Romans 12:2

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.

I am always blessed when I sit down to read God's word.  I find such joy in it.  Not when I quickly read a verse or two to "get it out of the way," but when I truly sit down for a period of time to really let what I read sink in and let the Lord speak to me. This verse spoke to me today in my bible study because I am praying a lot to the Lord about discerning His will for my life. This verse tells me how to test and approve God's will.

As Christians we are called to be different.  Not be like the rest of the world. In order to do that we need to "renew our minds." How do we do that?  Well... 

I looked up "Renew" and these words stuck out at me
Restore, replenish, revive, reestablish, recover.  Also, to make new or as if new again.

To make my mind new I need to recover or revive it.  To recover it I need to take time to read and meditate on to God's word.  When I am in God's word, learning it and storing it in my mind and heart I am able to replenish my mind.  I am able to focus on the things of God, not of this world.  Then because I know God's word (learning it daily) I am able to know and understand who God is.  Once I understand who God is - His character, His love, and His mercy then can start to discern His will.

I can "test and approve" what the Lord's will is for my life. Rather than just hope this is God's will or think this is God's will, I can know it because I have renewed my mind to be different and in line with what God wants for me. It is a pretty amazing circle of blessing.

I realize this is a pretty basic bible study but it encouraged me because it was so simple.  I hope it encourages you too!  Now go out and be transformed by the renewing of your mind!

Happy weekend friends and family.