January 01, 2010

Romans Chapter 12


These are some thoughts that I have had after reading Romans chapter 12. Romans 12 has really had so much wisdom for me in the past six months. I have read it so often since a dear friend and mentor Stu Kissinger went home to be with the Lord. It might be helpful to read the Romans chapter 12 prior to reading the remainder of this blog.

Of course Romans 12:1-2 encourages me to live my life in every way for God : even my thoughts, even my mind for him.12:3: In this verse I find direction of humility to be applied to my conduct. It is only by his grace, a gift, that I have been saved. Thank God!! May we begin 2010 reminded how blessed we are to be called daughters of God.12:5: This verse reminds me that we as believers are called by God, in unity with each other, to be the body of Christ. For my dear sisters in fellowship with me, as the women of New Hope Bible Church, we need to have that unity.

12:6-8: This scripture says we all have gifts to be used in service to God. I want to encourage each of us to recommit ourselves to using our gifts. Just think of the impact we could have on our area for the Lord.12:9: Love is mentioned in this verse. Love without hypocrisy (take an honest look at how we love each other), abhor what is evil (I am praying that God will guard our hearts, minds and actions from evil). May we cling to what is good. May we as women, wives, and mothers, seek as our mission to be totally sold out for what is good and glorifies God.12:10-11: This passage is about being devoted to one another. We see many things changing in our world. It is more important than ever to be there for each other. As Pastor Terry has said several times, we need to know each other and be in close community. As the women of New Hope Bible Church, we need to give preference to one another. We need to be serving the Lord with diligence, being fervent in spirit.

12:12:This verse in Romans talks about rejocing in hope, persevering in tribulation and being devoted to prayer.I have thought about many who have gone through tough things this year. I have heard from their lips "I am praising the Lord, I trust the Lord, I am praying about this circumstance." I have seen God's hand in these cases and he never fails to be our God through these things. As the women of New Hope Bible Church, we need to rejoice in hope, persevere and be devoted to prayer. God promises that lives will be changed as we do this.

12:13-21: These verses in a nut shell call us to hospitality, to bless those that persecute us, and to be of the same mind toward one another. The word also calls us to be at peace with all men. Lastly, the chapter ends with the command "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good".

As I meditate on this chapter, I see areas where I know I need change. I also have learned this year that I can't change myself. God is the only one who can change my heart. So, in 2010, I am going to commit to meditation and prayer on Romans 12 and other parts of the Bible. I will be waiting expectantly for God to transform my life. If you have found some areas you need to have God's transformation, please join me, let me know so I can be in prayer for you. Let’s trust God fully in 2010 to direct our lives. Happy New Year.

Grace,   Sherry from VA