New Year and a Renewed Mindset

Hey , welcome to Renewed Mindsets , bringing you God's truth from a Gen X perspective , with a mix of humor and a dash of nostalgia . Remember when life was simpler and all we needed was a good mixtape ? Well , we're here to make your spiritual playlist even better . Join us as we explore scripture , laugh a little and rediscover the power of a renewed mindset .

Don't conform transform . Welcome back to Renewed Mindsets . I'm Rick and I'm so glad you're here as we step into a new year . New years is a time filled with hope , fresh starts and lots of resolutions . Some stick and , let's be honest , some don't . Today , we're going to talk about how we can approach the new year with a mindset rooted in God's truth .

Now , before we jump in here , let me share a quick story about one of my more ambitious New Year's resolutions . A few years ago , I was inspired by my brother , mind you . I decided I was going to jog every day , rain or shine .

On January 1st , I laced up my new Nikes , I went out for a really brisk jog and I thought man , this is great , I'm going to do this all year . By January 3rd , I was curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn watching TV . Clearly , my resolve wasn't enough to sustain me . That's the problem with resolutions , though , isn't it ?

They rely on our strength alone , but lasting change , real transformation , comes from God working in us , and that's what we're going to focus on today .

It reminds us that our transformation begins in our minds and our hearts , not with external resolutions or with willpower . So how do we renew our minds ? It starts with immersing ourselves in God's Word . Daily Bible reading or even committing to memorizing one verse each week can make a huge difference . Think about it Just one verse a week means 52 verses .

At the end of the year , those words become a part of who you are , shaping your thoughts and your actions . Now , right now , today , I'm struggling with anxiety about the future . I've decided to focus on Philippians , chapter 4 , verses 6 and 7 .

Do not be anxious about anything , but in everything , by prayer and supplication , with thanksgiving , let your request be made known to God . Now , I've done it before and I'll meditate on that verse daily , along with praising him . Through the pain , and slowly but surely , god is replacing my anxiety and hurt with his peace .

Now here's where I got to the point where Philippians 4 , 6 , and 7 stuck with me all the time . I would write that scripture on sticky notes and put them everywhere , put them on the bathroom mirror in my car , on the dashboard , on my desk at work , and over time that verse became my anchor . God replaced my worry with his peace .

So here's a challenge for you this week pick one verse that speaks to you and write it down . Share it with a friend or post it where you'll see it daily . Let that verse guide your thoughts . That's the power of renewing your mind . When we let God's truth take root , it transforms how we see the world .

And then there's Paul , who went from persecuting Christians to being one of the greatest apostles . These stories show us that no matter where we are in life , God can give us a fresh start . Now , maybe this past year was hard for you . Maybe you feel like you've failed in some way . Let me encourage you with Revelation 21.5 .

Behold , I am making all things new . God's mercies are new every morning , just like we hear in Lamentations 3 , verses 22 and 23 . That means every day , not just January 1st . Every day is an opportunity to start fresh with God . Don't let the weight of yesterday hold you back from the joy and hope of today .

Now take a moment to think about one area of your life where you need a fresh start . Pray and ask God to guide you as you step into that new beginning Section 3 , Trusting God's Plan for the Year Ahead . Another verse I want to share is Jeremiah 29 11 . For I know the plans that I have for you , declares the Lord .

Plans for welfare and not for evil , to give you a future and a hope . This is a verse that we often hear at the start of the new year , and for good reason . It's a beautiful reminder of God's sovereignty . But trusting God's plan isn't always easy , is it ? Especially when things don't go like we expect .

The one thing that's helped me is keeping a journal of prayer requests and answered prayers and pretty much my thoughts on God , prayer requests and answered prayers and pretty much my thoughts on God . It's incredible to look back and see how God has been faithful , even when His timing or methods didn't match my expectations .

Now , just as an example , there was a time and it's in my journal that I was praying specifically for something to come about in my life , something that dealt with my future , and when it didn't happen , I wasn't just disappointed , but I was destroyed , it seemed like .

But just a few months later , god opened a different door that was so much better than anything I could have ever imagined . Trusting God means surrendering our plans and letting Him lead . It's not always comfortable , but it's always worth it . So here's some good practical tips for trusting God . One I said it keep a prayer journal .

Write down your prayers and revisit them to see how God answers . Two embrace patience . Oh , I know about this . One God's timing is perfect , even when it doesn't align with ours . Just remember that . And three surround yourself with encouragers . Find friends or mentors who remind you to keep trusting in God .

This week , ask yourself where in your life do you need to trust God more ? Take that area to Him in prayer . You'll be surprised .

Next , let's talk about setting God-honoring goals . Instead of resolutions like I want to lose weight , think about goals like I want to honor God with how I take care of my body . It's about aligning our desires with His will . Finally , let's consider using Scripture-based affirmations . For example , I am fearfully and wonderfully made , psalm 139.14 .

Or I can do all things through Christ , who strengthens me Philippians 4.13 . These truths help anchor us when life feels uncertain . And on top of prayer and gratitude for that foundation , make sure you add obedience . Jesus says in John 14 , 15 , if you love me , you'll keep my commandments . Obedience isn't about perfection , but about a heart willing to follow God .

Now think of this year as a building project . Your foundation is God's Word . What you build on that foundation your habits , choices and actions well , they'll determine how strong you stand when challenges come . This week , take a moment to reflect on what kind of foundation you're building . Ask God to help you strengthen it .

Closing Thoughts as we wrap up , I want to challenge you to take some time this week to reflect on how you can put God first this year . Maybe it's committing to daily prayer , or finding a Bible reading plan , or serving in your community or in your church . Whatever it is , write it down and share it with someone who can encourage you along the way .

Let's pray together . Heavenly Father , we thank you for the gift of a new year . We ask that you guide our steps , renew our minds and transform our hearts . Help us to trust you in every situation and to glorify you in all that we do . Thank you for your mercies that were new every morning .

We give this year to you and ask you for your blessing In Jesus' precious name , amen . Thank you so much for joining me today on renewed mindsets . Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend and start your year with God at the center . We'll be back . I'm so excited about this year . We'll be back next week . We'll probably have Lauren .

I know some of y'all are excited about that because you're tired of listening to me by myself , but that's okay . Have a blessed new year and I'll see you next time .

Have you ever seen the pictures online where they show where the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans meet and you see a visible line where the two bodies of water appear to clash but they don't fully mix . Well , that happens because the waters have different levels of salt and temperature and density .

They create a gradient making it hard for the waters to blend and it results in a noticeable contrast on the surface . It happens all over the world . Cape Horn at the tip of South America is one spot that it does that . Well , when the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans meet , they keep those characteristics for a while .

That's like showing us God's wisdom and purpose in nature . The differences in their saltiness and their temperature and their density create that line and it demonstrates the harmony and balance that God created . The harmony and balance that God created that separation affected by the strong currents , like the Antarctic circumpolar current .

It highlights the detailed design in God's creation , or even the waters have specific places to be . Now , this meeting point symbolizes the boundary between two large ecosystems and each one flourishes under God's care . The different marine life in both the oceans , each suited to its environment , it shows the diversity and the creativity of God's work .

And while that natural boundary poses challenges for sailors , it showcases the incredible power and majesty of God's creation .

Now we think of this natural phenomenon , let's remember Romans 1 , verse 20 , that says For since the creation of the world , god's invisible qualities , his eternal power and His divine nature have been clearly seen , being understood from what's been made , so that people are without excuse .

The visible line where these two oceans meet is not just a physical occurrence . It's a testament to the divine creator who designed the earth with purpose and precision , and he invites us to marvel at his greatness and seek him in the beauty of his creation . Well , that's all for this week's show . You know the name of this show speaks my hope for you .

It's taken from the words of Romans , chapter 12 , verse 2 . Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that , by testing , you may discern what is the will of God , what is good and acceptable and perfect . If you enjoyed what you heard , do me a favor , please , and tell someone you know about it .

Send them a link and a text you know . You may even need to download it to their phone and show them what a podcast is . If it was valuable to you , it will be to them .

Visit renewedmindsetscom to hear past episodes , read the blog and check out the new merch and , as always , while you're there , send me a voicemail by clicking the button at the bottom right corner of the main page . Tell me what you think about this show . I just might play it on a future episode . Until next week . I'm Rick . I love you , see ya

. The intro and outro music for the Renewed Mindsets podcast is Are you Ready ? By Floodgate From the album Are you Ready ? Copyright 2002 , offbeat Ministries Incorporated . Floodgate can be found on Apple Music and iTunes . Music used with permission .