September 8, 2022 -- Romans 12:1-2 -- Renew me God, renew my heart in Your love

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I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

A dear brother in Christ recently posted a “before and after” photo of himself. The “before” was how he looked before he knew Jesus Christ. The “after” shot showed a man who looked very similar, sure the hair and beard were now trimmed, but those who know him now, know the transformation of his heart. It is bigger and grander than what meets the eye and it is precious to the eyes of faith.

This passage was always daunting to me. It felt like a big commandment which I did not have the power to fulfill. What has changed is how much Jesus Christ has come into the forefront of my heart, my thoughts and my life. I can’t do the renewing work that is required. However, the mercies of God have taken hold of my life. Jesus Christ is the holy and pleasing sacrifice which as been given so that God’s just anger against my sins has been turned away. Jesus Christ intercedes, praying for me so that my life will conform more and more to His perfect life.

In times of worship, I get out of the way. In times of worship, the glory of God and His tremendous goodness fills my heart and mind in such a way that I realize He has done the work, He is providing the strength by the Spirit Who lives in me, and my job it to get out of the way. God the Father sees now the perfections He has in store for me. I confess my sins. I admit all the things which are hindering this transformation with the full confidence that He Who started this good works is going to finish it. He won’t let me go.

So imperfect and unsteady as my own efforts are in the project of renewing my mind, I can be sure of this: God has no unfinished projects in His basement. He is the Master Craftsman and Glorious Perfector of all He has made. In the Light of Scripture I see how He guards His people in peace. By the presence of His Spirit, I know He pursues me and applies His healing work to my soul. In the embrace of Christian fellowship with other believers I can experience the necessary course correction, encouragement and blessing of communion with God and with His people.

Father in heaven, I am prone to zig-zag and all kinds of wandering, inclined to chafe at the cords of kindness with which You bind me to Yourself. Help me, God of my Salvation, to stop fighting Your saving work which You are bringing to fruition in me. Thank You that Your goodness and patient lovingkindness is greater than all my weakness and brokenness. Spirit of the Living God, as I open up my heart to worship God, the LORD of Majesty and Father of all mercies, may my squirming restlessness cease until I finally, fully surrender myself to Your sanctifying work. Like a sated child in his mother's arms, may I rest in You, and then refreshed, may I rise and serve You. Amen.

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