From Rescue to Joy
Theme of the week: Lord, Rescue Me!
Friday, May 4, 2012
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Key Bible Verse: 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. (Romans 12:2, NKJV) Dig Deeper: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Returning to God after we've sinned may seem like it requires some sort of sick, humiliating obstacle course that God makes us run before getting back to him, but that's really not the case. Returning to God requires a humble recognition of where running gets us. You come to the place where you say, "I don't want to continue to waste my time and my life. I understand that my answers are found in the person of God, through Jesus Christ."
The transformation that comes through Christ will change our behavior. It will change our perspective. And it will change our thinking, including the value we place on certain things.
Notice the progression [in today's Key Bible Verse]. Reject the death-dealing patterns of the culture around you and let God change you by changing your thinking. then you will see God's will for you, which is "good and acceptable and perfect." Those three words, "good and acceptable and perfect," can end up sounding like—well—Bible study words, but what this verse is saying is, "Listen, if you take your focus off of what this world offers and place it on what God offers, get ready for rewards beyond your wildest dreams—a life of meaning and deep joy."
—Mike Howerton in Glorious Mess
My Response: An area I need to see God's transforming power work in my life is …
Thought to Apply: Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life.—William Law (British devotional writer)
Adapted from Glorious Mess (Baker, 2012) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.
Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Heavenly Father, reveal those areas in my life where I'm most vulnerable to sin; forgive me when I give in to temptation; empower me by your grace so that I might live a godlier life.
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