3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)
Today, we will begin to discuss One Body: Many Members
"So in Christ, we who are many form one body,and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given us."
Christians should not see themsleves, just as individuals reconciled to God through salvation. Certainly we thank God for our salvation; but in addition to that, we are connected to each other. Just like the individual parts of our body are connected to and interdependent on each other; so we are connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need them to survive.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I have acted like an independent Christian and not appreciated how important the body of Christ is to my growth and survival. Thank you for the precious body of Christ! Help me to love and serve my brothers and sisters to your Glory! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Devo # 26 "Don't Think You're All That" part 2
God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one bod "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith y, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)
Yesterday, we discussed the fact that the writer, the Apostle Paul, though he was "top dog" over the church, recognized his dependence on God's grace! So we too need to remain humble, in recognition of God's unmerited favor towards us. Today we will examine the phrase, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
Our gifts, talents resources and even our training and experiences are God given or God granted. If we are highly gifted, acknowledge that before God and give Him the glory. It is not necessary to pretend that we are not gifted and blessed. In fact many of us are gifted beyond measure! The purpose of those gifts is not for our own glory, but God's. These gifts, resources, talents, experiences and opportunities are to be used as a blessing to the body of Christ and to the world. If we do not yet recognize our gifts, we are nonetheless valuable before God and a precious member of the body of Christ. Everyone has something to give even the newest baby Christian!
Lord, thank you for the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me to have a right assesment of my gifts, talents and resources and what I bring to you and to the body of Christ. Help me to serve the body, using these gifts and blessings with a spirit of service and humility. To Your Glory Lord!
In Jesus name Amen!
Yesterday, we discussed the fact that the writer, the Apostle Paul, though he was "top dog" over the church, recognized his dependence on God's grace! So we too need to remain humble, in recognition of God's unmerited favor towards us. Today we will examine the phrase, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
Our gifts, talents resources and even our training and experiences are God given or God granted. If we are highly gifted, acknowledge that before God and give Him the glory. It is not necessary to pretend that we are not gifted and blessed. In fact many of us are gifted beyond measure! The purpose of those gifts is not for our own glory, but God's. These gifts, resources, talents, experiences and opportunities are to be used as a blessing to the body of Christ and to the world. If we do not yet recognize our gifts, we are nonetheless valuable before God and a precious member of the body of Christ. Everyone has something to give even the newest baby Christian!
Lord, thank you for the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me to have a right assesment of my gifts, talents and resources and what I bring to you and to the body of Christ. Help me to serve the body, using these gifts and blessings with a spirit of service and humility. To Your Glory Lord!
In Jesus name Amen!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Devo # 25 "Don't Think You are all That!" part 1
3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)
You've heard it before. "He thinks he's 'all that' "." Now that she's got that job, she don't speak to nobody!" These phrases describe people who have an have inflated opinion of themselves. In today's passage, Paul tells us that "by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in according to the measure of faith given you." It is interesting that Paul begins his exhortation with "by the grace given me" Grace is God's unmerited favor. Paul clearly saw himself as one was a recipient of God's unmerited favor. He had previously persecuted the church. Although he was a church leader,over churches, he did not have an inflated view of himself.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says that: "by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." No Christian has a reason to brag, boast or get the big head. We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace. So we should all walk in humility, not pride.
Father, thank you for your unbeleiveable grace in sending your son to die for me so that I could be made right with you! Help me to never forget what you have done for me and to maintain an attitude of gratefulness and humility. In Jesus Name, Amen!
You've heard it before. "He thinks he's 'all that' "." Now that she's got that job, she don't speak to nobody!" These phrases describe people who have an have inflated opinion of themselves. In today's passage, Paul tells us that "by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in according to the measure of faith given you." It is interesting that Paul begins his exhortation with "by the grace given me" Grace is God's unmerited favor. Paul clearly saw himself as one was a recipient of God's unmerited favor. He had previously persecuted the church. Although he was a church leader,over churches, he did not have an inflated view of himself.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says that: "by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." No Christian has a reason to brag, boast or get the big head. We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace. So we should all walk in humility, not pride.
Father, thank you for your unbeleiveable grace in sending your son to die for me so that I could be made right with you! Help me to never forget what you have done for me and to maintain an attitude of gratefulness and humility. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Devo # 24 "Walking in the Will of God"
"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Sooner or later, every believer will want to know "God's will" for this decision or that decision, especially when they come to a crossroads in life: Should I take this job? Should I accept this marriage proposal? Should I join this church? or Should I move to this city? or What should I major in or What type of job should I look for? What is God's will? We often ask these questions as if they exist in a vacuum apart from everything else in our lives.
Today's passage puts knowing God's will in some perspective. Paul tells us that if we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (die to our selfish ambitions and passions) and refuse to conform to the lifestyle, values and thinking patterns of this world, that we will actually flow into God's "good, perfect and pleasing will". I find that when I am not offering myself up to God as a sacrifice or when I am conforming to the world's values, it is hard for me to hear God! It is only when I get into the quiet place of submission and listening that I am able to hear his voice.
Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have gone my own way, refusing to place my life on the altar of sacrifice and failing to allow you to transform me by the renewal of my mind. I submit to you today afresh and anew so that I may flow into your good and perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Sooner or later, every believer will want to know "God's will" for this decision or that decision, especially when they come to a crossroads in life: Should I take this job? Should I accept this marriage proposal? Should I join this church? or Should I move to this city? or What should I major in or What type of job should I look for? What is God's will? We often ask these questions as if they exist in a vacuum apart from everything else in our lives.
Today's passage puts knowing God's will in some perspective. Paul tells us that if we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (die to our selfish ambitions and passions) and refuse to conform to the lifestyle, values and thinking patterns of this world, that we will actually flow into God's "good, perfect and pleasing will". I find that when I am not offering myself up to God as a sacrifice or when I am conforming to the world's values, it is hard for me to hear God! It is only when I get into the quiet place of submission and listening that I am able to hear his voice.
Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have gone my own way, refusing to place my life on the altar of sacrifice and failing to allow you to transform me by the renewal of my mind. I submit to you today afresh and anew so that I may flow into your good and perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Devo # 23 "Don't Conform: Transform!"
"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Yesterday, we focused on verse one, present your bodies as a living sacrifice. Today, we focus on verse two. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Wow! that is a tall order. We live in this world and are influenced by it day and night. We are impacted by the people, the values, the lifestyle and the actions of people around us. The tv shows, the music, the movies, our friends, our fleshly desires all put pressure on us to conform to this world. Yet, Christ calls us to become come more and more like him! To be honest, the only way that I will be transformed by Christ is to spend more time with him, in his presence and in the company of his people.
Prayer: Lord I do want to become more like you. Show me the areas in my life where I am still comforming to this world. Help me also to see areas where I am becoming more like you. Help me to let go of the world's fleshly values and help me to stay in your word and in your presence so that I can be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Thank you that this is possible through your word, your holy spirit and my obedience to you.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Yesterday, we focused on verse one, present your bodies as a living sacrifice. Today, we focus on verse two. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Wow! that is a tall order. We live in this world and are influenced by it day and night. We are impacted by the people, the values, the lifestyle and the actions of people around us. The tv shows, the music, the movies, our friends, our fleshly desires all put pressure on us to conform to this world. Yet, Christ calls us to become come more and more like him! To be honest, the only way that I will be transformed by Christ is to spend more time with him, in his presence and in the company of his people.
Prayer: Lord I do want to become more like you. Show me the areas in my life where I am still comforming to this world. Help me also to see areas where I am becoming more like you. Help me to let go of the world's fleshly values and help me to stay in your word and in your presence so that I can be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Thank you that this is possible through your word, your holy spirit and my obedience to you.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fred's Devo # 22 "Offer yourself as a Living Sacrifice to God!"
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Today we begin a series of devotionals in Romans 12. Today's passage is a challenging one. In a day when the world (even many of us as christians) seem self absorbed and self focused, it is challenging, even shocking to hear an exhortation to sacrifice our bodies (our whole lives) as living sacrifices to God! Yet, that is precisely what the Apostle Paul begs the Roman saints to do - and he does it without apology! In fact, he has the audacity to say that sacrificing our whole bodies to God is our (reasonable service KJV) or spiritual act of worship! He also says that this type of sacrifice is "pleasing to God!" Amazing! Is this message for us today! Yes I think so!
Considering Christ's sacrifice for us, this is a reasonable exhortation.
Lord: Forgive me for the many times that I have failed to make you first in my life! Although it will mean surrendering my will to yours, help me in my desire to submit my body as a living sacrifice to you. I realize that I will need to do that daily. Help me to become a more and more obedient servant each day. To your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Today we begin a series of devotionals in Romans 12. Today's passage is a challenging one. In a day when the world (even many of us as christians) seem self absorbed and self focused, it is challenging, even shocking to hear an exhortation to sacrifice our bodies (our whole lives) as living sacrifices to God! Yet, that is precisely what the Apostle Paul begs the Roman saints to do - and he does it without apology! In fact, he has the audacity to say that sacrificing our whole bodies to God is our (reasonable service KJV) or spiritual act of worship! He also says that this type of sacrifice is "pleasing to God!" Amazing! Is this message for us today! Yes I think so!
Considering Christ's sacrifice for us, this is a reasonable exhortation.
Lord: Forgive me for the many times that I have failed to make you first in my life! Although it will mean surrendering my will to yours, help me in my desire to submit my body as a living sacrifice to you. I realize that I will need to do that daily. Help me to become a more and more obedient servant each day. To your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Devo # 21 One God and Father of Us All part 2
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
This will be the last devotional in this series on Ephesians 4:1-6. Tommorrow, we will continue with another passage of scripture.
One God and Father of All who is over all and through all and in all:
We mentioned yesterday that God is the soveriegn ruler over all things. He is also described as the Father of all. What is the role of a Father? The Father is responsible for the very life of his children, He not only brings children into this world but he also provides for them and guides them. God is so ready to guide us as our loving Father if we would submit ourselves to him!
What is my responsibilty as God's child? My responsibility is to spend time with my Father. Read and meditate on his guide book, the Bible and follow his instructions. My goal as an obedient child is not only to do what God says but also to look more and more like him as I grow older!
Prayer: Lord I thank you that you are my loving, caring Father. Thank you for creating me and for providing for me and caring for me! Help me to respond to your love to day with obedience. I want you to be proud of me daddy! I want to be just like you when I grow up!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Enjoy this song by Amy Grant "Father's Eyes" She essentially says, I want to be like my Father, God.
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