Friday, July 16, 2010

My Life Verses; Romans 12:1-2

Maybe you haven't really considered any certain verse your "Life verse(s)", but I imagine you have one; one that you go back to over and over, one that brings you peace and comfort, one that energizes you, one that makes you know God loves you and that you can trust Him.


Romans 12:1-2


1.Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of service (worship).


2.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.




Have you ever just been reading along in the Bible when a certain verse, or word, or paragraph just jumps off the page and hits you in the head? It grabs ahold of you and you of it? I think that most of us can relate to that, and we know that it is the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He speaks to us in many ways, and this is one that we can rely on to be a guiding factor; speaking to us from the scriptures.

Many of us, me included, really desire the leading of God in our life. We want to hear from God and know His will for our life, yet unfortunately we don't spend enough time in the Word to allow the Holy Spirit to do that for us. Being in the place of readiness to listen with our hearts and minds open, is essential to our receiving the guidance we hope for.


                                   



Many, many years ago, (did I say many?) in a study I was participating in by Kay Arthur, these verses hit home. God spoke to me about being willing to let Him transform my life. And in order to transform my life, the transformation of my mind must come first. My thoughts and viewpoints needed to be taken out of the natural world and made to be like the thoughts and viewpoints of Jesus. Anyone can do things the way the world does it. We see it everyday in the news, on TV, in the movies, and in literature. But to do things Jesus' way takes Him being the leader and author of our lives. Not just giving Him a "nod", but truly submitting our lives to Christ.


Romans 12:1 talks about our "spiritual act of service". Have you ever wondered what that means? I did. I had read it my whole life and never really grasped the importance of that one little phrase. "Spiritual act of service." Being a citizen of our country we have certain "acts of service" that many of us have paid. Being a member of the military, the privilege of voting, community service, reverence to our flag, honoring our leadership, even if you don't agree, these are just to name a few.  These are all acts of service or "allegiance" to our country. And just like these in the natural world, we show service and honor to our Lord in the same way. We give Him our allegiance and part of that is by being available to Him for His thoughts, ideas, and guidance. Like any ruler, or king, or Father of a family, we give service to God as His child. We need to be willing to go to work for God. Serving God, in whatever way He call us is an act of  "worship".

And have we really contemplated the word "sacrifice"? Not really a word that we want to think about. It brings up all kinds of uncomfortable notions. The Oxford dictionary says, "a voluntary giving up of something valued", surrendering a position, an offering, yielding. To me this speaks of letting go of my "headship" of my own life, letting God take over, yielding to Him in all things and offering myself up to Him for His purposes.
We may not always understand God's "will" for our lives, but if we trust Him, we can know that His will is acceptable, pleasing and perfect.

Is this an easy process? Not really. That was over twenty years ago and He's still working on me. Some things were harder for me to release than others. I guess this is just another term for "sanctification"...that long walk we have with Jesus. The walk where He speaks to us and leads us, changes our hearts, and holds us close no matter where we are walking. That Life-Long walk. You know, like the Potter and the Clay.

These two scriptures have been my "life scriptures". I have many that speak to me, but these two are the ones that God grabbed me with. They have not only changed my thinking...but my life.

Today I'm linking with Cindy from I Owe it All to Him. Please go visit the others who are sharing their favorite scripture verses. Join in if you like. We'd all love to hear your verses.



    
                                       
love in Jesus,
Debra

18 comments:

  1. Oh Debra,
    You never cease to amaze me...You are an amazing life teacher and I thank you for this beautiful lesson from your heart...I am astounded and moved...thank you so much for giving me this glimpse not only into your own experiences, but also helping me to realize how these verses can be applied in my own life....

    and what beautiful pictures that accompany this...you are truly gifted and so blessed...I can really feel the Lord working through your life...
    Hugs from me,
    Cindy
    THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

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  2. I just had to come back and give you another hug!!!

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  3. Debra, what a blessing this devotional was to my spirit this morning.

    "We may not always understand God's "will" for our lives, but if we trust Him, we can know that His will is acceptable, pleasing and perfect."

    amen girl!!!!

    I could go back and forth copy and pasting pretty much your entire post,,lol..That is how much it spoke to my minister...

    "They have not only changed my thinking...but my life."

    Yes,,,the power of His Word..that does NOT return to Him void...sigh..oh how my heart shouts out with joy!!!

    blessings dear sister in Christ..

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  4. Good post Debra, and yes I do have a lifes verse, and when God give it to me I did not understand but now some 30 years later I do understand, it is Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength, they shall run with eagles, they shall walk and they shall not faint. I learned how to wait, to wait patiently on the lord, and the the waiting brings much strength in him, and when you do go you have lots of faith and strength to serve him. Good post thanks, hugs Barbar

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  5. I love these two verses, too, and KNOW I need to keep my mind transformed!
    Yes, for 20 years I have known Him and I praise Him, that when I look back to the person I used to be, I don't even recognize her!
    My verse is: 2 Cor. 5:17: So, anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. Her old life is gone and her new one is here!

    Hugs and blessings to you, Debra!
    As always, thank you for encouraging me!
    Hugs,
    ~me

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  6. I love these two verses, too, and KNOW I need to keep my mind transformed!
    Yes, for 20 years I have known Him and I praise Him, that when I look back to the person I used to be, I don't even recognize her!
    My verse is: 2 Cor. 5:17: So, anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. Her old life is gone and her new one is here!

    Hugs and blessings to you, Debra!
    As always, thank you for encouraging me!
    Hugs,
    ~me

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  7. Hello Debra, Loved your post and the verses. I think we all know God has a "will" for our life, but seek to find it most of our life.
    Just live in and thru Jesus! His love is all encompassing. I thank him every day for my being and the blessings he has given me. "All
    things are possible thru Christ our Lord."
    Have a great week end.

    Smiles and Blessings,
    Nancy

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  8. What a wonderful post, Debra! That is one of my hubby's favourite verses and we have a plaque hanging in the office with that verse on it. Years ago, we had led a Bible study and when we were moving to another province, the group had given us the plaque. Brings back wonderful memories. It is a wonderful reminder to keep our minds focused on Him and allow Him to renew us day by day. Thank you for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  9. I so enjoyed visiting with you today, I came over from Cindy's IOIATHim. Loved your story, and I too look back and don't recognize the girl I was 30 years ago when I became transformed by Jesus! Hugs, Margaret

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  10. Debra, I needed this today as I am a bit sad. Jesus is the transformer of the mind, body, and soul. My mind wanders a great deal and I must wrangle it back. hugs sweet one...olive♥

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  11. Love those verses too and your post. Kay Arthur and Precept Studies have done so much in helping to grow in the knowledge of God's Word.

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  12. Open our hearts and our minds that we may hear. Thank you for sharing.
    Debbie

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  13. Hi Debra,
    I just wanted to let you know that I created a new Bible marker and it's on my blog...You are welcome to come save it and make copies for your Bible!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  14. Hi Debra
    So good to be able to stop by today... things are a little hectic these days but I have peace through Christ. Many changes are going on in my life and the Lord is moving... it is so good to hear when the Lord speaks, He waits for us... Seek ye the Lord, while He still can be found. My prayer these days - is that His praise will continually be on my lips.
    To be aware of His continual presence and stay in that peace that I find under His wing. I feel in this day that the Lord is calling to His people, to know Him... intimately and fall deeply in love with Him. He is so good... you will want to stay in His presence once you get a glimpse of His love and mercy. I have had many verses that the Lord has spoken to me at different times, but Romans 8:36-39 is dear to me.
    You are so loved Debra...
    Many Blessings
    Rebecca

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  15. Great verses. I love the power of God's word--when the Spirit takes it and transforms the way we think--awesome.

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  16. Good to read this first thing first this monday morning!
    It made me remember the time way back when i experience so to say " my 1st love for Christ" as an young adult....
    In the youth group i was in we even sing those verses over and over in an song and when we ministered as an group with singing ....

    Thxs for the post
    Have an blessed week
    Bernice

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    Replies
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