Did everyone have a good weekend? I know I enjoyed the sunshine. It gave our family a chance to use the pool that has been sitting abandoned to the rain all week. It feels great to be outside again after a week of rain, especially in Texas. It seems like everyone gets a new found appreciation for the sun and heat, and all the plants seemed to have grown inches in only a short time. I think we can draw parallels to our lives from that illustration. Are you going through a storm in your life right now? Does it seem like the "rain" will never stop falling on your situation? Take heart, because the sun always appears after the rain. It will give you a new found appreciation for the good times, and you'll find that you've grown after a rain as well. The bible says this in Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I love these verses! It gives me so much comfort to know that I have a hope that will never disappoint, even when the world and things in this world do. I have God who has given me the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with love. The pure truth, power, and beauty of these words make me want to memorize and meditate on them. I would encourage you to meditate and memorize scripture that touch your heart as well. You will find that when times get tough and you need a touch from God, verses like this will pop into your head. When that happens I know its like God is giving me a big hug and saying, "Remember my promises Keri. Remember my truth." How amazing is the Lord we serve!
So back to the topic this week...Transformation! How is yours coming along? Have you put the word of God into practice this weekend? Have you tried to use your gifts for the body of Christ? Did you practice hospitality, did you set a prayer date with God? I hope so! Remember we must be doers of the Word if we want to be transformed, if we want to be more like Jesus.
Today we will continue reading in Romans Chapter 12. Paul is giving instruction on Christian living to the Roman church in this chapter. Take a moment to read what Paul has to say in verses 14-16. I would encourage you to read it twice. Once silently and the second time aloud. Read on when you are finished.
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
This is a very short, very simple verse. It doesn't take long to read, it doesn't take long to understand, but it can be difficult to put into action! Here Paul is telling us that to live a life transformed for the glory of our God we need to bless those who persecute us. Persecution is when someone is harassing you, annoying you, or treating you unkindly because of something you believe in or stand for. If we want an example of someone who was persecuted and responded with blessing we need only to look at Jesus. Jesus was condemned to be crucified because he said he was the son of God. Those who wanted him crucified were intimidated by his claims and worried that he might try to become king. Jesus was definitely persecuted for his beliefs. He was beaten and hung on a cross to die, but did Jesus curse his executioners? No, in fact Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Jesus wants you to do the same. If you know anyone at school who might make fun of you when you start talking about church or God, Jesus does not want you to fight with them. You do not need to give them a mean look, or an attitude, but show them kindness. Maybe you have others in your life that dislike you for other reasons, do not curse them. Bless them. Show them kindness. Smile at them and say hello! Imagine how curious they will be at your sudden change in manner and attitude. They will wonder about your transformation and even though they may not ask you what happened, your change will be a testimony to God's work in your life.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Its weird to think about, but everyone goes through different stages of their life and have different emotions all at the same time. For instance, right now while you are reading this, there is someone on your street that is probably in their bedroom crying over a death or a loss in the family. While at the same time, there is probably someone else on your street that is having a celebration tonight. Perhaps someone in that house got a new job, had a baby, or had a birthday and they are having a special dinner tonight. Two different houses, both on the same block, on the same date, and experiencing two different emotions. How do we as Christians respond to those around us? We are called here to rejoice with those rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. If you have a friend that is experiencing great joy in their life, be happy for them! Celebrate with them! If you have another friend that is experiencing great sorrow, do not ignore them. Meet the needs of your friend by sitting with him/her while they cry, and sympathize with them. You can share with them the hope and comfort that you have found in Christ.
Romans 12:16 NKJV
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Romans 12:16 NIV
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
I included the NIV translation here because I think it is easier to understand. We need to live in harmony with each other. We should not be too proud to associate with those in low positions. That reminds me of Jesus again! When Jesus was alive he didn't spend all of his time with the Rabbis and teachers in high positions. Jesus spent time with the people who needed him, who were outcasted by the rest of society. Jesus was not ashamed or too proud to talk to prostitutes or lepers. As Christians who are living a transformed life we should take on the same attitude as Jesus. We should not be ashamed to talk to those at school who may be viewed as less than everyone else. Of course, I am not telling you to start being friends with the trouble makers! What I am saying is that you should not think you are better than anyone else. You should not ever take on the attitude that you are above speaking to some people. Jesus came to die for everyone, so even the people that are viewed as uncool by you are a precious jewel in the eyes of the Lord.
Do not be conceited. If you are trying to live a God-honoring life and you are devoting yourself to transformation, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to become conceited. Being conceited means you have a very high opinion of yourself. If you start thinking you are always right, can do NO wrong, and are the greatest gift God gave the planet, then you know you have crossed the line. The horrible thing about crossing that line is that if you are doing everything in the name of Jesus people are going to get a bad taste in their mouth for Christianity. Therefore, you have caused your transformation to go from something that should have lead people to Christ into something that makes people want to run far away from Christ. Remember always that God loves you, but remember as well that you are human. You have made just as many mistakes as anyone else on the planet. Don't judge others. The bible says that God will do the judging. Just love people and humble yourself and love God above all else. If you do that God will exalt you in due time. Do not try to exalt yourself! That will lead to heartache and pain for you and others who need the Lord.
So have you learned anything today? I hope so. I pray that you will spend a few moments in prayer tonight. Meditate on one of your favorite verses. Then tomorrow put some more of these practical life applications into practice. Be transformed, Transformers!
Until tomorrow...God bless!
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