BIBLE PASSAGE:
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we
have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given
us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed
through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death
and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
(2 Timothy 1:9-10)
MEDITATION:
We will only know the glory and honor that God has prepared for us
when we know Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord.
Man was crowned with glory and charged with guilt,
but has been given the opportunity to be changed by grace.
“Grace” can be defined as “a divine influence which is active in human beings
to regenerate, to sanctify (set apart), to inspire goodness, and to provide strength
for enduring trials and resisting temptation”.
A former pastor of mine reminded us often
of the importance and value of God’s grace.
Grace makes it possible for us to have new priorities, new attitudes, new habits,
new love toward others (and God), new goals, new joy, new peace, new endurance,
new tolerance, new forgiveness, etc. etc.
Through God’s grace, our minds can be renewed with a desire to become
righteous and good, instead of being overpowered by the evilness around us.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
When we are saved,
God doesn’t put us back like we were before we surrendered to Him.
It wouldn’t make sense for Him to do that, or allow that to happen.
No, He elevates us to a new mindset so that we can fellowship with Him,
and have new and healthier relationships with others.
ACTION:
Take some time right now to meditate on the reasons God has saved you.
Has He given your heart a desire for a special area of ministry?
Has He created in you a burden to see lost people coming to Christ?
Has He given you a creativeness and spiritual gifts
which you can use for serving Him?
Reflect on how God’s grace has renewed your own mind.
How often do you put Him above you own personal desires?
Can you recall a time or times, when you have sacrificed something
you wanted to do in order to do the things that please God?
We live in a “me world” that teaches us to put our desires above God’s,
which prevents us from enjoying His grace, and all He has promised
for those who Love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Maybe it’s time for you to allow God to renew your mind?
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and what it means to me.
I pray that You would help me in the renewal of my mind, so that I can
fully enjoy all that Your grace has to offer. Show me where I need to
change, and teach me how to use the special gifts You have given me
for serving You. Don’t let me miss out on the joy and peace You have
promised, by wasting what You have given me. You have given to me
so that I can give to You; don’t let my selfishness cause me to blow
any opportunities.”
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