the means to transform my mind's thoughts

You have the vision to transform your mind. Next comes intention. The fact that you are reading is intention enough for me so I will continue. How to you work with the Holy Spirit to transform your thought life?

The Word of God
Memorizing Bible passages is a practice that was simply a necessity for thousands of years. Any writing that was done was so rare that you couldn’t afford it. It wasn’t uncommon for the priests of Israel and the leaders of the early church to memorize the whole Bible!

For us, memorizing and letting the Word “marinate” in our minds is a strong defense against the ideas and images that would lead us down the wrong path. I agree with Dallas that passages like Psalm 23 or Colossians 3:1-17, when they fill our thoughts, are like a good scrubbing down of whatever else is on our minds.

There are a variety of techniques to enhance memorization, but it is pretty much just read a section, let it sit, read, recite it aloud, read… Lectio Divina can be a very helpful tool in this process.

Sound and Images
You want to fill your mind with that which points to our awesome God? Listen to the music. Everyone knows how easy it is to get hooked to a song where you “can’t get it out of my head.” Well, if that is a praise song/ hymn, an encouraging or contemplative popular song on the radio, what better way to latch on to God’s gift of music to fill your mind?

Musical tastes are about as personal as you can get. Whether it is classical, rap, hip hop, alternative, hard rock, soft rock, country, or Hassidic Jewish reggae, there are ways that Biblical passages and themes can take flight in your car or mp3 player. Music doesn’t just have to be about how much you hate the world and how much you like a woman’s booty or whatever. God invented it, you know?

Godly images and reminders have been used throughout our faith history to connect us to the living Christ, as well. From stained glass windows and icons to WWJD bracelets, gospel t- shirts, and yes, for some, tattoos, visual reminders are powerful and significant. We absorb so much through sight that keeps us focused on our walk with Jesus.

Mentors
Connecting with someone who is further along on the path of self-denial and being mentored and encouraged by them is a means that has always been central to renovation. Who is your Yoda? If you are fortunate enough to have a parent in this role, that would be amazing. It can be a peer, but there is nothing like the wisdom of the elder who is experiencing the joy and challenge of the transforming life.

How do you find a mentor? Ask the pastor or other church leader from the Christian community you are connected (get connected with one if you are not) with if they have suggestions. You can judge a potential mentor as one who is encouraging, gracious, and confident in Jesus, and who is authentic in their walk of faith.