Brain games

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. — Romans 12:2

A saying among scientists who study the human brain is "Use it before you lose it." We have the power to help keep our brain fit and working well. Dr. Lawrence Katz, a neurologist at Duke University, urges people to perform daily mental exercises such as brushing your teeth with the nondominant hand or taking a new route to work to help stimulate the brain and keep it healthy. The goal is to replace unthinking routine with fresh awareness and new focus.

There’s a lesson here for us as followers of Jesus Christ. Even the most valuable spiritual disciplines of Bible reading and prayer can become so habitual that our minds are not fully engaged.

To avoid slipping into a spiritual rut, why not add Scripture memory to your daily devotional time? It’s a mental effort designed to produce spiritual change. The psalmist wrote, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps. 119:11). Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

It’s more than a brain game to memorize and meditate on the powerful Word of God. — David McCasland

We must read Scripture every day
And meditate on what God said
To fight temptation from the world
And live a life that’s Spirit-led. — Sper

READ: Romans 12:1-8

Let God’s Word fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet.

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 26-27 • Mark 14:27-53