Looking Ahead: Renewing the Mind

Let's be honest:  I am not great at organizing this blog.  I get ideas of weekly themes, and I don't stick to them.  This year, I am trying again, but slightly different.

This year, for me, is all about being transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2).  Therefore, this year I will spend my time reading, writing, and asking questions that are important to this goal.  Every Friday I will give a basic update on "What I'm Learning."  Outside of that, anything could happen.

What types of blog posts should you expect?  Well, here are a list of topics that are areas of my mind I am seeking to renew with God's goodness:

• Scriptural Authority, Inspiration, and Formation:  How did we get the Bible?  Why does the Bible matter?  How should we read the bible?
• Grace and Works:  This has been one of the central battles of my heart and mind for the past 4-5 years theologically.  I also believe it has been a battle in my life for much longer.  I need to seek renewal in this theologically and practically.
• Purity and Exemplified Marriage:  I am on a life-long quest for purity in my life.  This year I attack the mental aspects of that goal.  I also want to explore the question:  How can my marriage be a displayed example for those around me?
• Justice and Poverty:  What does it look like to care for the poor?  What does it mean to love?  What role should I take to make the world a better place?  What issues are most pressing?
• Science and Religion:  What should we expect from the Bible scientifically?
• Faith and Parenting:  What does it mean to walk my child toward God?  How can I create an environment where faith can flourish and last?

On top of these topics, I am hoping to have several guest posts from members of my youth group, friends, family, and fellow bloggers.  I will also be writing down children's stories that I plan to tell my child starting at his birth in February.

It is going to be a good year.  What is your goal?  Do you have a word, a verse, or a sentence that describes your goal?

One Year. One Verse

The "One Word" concept is a good one.  I read about it about halfway through this year.  The idea was to take one word, a word that sums up who you want to be and how you want to live, and make that one word the key to your year.  Focusing on one word instead of a bunch of resolutions.  I like that.

Except this year I am wanting to challenge you to make a slightly different challenge.  This year, let's take one verse from God's word to make our theme.  Take a verse that challenges you, inspires you, teaches you, or maybe even confuses you.  Take one verse, and make it your focus this year.  Your reading of the Bible will be informed by this one verse, your prayer life focused around it, your days begin and end with a quick reminder of your one verse.

One Verse.  one Year.

I believe this can change lives.

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My verse this year:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:2

This verse really sums up what I want to see change in my life.  I want to see my mind transformed in such a way that changes how I live my life.

I will study this verse inside out this year, and the context around it.  More than that, though, I will put my effort forward to make weekly and monthly goals that will help me move closer to God's intentions within this verse.

Knowing isn't enough.  My life must be changed.

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I challenge you to pick a verse.  Share it on your blog or on Facebook/Twitter.  If you want help looking for tools to help you study this one verse better, let me know.  What if we let our entire year be consumed by one simple statement from God's word?  Do you think it would change you?

Join me and find out!