Today's reading

2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 12:1-2; Titus 3:3-7; John 10:10

January 20, 2022

Prayer & Fast - Day 18

2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 12:1-2; Titus 3:3-7; John 10:10

What are you thinking about right now? What story are you telling yourself about yourself, your situation, and your life? The field of Neuroscience is growing considerably. Recent research shows that what we give our conscious attention to changes our brain.Compare that thought with what we read in Scripture today, “. . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, “. . . take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” (Rom, 2 Cor) To live in freedom is to not be held captive by thought patterns that are harmful, hurtful, and destructive. In fact, Psychology shows that patterns of thoughts stir emotions which direct behaviors and certain patterns of hopelessness and negativity rob us of joy and hope. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)Yet how do we practically take our thoughts captive? First, we invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and minds, to reveal faulty thinking and patterns. We give Him access to our past pain, wounds, and trauma. We honestly answer the question; what story am I telling myself? Secondly, we take that thought, as if to capture it and we replace it with a truth from God’s Word. Third, we repeat that truth as often as the lie resurfaces until the truth becomes the prominent thought. (Resource recommendation: “Winning the War in Your Mind” by Craig Groeschel)Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV) The pattern of our world today includes high levels of anger and division along ethnic, racial, political, and socio-economic lines. To live in freedom, to be transformed will require a supernatural, Holy Spirit driven renewal of our minds. The challenge before us is to uncover and uproot what lies beneath the patterns and habits that keep us from this abundant life Jesus has promised.

prayer focuses

In what ways is the Holy Spirit speaking to You from God’s Word?  How can you apply this to your life? Take some time to journal your thoughts.

Prayer Holy Spirit, search my heart and mind today. Help me to uncover and uproot patterns of sin and faulty thinking. Help me to live in full freedom the abundant life Jesus offers.

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about the

Author

Bayside Community Church

At the beginning of each year, as a church, we set aside time for prayer and fasting. We believe God deserves our full attention and our best. So, before we fill our calendars for the year, we want to listen.  We say with Samuel, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”. (1 Sam 3:9)

These daily readings are collection of thoughts and scripture to use as prompts to invite you to dig deeper - to listen and lean in. Use the scriptures as a springboard to explore further. Consider praying through the scriptures given and let the Word of God speak.

We are praying that you will hear from God in personal and powerful ways over the next 14 days and beyond!