lies the enemy is filling your mind with, don’t be discouraged. It takes time to uproot firmly planted lies. But you can do it and you will get there. Pray about even small steps you can take each day. Lean into the power of God to be able to do these things, and you can do these things before you feel these things. You can act like the person you want to become. It isn’t faking, it is trusting God to come in and transform you.
Next you will write out one thing you are going to do each day to change your thought patterns, or focus on God first/more, or take a step in obedience you feel Him calling you to take, or to turn away from something He is telling you to turn from. It can be a small baby step…action in the right direction is progress. But I challenge you to really stretch yourself to the point where you know you need God to help you. And it is okay if it is the same thing each of the 21 days. It takes time to change our thought patterns and resulting actions. The key thing is to do something. While reflective time with God is critically important, taking action is important too!
If you are struggling with your feelings not matching up with the truths you have inserted in place of the lies the enemy is filling your mind with, don’t be discouraged. It takes time to uproot firmly planted lies. But you can do it and you will get there. Pray about even small steps you can take each day. Lean into the power of God to be able to do these things, and you can do these things before you feel these things. You can act like the person you want to become. It isn’t faking, it is trusting God to come in and transform you.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” Ephesians 4:1
7. Closing Prayer (1-2 minutes)
Ask God to be with you in your action steps. Ask Him to expand your faith and belief that He can do the impossible. Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him in advance for the miracle of transformation He can’t wait to do in your life through time with Him and the renewing of your mind.
Ask God to be with you in your action steps. Ask Him to expand your faith and belief that He can do the impossible. Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him in advance for the miracle of transformation He can’t wait to do in your life through time with Him and the renewing of your mind.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Not sure what to pray? Here is a prayer to get you started.
God, as I begin to spend time with you, I first thank you that you are above all things. That you are all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present. That you are a good good Father who wants good things for your children, including me. I thank you that I am your child; a beloved heir to your kingdom. I thank you that you have prepared good works in advance for me to walk in. I thank you for never leaving me and for fighting for me. I thank you that you are full of love, mercy, grace, and compassion. I thank you for the many gifts you have given me. Help me to use them well.
God, I ask you to give me wisdom where I am lacking. I ask you to fill those holes within me that were made for only you to fill. Empty me of the things I try to fill them with that are keeping me from the life you have created for me. Bring to mind anything that is not of you that is getting in the way…any negative thoughts, envy, strife, unforgiveness, insecurity, pride, anger, doubt, fear, anxiety…any of it, God. And guide me in replacing these things with your truth. Point me to your truth. God, help me to renew my mind and to be transformed more and more into the perfect image of your precious Son, Jesus. God, change my “want to”. Give me a deep desire to want to know you more; to want to spend time with you; to want to believe your truth over the lies of the world. Open my heart, mind, and soul to hear you… and give me the faith and courage to be obedient.
God, I am expectant and I thank you in advance for the miracle you will do in my mind and my life. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
God, I ask you to give me wisdom where I am lacking. I ask you to fill those holes within me that were made for only you to fill. Empty me of the things I try to fill them with that are keeping me from the life you have created for me. Bring to mind anything that is not of you that is getting in the way…any negative thoughts, envy, strife, unforgiveness, insecurity, pride, anger, doubt, fear, anxiety…any of it, God. And guide me in replacing these things with your truth. Point me to your truth. God, help me to renew my mind and to be transformed more and more into the perfect image of your precious Son, Jesus. God, change my “want to”. Give me a deep desire to want to know you more; to want to spend time with you; to want to believe your truth over the lies of the world. Open my heart, mind, and soul to hear you… and give me the faith and courage to be obedient.
God, I am expectant and I thank you in advance for the miracle you will do in my mind and my life. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.