Renewing Your Mind series Archives

The Mind of Christ

‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16

The ultimate renewal
Not just improved thinking,
Not just positive thoughts,
But Christ’s mind within us.

What occupied His thoughts?
The Father’s will.
Others’ needs.
Eternal purposes.

His mind saw beyond appearances,
Beyond cultural assumptions,
Beyond temporary circumstances,
To what truly matters.

He thought differently about power—
Finding it in service.
He thought differently about success—
Finding it in surrender.
He thought differently about love—
Finding it in sacrifice.

April’s renewal reminds us
That transformation isn’t instantaneous.
It’s gradual, intentional growth
Toward the mind we already possess.

Today offers a choice:
Which mind will guide your thoughts today?

Setting Your Mind Above

By Paula Wiseman

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2

April’s horizon beckons,
But where is your gaze fixed?
On worries that weigh down?
On troubles that tether?

Our minds naturally drift downward—
To-do lists and deadlines,
Problems and pressures,
Fears and frustrations.

But Paul invites a different perspective:
Set your mind on things above.
Not as escape from reality,
But as anchor for your soul.

When earthly things consume us,
We lose eternal perspective.
When temporal concerns overwhelm,
We forget our true citizenship.

Spring’s upward growth
Mirrors our spiritual calling—
Not rooted in passing things,
But reaching toward heaven’s light.

Your mind will settle somewhere.
Choose its direction deliberately.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Anxiety circles like a predator,
Seeking entry to your thoughts,
Promising protection through worry,
Offering control through fear.

But peace stands guard—
Not peace as the world gives,
Not mere absence of trouble,
But presence of God.

This peace defies logic.
It makes no sense to observers.
It stands firm when circumstances
Should shatter all calm.

It’s not found in solved problems,
But in surrendered prayers.
Not in controlled outcomes,
But in released burdens.

April showers may bring uncertainty,
But they also nourish new growth.
Your everyday worries, when surrendered,
Become soil for peace beyond understanding.

Taking Thoughts Captive

By Paula Wiseman

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Thoughts arrive uninvited—
Worries about tomorrow,
Regrets about yesterday,
Fears about today.

They build fortresses in your mind,
Strongholds of anxiety,
Bastions of doubt,
Citadels of despair.

But you are not defenseless.
You have authority
To capture each thought,
To examine its source.

Is this thought true?
Does it align with God’s Word?
Will it build up or tear down?
Does it honor Christ?

April’s fresh beginnings
Remind us we have a choice:
Not what enters our minds,
But what we allow to stay.

Your thoughts await inspection.
Which will you take captive today?

The Battlefield of the Mind

By Paula Wiseman

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

Spring arrives with promise—
Dormant things awakening,
Dead things reviving,
Old things becoming new.

But the most important renewal
Isn’t happening in gardens or fields.
It’s happening—or should be—
In the landscape, the battlefield, of your mind.

Your thoughts are not neutral visitors.
They’re active architects,
Building your actions,
Shaping your character,
Determining your direction.

The world has its thought patterns:
Anxiety disguised as wisdom,
Cynicism masked as insight,
Self-focus presented as self-care.

But God offers transformation—
Not by external adjustments,
Not by behavioral modifications,
But by mind renewal at the source.

This battlefield isn’t met with weapons,
But with choices about what you’ll believe,
What you’ll dwell on,
What you’ll allow to take root.