Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and says that when we do it's and act of spiritual worship.  He goes on to command us to no longer conform to the world around us but rather to renew our minds.  It's only after we renew our mind that we find "then" we will be able to know God's will for us.

 

As I read this I started to ponder on "renewing my mind" then the Lord graciously pointed out verses 9-21; these show what a renewed mind (and heart) looks like:  "Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position (be willing to do menial work).  Do not be conceited.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay', says the Lord.  On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head (Prov. 25:21,22)  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

 

I must admit that some of the above was convicting for me.  It's much easier to take a situation into your hand then it is to carry on in love and let the Lord deal with them; after all you're there and the situation needs to be dealt with, right?  Wrong!  According to the above verses we are to let the Lord avenge us.  We're also to never lack in our zeal for the Lord.  This is comforting for me because a couple years back I had a "Christian" friend tell me that I'd get over my excitement, for the Lord, and settle down; she felt I was over zealous.  On the way home the tears began to fall and I cried out to the Lord, "Don't let me grow up if it means becoming like that, please Lord.  I want to stay on fire for You and serve You ..."  Then He led me to that verse during prayer; He's so faithful.

 

Once we renew our mind verse two says, "then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."  And when I think about it, if my mind is thinking the old way (like that of the world), I would never be able to come up with letting vengeance be the Lords on my own, nor would I desire to know what God's will is because I'd still be stuck in the syndrome of self, "What can You do for me, Lord?"

 

Notice His will is good, pleasing and perfect.  His plans for us are fare better than we can ever imagine!

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You that "Your thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are Your ways our ways."  Help us to focus on You and Your word and may we take what we've learned and apply it to renewing our minds.  Father, our desire is to be more like You, to rightly represent You in all we do.  We can't do this in our strength so we turn to You and say, "not by might nor by power but by Your Spirit Oh God."  To You be the glory in all we do.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

 

Have a joyous day in our Lord!
April
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Encouragement From The Heart Website updated March 17, 2000 (note: web address changed).
http://www.geocities.com/correiaville/encourag.html   there's a new page, "The Master's Garden" stop by and check it out!

 

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