In the book, “Run with Horses” by Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message, he writes: “good intentions are worthless if they are not coupled with character development. We don’t become whole persons by merely wanting to become whole, by consulting the right prophets, by reading the right book. Intentions must mature into commitments if we are to become persons with definition, with character, with substance.”

This is an amazing book about Jeremiah. But this morning when I read this again it struck me as such an appropriate truth to meditate on for the first of the year. I do not make resolutions but I do ask the Lord what I need to be working on each Jan. This last week He made it clear that He has given me a work break to become renewed and refreshed. I am starting my year off with a detox diet, something I have been putting off. It is really hard. Yet I know I need to be radical to change habits. I also know from experience that this diet works for me. It is silly knowing this that it takes so long to get started. Isn’t the same for us spiritually? When we apply Godly principles for renewal it really works, but it also takes determination to put them into practice.

One place that God’s instruction for renewal is found in Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:23

23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],

When I thought about how to become continually renewed mentally two verses came to mind.

Psalm 1: 1-3

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of ]scoffers (ridiculers).

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

This scripture urges us to take a moment to reflect on what advice and examples we are following. How much worldly influence are we allowing in? What is needed is a quick inventory to be sure the voices we are constantly exposing our minds to align well with truth, as well as making sure the company we are keeping is the right company. Secondly, we are to meditate on the word day and night. Note that in the amplified it states habitually meditating

I don’t know about you but meditating on the word continually is not that easy for me. I have to be really intentional, eliminating some things and making time for others. My sweet sister in law shared with me that since she is fairly busy she makes sure to listen to u-tube teachings whenever she is in the kitchen or doing house work or taking a walk all on her smart phone. I tried it today and realized that I could be renewing my mind this way without a great deal of effort. I just need to be committed.

I often share Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.

The preached word of God is such a faith builder. It helps us put the word into our minds and then our hearts. When we discipline ourselves to both read and study and then add on listening to teaching, it will create a habit of meditating on his word which will become part of our day and night.

I know that all of us want 2017 to be a year of growth and prosperity. Fortunately Psalm 1 continues on to promise exactly that.

Psalm 1:3

And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season;

Its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]

So this week I am endeavoring not to just want to have a renewed mind but to make sure I take those good intentions and move them over to becoming commitments.

This is a great time of year to ask the Lord what fruit He would like to see mature in your life. It may be renewed faith for healing or financial resources. It may be a new ministry teaching or showing His love to the poor. It may be an exciting market place ministry. Only God knows the new fruit He has in store and how He desires to prosper you. Ask Him and then spend time renewing your mind and refreshing your spirit meditating on the promises around the direction He gives. I believe this commitment will bring us all closer to becoming persons with definition, with character and with substance. Just a little more like Jesus….