Below is a video that I made to help people understand what it means to renew the mind…what it is, how to go about doing it and why!
I hope it helps you.
Thanks again to Barb Raveling for her help in understanding how to practically apply the wisdom of Romans 12:2!
Summary:
Renewing the Mind is, simply, thinking God’s thoughts after him.
First, choose a renewing of the mind goal. Why? Because it is our thinking that causes us to act. If we want to act differently and see different fruit in our lives, we need to start where actions are birthed–in our thoughts! What do you want to think differently about? The scale? Your body? Food? Your marriage? Your job? Probably, for our study coming up, you will want to select something that has to do with food, eating or weight, but it is your choice. Maybe you are an emotional eater, so you need to think differently about processing emotions. Maybe you don’t feel like you trust God. You might want to renew your mind about God’s character. So first thing, you want to pick a renewing of your mind goal.
Secondly, select times of the day when you will proactively choose to think God’s thoughts about whatever it is. First thing in the morning is a good idea for most of us since it might set the tone for the entire day. If you struggle in your marriage, you might also want to plan a renewing of your mind session for just before you see your spouse. If it is about food, you might need a mini-renewing of your mind session before you eat each time you eat! Let’s dive in and do this for all we are worth. Give it just a few weeks of diligence and hard work and you will be amazed at how you are impacted! You can also renew your mind in the middle of giving in to behaviors that are counter to your godly goal or after you have given in. It is best to plan a time before that happens, of course! But even if you “blow it,” you can renew your mind about whatever it is after the fact and it will help!
Thirdly, select strategies for actually thinking God’s thoughts after him. In this video, I share some ideas for that, but it is by no means comprehensive. You can use Barb Raveling’s I Deserve a Donut app. You can read scripture or review memorized verses. The bible is clearly where God shows us his thoughts, so it is a safe place to land to find things to think about for renewing your mind. If you want to be more specific, you can do what I have done. On an index card, piece of paper, on a file in your laptop or your cell phone or iDevice :-), you can create a file or jot down a list of TRUTHS about whatever it is that you want to think differently about. Then, each of the times that you renew your mind, you would read those things…preferably out loud. Pray over them and ask God to work them deeply into the soil of your heart and mind.
Here is a partial list of My Affirmations about 0 to 5 eating mentioned in the video.
Also, in the video I say one of the things I like about 0 to 5 eating is that it is easy. Then I talk about Barb’s app and mention that 0 to 5 eating is hard. What I mean by that, is when I am tempted to stray away from it, THEN it is hard. That is when I need to stop myself from whining about how “hard” it is. It is always going to be hard to obey. But the principles are easy, simple, and doable!
I hope this helps clarify what renewing the mind is! 🙂
Hi Heidi, You mention how hard it is to obey. I felt your post was God’s underline to my own email this morning:
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey. (Contemporary English Version CEV) … I felt like God was saying, “I’m working in you, Cheryl, to make you willing and able to obey me.”
I want to be more hungry for him than I am for that tempting food.
It’s God first that we are accountable to…not to our Thin Within program or my accountability partners, though I love you all…the wind beneath my wings. 🙂 It’s God first that we are accountable to.
Let’s wrap our minds around him today and in the coming week and give him the glory
Luv & prayers,
Cheryl
Cheryl, did you send me an email? Or did you mean an email you sent to your group members? I have been having connectivity issues on this trip I am on –especially with email! — Anyhow, yes! God is definitely at work in us! And you are so right…he is the ONE we are accountable to! Yes…I am with you. Lord, please cause us to be aware of your presence today and thank you that you walk this road with us!
Perfect timing Heidi, thanks for reading my mind:)
Did you get my email yesterday, Lee? I have been having internet issues on this trip. I hope this blog helps, Lee!
Thanks for the blog and video – I really need those very practical tips! For years I’ve been trying to renew my diet, or better yet, find a new diet ( you know, ‘The One’ that will actually work,) but it’s becoming very clear to me that what I need is a new mind and heart. So grateful that God is at work to transform me, and it’s not all up to me!
So true, Cindy. One of the things I love about Barb’s material is she thought of that, too. She has a study for us about what is God’s part and what is our part. He is doing a work in each of us! It’s “When God Doesn’t Change You Instantly” and can be found here: http://barbraveling.com/2013/02/04/bible-study-working-with-god-on-your-goal/ I love that God IS indeed busy at work in us to will and to do according to his good pleasure! 🙂
Heidi~I am so thankful I have found your blog! I am beyond excited about the upcoming Bible Study. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way. ~Becky
Hi, Becky. I am so glad you have joined us, too! I look forward to what God will do in our midst during the next 6-8 weeks! I know this…he IS doing a NEW thing! Right now!
Hi Heidi!! This could not have come at a better time! I have gotten away from all God taught me about eating within the boundaries of hunger/fullness ( 0-5). So, my “Renewing of Mind” goal is to take better care of the body (temple) God gave me by eating only when I am hungry and to stopping when I satisfied. I look forward to joining you in this study on March 4th! No chat, right? Just reading blog and posting comments?
Right, Linda. It is great to see you here! I am so excited!