I wonder, do you ever stand back to consider the things you’ve been thinking about? What occupies your thought-life? What do you ruminate over … and how does that shape the life that you lead?

Ludwig II was king of Bavaria in the mid-19^th century.  He was actually quite a brilliant individual with the world at his feet. But he was obsessed with fantasy and haunted by self-doubt. His increasingly negative inner world led him to withdraw from reality.

Ludwig poured fortunes into dreamlike castles, avoided responsibility, and became paranoid and erratic. Eventually, he was declared insane and deposed. Days later, he died mysteriously. Those troubled thoughts consumed his grip on reality, costing him his throne and life.

Many of the things that determine the sort of life we’ll lead are beyond our control. You’ve had things hit you out of the blue. So have I. But to a great extent, our thoughts are under our control, and we can and should accept responsibility for them.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (NRSV)

A transformed life – moving from where you are now to where God wants you to be – begins with a transformed mind. And the best sort of life begins with a mind that’s being transformed by the Word and the power of God. What you focus on, what you believe, shapes your ability to discern God’s will and walk in His purposes.

Your mind isn’t just some passive processor; it’s a battleground and a gateway. Where it’s set will ultimately shape the course of your life.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.