Living in God's Full Blessing

by Belinda Blevins

Verses for Thought: 
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.   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 12:1-2 (NIV)

Sometimes it is hard for us to rise to the challenge of living our lives as sacrifices to God.  If we are honest with ourselves, we will realize the reason for this.  It is human nature to want to be in control of any situation.  When we yield our lives totally to God, he is in charge of everything.

Everything we do or think must conform to the word of God.  It has taken me many years of trial and tribulations to realize such a high calling is impossible without the Holy Spirit guiding and helping me.  I know this to be true in my heart but I still find myself trying to make it on my own strength and will from time to time, only to come back to the realization that I can’t make spiritual progress alone.  When our lives line up with the will of God, everybody else won’t always understand or agree with what we do, but God will be pleased.  The more we seek and trust him, the closer we come to walking in God’s perfect will for our lives.

Is something in your life today keeping you from moving closer to God?  Why not offer it to God, renew your mind, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance?

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for blessing me as you have.   I commit myself to you fresh and new this day.  I ask you to help me to live holy, have a transformed life,  follow you and be empowered by the Holy Spirit.  If there is something in my life holding me back, reveal it to me and give me courage and faith to overcome it.   I do not want to conform to the world’s standards.  I want to follow your plan and live by the standard of your word.  In Jesus’ name Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Make it a point today to offer a simple act of kindness to a stranger or even a friend.   Treat someone to a cup of coffee.  Send a card or a note of encouragement.  Take a few minutes to call and say I was thinking about you.  Be a living example to others, be an example of offering yourself in worship, and you will see growth in Christ.