And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:32


Thursday, March 8, 2012

A Renewing of the Mind Project

Remember that rickety old house we talked about last time? If you were going to fix it up, how would you start? Would you tackle the wholehouse in a day, or would you start with just one room?

I’m hoping you said just one room because that’s what I’d like to do on this blog: work together with each other and with God to tackle the “rooms” in our lives that could use a little makeover.

If you’d like to be involved, the first step is to choose a “renewing of the mind” project. We’ll talk more about what that will look like in weeks to come but for now let’sjust explore some project possibilities.

Here are a few examples of projects you could take on:
  • A critical spirit
  • A habit of worry
  • Too much time on the internet
  • Your attitude toward work or school
  • A sin that controls you
  • A difficult relationship

If you’re having a hard time deciding what to work on, here's a worksheet that might help:

Choosing a Project

1. What areas of your life cause you the most stress?


2. Why do they stress you out?


3. Can you think of any good habits you’d like to develop?


4. Can you think of any bad habits you’d like to break free from?


5. Of the following negative emotions andattitudes, which one (s) have you been struggling with the most lately?
  • Worry, stress, anger, self-condemnation, people pleasing, insecurity in general, discontentment, envy, pride, judgment, and/ora critical spirit.


6. What are your most difficult relationships at this time? (You may want to just answer this one in your head rather than onpaper.)


7. Why are those relationships difficult?


8. Look over your answers to the preceding questions and list two or three possible projects.


9. For each project, answer the following questions:
a. On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard do you think itwould be to tackle this project?


b. How would your life change if you were to gain victory over this habit or emotion?


c. Would gaining victory over this habit or emotion help you love God and others better? Explain.


d. Can you do this project in your own strength? If not, what will you need to do if you want to be successful with this project?(Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:22-24)


10. Do you feel like God is leading you toward a particular project?


Note: This post is part of a class I'm teaching on my other blog. Since I can't figure out how to format worksheets and Bible studies at Wordpress, I'm posting them over here until I can figure it out! (if it can be figured out)

6 comments:

Loren Pinilis said...

I like how you make this process so systematic and actionable. So often, we tend to put emotions over in this dreamy world that's just managed by good intentions and willpower. But there's plenty we can and should be doing with the Spirit's help. Great stuff, Barb!

Unknown said...

I was never very good at managing them with good intentions and willpower. But the truth works. When I take the time to renew my mind, God changes my desires and emotions.

Heidi Bylsma said...

Yay! So glad you are getting this going!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Heidi!

Heidi Bylsma said...

Barb...what is the other blog address?

Unknown said...

Hi Heidi, It's www.beyondthesinnersprayer.wordpress.com.