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Deep Thoughts

This morning I was perusing my Bloglines subscriptions when I came across this post by Georgia Mom, and I was convicted to get off the computer and spend my time reading something more worthwhile, namely the Word of God.

As I commented to Georgia Mom, I, too, read these blogs by women who are suffering deeply, and I feel so inadequate in my faith.  I know that suffering brings us closer to God and allows us to identify with Christ, but of course I don’t want to suffer.  I do, however, want to be close to God.

When there is nothing in my life forcing me to rely on God, it really comes down to self-discipline.  Getting into The Word.  Asking for wisdom, discernment, guidance.  Asking for the mind of Christ, the heart of Christ.

The Bible clearly teaches that if we ask for these things, we will receive them.  And when I take time to do this, I am rewarded with stronger faith, a closer walk with God, and I trust that God is glorified — not because I’m doing something righteous, but because I am allowing Him to work in me.

Unfortunately I get so busy with the everdayness of life that I often fail make spending time with God and seeking his will a priority.

This morning I did get up from the computer after reading Georgia Mom’s blog and grabbed my Bible.  I’ve been verrrrrry slowwwwwly reading through Romans over the past few months.  (Very slowly because I find myself finding other things I’d rather do than sit down and spend time in the Word — a very sad commentary on my spiritual condition, for sure.)

So I turned in my Bible to the spot where I last left off, Romans 12.  And what a timely passage, the perfect follow-up to Georgia Mom’s post.  I’m going to share the snippets that particularly jumped out at me, not the passage in its entirety.  You can view that here.

Anything in italics is my personal commentary, not to be confused with the inspired word of God of course.  And the emphases in bold print are mine.

1. 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. Am I truly presenting myself as a living sacrifice to God?  The way I use my resources (time, money, talents) would indicate otherwise.

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.  I fear I am far too conformed to this world.  I hope one day to feel differently.)

3. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think . . .  What a contradiction to the “you have to love yourself  first” philosophy of our day!

9. Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

10. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

12. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

16. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

18. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

There really isn’t much to add, now is there?

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12 Responses

  1. See now I can just read your blog to get my daily dose of the Word! 🙂 I was very convicted/amazed when a friend of mine from church came over the other morning to watch Alex for me. I had imposed on her to do this favor and she came bearing a homemade pie and with a cheerful heart, and brought her Bible. When I started to show her how to work our complicated TV remote, she said “Oh I probably won’t watch TV so you can just shut it off and don’t bother.” She turned on classical music and I’m sure she spent the quiet time during Alex’s nap reading the Word. That’s amazing to me.

  2. One of my favorite chapters in one of my favorite books. I love verse 18. And 13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

  3. As for verses 1 and 2, I think I do this in some parts of my life, but not all. Romans is my favorite book (of the ones I have read in their entirety); it always speaks to me in a different way with each reading. I need to be doing more of that too.

  4. I love Romans. Everytime I read it it convicts and encourages me at the same time. Romans 12:1-2 is one that I need to think on daily. Sometimes it seems like I am oh so far from this.

  5. It was so late in the day before you posted this I was just beginning to worry that all might not be well in your household. Now I see that all is QUITE well, indeed. Read on, my friend.

  6. Hi, I was so glad to read your post today. I’m taking a Disciple class at church while Seany is downstairs at preschool. It’s very intense, but I’m so glad I’m taking it because I ‘m actually learning about the text. I had this moment over the summer where I was searching for God’s answer on something in my life and clear as day I heard ‘it’s in My word.’ How cool is that? Soon after I signed on to this Disciple class.
    Read on bud! (p.s. I know it’s hard to actually sit down and do it, this class is forcing me to get my behind up out of bed before the chickens crow!!)

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