Today is the first day of our 30-day journey. I’m excited for you and for me as I will likely discover some area of my life that has gone unaddressed. That is my hope for you as well. For starters, scroll down to the comments and chime in. Let me know why you decided to take this challenge. I encourage you all to interact with each other. God has created this space for such a time as this. Let’s make the best of our time together.
I think it’s safe to assume one of two things: either you have a made up mind and you want to become a better version of yourself, or you’re just curious — trying to figure out if this challenge is legit or not. Wherever you are on the continuum between the former and the latter, you’re here, and that’s half the battle.
All I want from you today is to read the following verse from the Book of Romans:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. ~Romans 12:2
Read it a second time with a highlighter or a pen. According to this verse, what is the goal that we’re working toward? In order to reach this goal together, we must be clear about what those customs and behaviors of the world are. Take 30 seconds to make a list of what those worldly behaviors might be. As you go through your day today, add to the list — even if it’s a worldly behavior you’re not quite ready to part with, write it down. So your homework for Day 1 is to scroll down to the comments and identify our collective goal and a short list of worldly behaviors. Don’t worry if your answers differ from someone else’s. That’s just part of the process. See you tomorrow for Day 2. May blessings abound! <3
P.S. To make this journey a little easier, click the menu bar in the top left hand corner to subscribe to this blog via e-mail. You won’t ever miss a post, and you can easily share this challenge with friends and family.
Click here for Day 2 – Pray With Expectation.
Hi Michelle,
It took me a moment to accept your challenge for the mere fact that I’m a bit anxious about facing a few truths about myself…but this is good…this is necessary, and I think I’m ready.
1. I’d say the goal would be to learn God’s will for my life and to transform the way I think.
2. Worldly behaviors in my life I would say:
– Reacting impatiently and in a ‘not gracious’ way when facing a challenge
– Forgiving but not forgetting, holding on to past mistakes
– Trying to control what should be left for God to handle
Is this even right? 🙂 Don’t know if I’m doing this right. Maybe you should go first to show us what your expectations are?
This is excellent! Transparency is necessary for this challenge.
Chanty, you are right in line with the purpose of this challenge. Renewing one’s mind is a revival of sorts. You get excited at the mere mention of it. Are you working toward continuous renewal?
I’m taking this challenge because I have trouble remaining focused on the cross and all He has done so that I may have joy. Hopefully these daily reminders will serve to keep me looking in the right direction as I face life’s daily bumps.
Mona, we sometimes take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted. Unless it’s the Lenten Season, we don’t always remember when Christ endured for us. I know that God will move in a mighty way if you continue to seek him first in all things.
Mona, how are you doing these days? Still allowing God to renew your mind?
I initiated this challenge because this is something we all struggle with, and it needs to be addressed in a loving, sisterly way. According to Romans 12:2, I believe God wants to alter my mindset. How we think about things aren’t always in alignment with God’s will for our lives. Reminding myself to look to him first in all things and remembering that he loves me dearly will be my personal goal for this challenge. Of course, I’ll probably add to it. I’ll post my list later. 🙂
I think our collective goal is to be the light in the world as we consistently model kindness, love, and service – even in the difficult times of life. AND, to always give God the glory so others will see God is good all the time. Personally, I would like to overcome the part of me that is meek and learn to be lovingly bold and to always trust Gods plan.
Worldly behaviors that get in the way: Being politically correct and not wanting to offend others, fear of being judged by others, fear of not being good enough or not having the answers, lazy – wanting a peaceful, quiet life without conflict.
I’m sure there is more, but these are my morning thoughts. 🙂
I agree that we are to let our lights shine so that everyone we meet will know who we represent. Hmmm…we know from scripture that “the meek” will be rewarded. Do you think that your meekness comes from fear of being labeled something other than meek?
Thanks Michelle for your response. I think meek may have been a poor choice of words. I looked up meek in the dictionary: enduring injury with patience and without resentment. That’s not what I was trying to say…. I think timid is a better word for what I was trying to describe. I looked up timid: lack of self-assurance, courage or bravery.
I would like to be more bold and courageous…to trust God…to live my purpose without hesitation. In the face of judgment, I would like to stand confidently, rather than avoid a situation in which I may be judged.
I believe Joshua 1:9 is a good anchor verse for timidity. This is something I will pray about for you.
I love that! I wrote it out as an ongoing reminder. Thank you for sharing and I appreciate the prayer.😊
We are in this together! By the way. Willing to share your first name? I could always wait until the book comes out. 😁
I wasn’t able to reply to your comment so I’m replying up here. Yes, my name is Katherine and my book is Through the Fire. <3
Pleased to meet you, Katherine.
I think our goal is to let God transform our minds so that we can know his perfect will for us.
My constant battle is letting worry fill my mind. I can worry forwards and backwards. Only God can cure me of this.
We’re all guilty of worrying. Learning to trust God completely is not as easy as it sounds. It comes as a result of spending time in his word and spending time in his presence. My prayer for you is that peace replaces worry in your life.
That’s a wonderful prayer.
I took this challenge because I am at a point in my life where I need to surrender myself completely to my Father, my Savior and the Holy Spirit and figure out what God is leading me to do and have the courage to do it.
We all reach that point in our lives. I’m privileged to be able to do this with you. I want to lead a life completely in alignment with God’s will. I can hardly wait to hear the praise reports.
Worldly behaviors:
Fear
People pleasing
Uncertainty
Annoyance
I’m excited about this challenge. Working in an alternative school environment, where worldly behaviors ABOUND, I have become even more aware of my own hurts, habits and hangups. And because I’m interested in being all that He desires for me to be, I’m unwilling to become comfortable with those areas that are STILL unlike Him. Thus, my worldly behaviors are:
1. Reacting to disrespectful/discourteous behaviors and comments. (I truly struggle at times with responding softly as a way of turning someone else’s wrath away…);
2. Running around when I should be resting;
3. Giving in to worrying instead of praying.
You are definitely on the battlefield each day. You will become a master at responding in love without fail. You will also teach others to do it by your example.
Amen! By His grace, sis. I’ve been coming up short everytime a student begins to yell or curse at me. But, He reminds me that my weakness is where He does His BEST work.
Yes indeed! Keep fighting the good fight.
Wordly behaviors:
Impatience
Fear
Worry
Gossiping- either listening or contributing
I took this challenge because I need it. I have a made up mind and strive to be more Christlike. I have to began to model such and I need all the help I van get.
Thanks for sharing, Tiff. We have at least one behavior in common…gossiping. Ugh, I really need to surrender this.
I’m here! I’m taking this challenge because I need to be closer to God. I want a deeper relationship with him. I am looking forward to fellowship with you all! I need that too! I want to be the best version of me.
Some worldly thoughts:
Seeking my own answers
Gossip
What I’m thinking about
Greed
Welcome aboard, Julie! I’m guilty of gossip, too. Lord, give me strength. I’ll be praying for you.
I just started a new Prayer study and commitment last week, and today I have not yet had a prayer time. So that is probably my number one need. Get up earlier if necessary so I do not procrastinate on that I also should take better care of my body – food and exercise. Care more for “my neighbor.” I want to see the masses with the heart of Jesus, rather than writing the problem off as something I can’t do anything about. Thanks for the challenge.
Glad you’re joining us, Oneta!
I am always interested in getting to understand what Hod has for me, my purpose and how to get there.
Love not to fall into worldly things only.
Donna. The goal according to the verse Roman’s 12:2 is to be yourself, not to be a follower. Be lead by God and He will transform me. Then, I will begin to know and see God’s devine will for me.
My list of worldly behaviors:
1. Not being obedient to God’s
word.
2. Trying to have control when I
give something to God.
3. Not letting go to let God
4. Too busy, not making God
priority.
5. Not focusing on God totally.
Awesome, Donna! Make your way to Day 2!