One | Scripture transforms your minds and lives.
When Paul tells you not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, he is reminding you that the design of the world, or the way the world thinks, is different from how God thinks. In almost every field of life; marriage, sexuality, ethics, finances, priorities, and the list could go on, God's teaching is in opposition with what the world considers truth. Paul suggests the solution to this conflict is subjecting your mind to renewal by testing the opinions of the world against God's truth. And this is where scripture comes in.

In a letter to his protégé, Timothy, Paul reminds him of the importance of scripture in his life.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work"—2 Timothy 3:14-17.

It's the Scriptures that plums your thinking against truth and renews your mind. It's God's way of constantly reminding you of His perspective on truth, life, and godliness. God's Word shows you the path, when you get off the path, how to get back on the path, and how to stay on the path. And every time you discover new truths from God's Word and apply them, you discover freedom because living a life of truth keeps you from the traps along the path of life. With this perspective, you find out scripture requires a daily process that guides you to your freedom in Christ. And who doesn't want that? Like breathing induces oxygen to our lungs, scripture induces truth to our lives. It's God's breath (or oxygen), that encourages, corrects, trains, teaches, and convicts so that we are equipped "for every good work."

Two | The Holy Spirit works in unison with the scripture.
As Christ followers, we are empowered by something others do not possess—the Holy Spirit. As the third person of the Godhead, He is our counselor who guides us into all truth because He is the "Spirit of truth"—John 14:17. When you combine the truth of God's Word with the Spirit of Truth who convicts you according to God's Word and guides you to apply it, you have a powerful God-given combination that ushers in change.

This dynamic is addressed in Hebrews 4:12-13. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Scriptures are living and active because God breath and the Holy Spirit within you is present as you read, reflect, and study them. And it's this Spirit that reinforces the truth of Scripture to penetrate your desires, thoughts, and behaviors.

Three | You encounter God in scripture.
Time spent in God's Word is not the same as in other books you might read or study. When you read scripture, you get the pleasure of encountering God. And as you meet God, you are changed by an unchanging God who possesses timeless truth. And in the process, you become more like Him. This is a living, dynamic encounter with God. The more time you spend with Him, the more opportunities you have to renew your mind and become like Him in how you think, feel, and behave.

How many times have you wished that you could sit down with Jesus face to face and ask Him questions? Gain his wisdom? Ask his advice? Or receive his encouragement? Every time you open scripture that's what is happening. Truth is there. Encouragement is there. Wisdom is there. And, God is there. Don't miss out on what could be the best part of your day and life. Start with even a little bit of scripture every day.