Mercies of God (Romans 12:1-2)

Today’s scripture: Romans 12:1-2

These verses may be familiar to many of you. I don’t know about you, but sometimes verses get a little too familiar. So let’s just take a look at them again.

Paul writes to the Christians in Rome that they (and we) should live sacrificial lives in order to be holy and acceptable to God. They (and we) should not live according to the world’s standards, but should seek a true life-change by focusing on God and His word. When they (and we) do these, they (and we) will follow God’s perfect will.

Reflecting on these words is, well, a bit intimidating.

“Do not be conformed.”

“Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”

“Prove … that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

How can we do all these?

Paul tells us at the beginning: “by the mercies of God …”

We’re not in this alone! We don’t have to try to figure it out! No, the God of the universe is merciful, and He will give us what we need to be the transformed children He wants us to be.

Sin No Longer (Ephesians 4:28)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:28

Today’s verse deals specifically with stealing, but I think we can replace “steal” with any habitual sin.

Whatever it is you deal with, whatever sin you struggle with, you “must [fill in the blank] no longer.”

We are, after all, “new creatures” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We should be “transformed” every day (Romans 12:2).

We need to do “what is good,” focusing on what is true and noble and just and pure and excellent (see Philippians 4:8). We need love our neighbors as Christ loves them—and He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

And if we do, we’ll want to serve others, sharing with them what God has blessed us with.

Not Good Enough? (Galatians 1:13-14)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 1:13-14

Have you ever thought you’re not “good” enough to be used by God? Maybe you’ve done things that shame you when you think of them. Or you deliberately turned away from God in rebellion. Or you’ve made choices that hurt you or others.

How can God use me? you think.

Guess what? None of us is perfect. All of us have our flaws and failings. And yet God chooses to use every one of us in His plan.

Paul persecuted those who chose to follow Christ. And he did it zealously, hoping to wipe this new faith off the map.

Yet God transformed him and used him mightily.

I made choices that led me on a twenty-year journey away from my faith. I very consciously chose to follow my own path and shook my fist in the face of my loving Father.

Yet God welcomed me back with open arms and gave me the blessing of serving Him through speaking and the arts.

We do not—none of us—deserve God’s grace and mercy, and yet He offers them freely. And no matter where we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done, He will use us as He builds His kingdom.

How amazing!