Letting the Spirit Control Your Mind: Starting the New Year in Life and Peace

A new beginning doesn’t come from changed circumstances—it comes from who’s in control. When we let the Spirit guide our minds instead of old patterns and fears, God leads us out of what once held us back and into life, peace, and purpose.

Romans 8:6-8 NLT

[6] So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. [7] For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. [8] That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

As we enter this week, which marks the beginning of a new year, the Lord is encouraging us to reflect on our lives. For a lot of us, 2025 was a kick in the gut—big hardships and trials we are happy to leave behind us. I know I am, and I'm eager to begin this year with all that I've learned from these trials. That's what they are for: to help us learn, grow, and be better prepared for what's next.

We already know the Lord wants us to take our sin seriously. It's nothing to make light of. Giving the enemy a small foothold can create massive problems and keep us stuck—just what the enemy wants. Deal with that sin that keeps popping up or still has a grip on you, and start this new year with the determination that comes from knowing you've given it to God. Nothing is wasted or without meaning in this life following the Lord. Dealing with this will prepare you for the next step, blessing, or level of your life.

Do not delay! Let's apply everything we've learned this past year to lead with faith and love, allowing the Spirit to guide your mind instead of old patterns and fears. Trust God to do what He said He would. If you repent, He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all wickedness.

We have a few days left to get ready!

I pray the Lord gives you a boost of courage to deal with whatever is lurking in the dark. Let the light that the Lord provides expose the filth and defeat it. There is no room for that, and the space it's occupying is displacing something that will actually benefit your life.

I pray that your actions please God and that you start this new year in His blessing.

Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen.

Romans 8:9-10 NLT

[9] But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) [10] And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.

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