New HorizonsSample

[IMAGE CONTENT] # Renew Your Mind Have you ever wanted to change your life physically, emotionally or spiritually? Milestones come around, whether new years or simply new days, and often we find ourselves evaluating the areas in our lives. There will be some that we are satisfied with and want to maintain. Inevitably, we will also find some areas in our lives that we want to change. Often, after a long or even short period of time of trying to change, we are frustrated as we find ourselves back at day one. When trying to move forward, we can find ourselves are stuck in a dysfunctional cycle. Paul was God’s chosen instrument to bring Jesus to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15 NIV). In Romans 12:2, he is writing to the Romans, encouraging them not to be caught in the patterns of the world. What does he mean by this? If a Christian does not stand out from the world, they are merely useless and will not outwork the mission that Jesus has called us to (Matthew 28:16-20). The world will constantly have patterns that are easy to fall into, but it is our job as believers to not conform but rather transform the world around us. To transform the world around us we first need to transform our own habits, lifestyle and thinking (2 Cor 5:17). Paul takes the scripture further and says that change will happen by renewing our minds. So what does this mean, and how often should we do this? Renewing our mind is to simply remind ourselves of who God is in our life. It is also setting our mind and aligning our actions with the life Christ has called us to live. How do we do this? There is space for each individual to create their own rhythm, but some ways include, attending church, reading the Bible, praying, and listening to worship music. How often should we do this? As many times as we can. The more we renew our minds, the more transformation and change we will see take place in our lives. To go to new horizons and break dysfunctional patterns in life we need to: 1. Identify a pattern in your life that you want to change. 2. Pray and renew your mind everyday, starting with today. Use the suggestions listed here to get started. Pray With Me Lord, I thank You for today. I pray that You would search my heart for the patterns in my life that need to change in order to be closer to You. Today, I pray that You would renew my mind, open my heart and fix my focus on You. You are a God of newness, and as I renew my mind in You and align my heart with Yours, I declare I will see more of Heaven come to earth. Key Memory Verse Romans 12:2 (NIV), "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." Written by Liam & Madi Barlow, Youth Pastors, Citipointe Church Brisbane