We learned about “The Transformation Choice” in church last week and what a lesson that was. We needed to voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in our lives and humbly ask Him to remove our character defects. But now that you’ve realized what you want God to change or control, are you ready to let Him?

“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

John Baker dives deeper into these verses in his book. Let’s explore this scripture a little further together.

BIOLOGICAL — CHROMOSOMES

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…”

We inherited some of our strengths, weaknesses, physical and emotional traits from our parents. We did not choose our parents, DNA or some of our tendencies toward addictions.  However, none of these inherited traits give us the right to some of the behaviors we have chosen. That’s why Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God — we’re supposed to be willing.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalms 143:10

SOCIOLOGICAL — CIRCUMSTANCES

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”

Where we were raised — the environment we were in, what we saw, how those around us behaved — all contributed to our character. Again, we did not have the opportunity to choose how those around us behaved or what our parents taught us. These behaviors or experiences actually shaped some of our hurts, habits or hang-ups. Out of those reactions, coping skills or hurts, we stepped into certain habits or additions.

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” 1 Peter 1:13-14

THEOLOGICAL — CHOICES

“But be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

We can change the choices we have made that have driven us into hurts, habits or hang-ups. When we remove one of our old habits, we must be able to replace it with a good choice. Spend quiet time in His word, have some prayer time, volunteer at church — these choices have helped transform my mind into healthy habits.

MAKE THE CHOICE. He is ready to step in and give you your heart’s desire. Pray for one another this week as we go through this “transformation” process in our lives. As always, pray for yourself, your family, co-workers, Church, our leaders and new souls for Christ’s body. Each day this week, we are going to focus on specific areas of our lives that we want God to transform.

MONDAY

Personal

Set aside a time in prayer to ask God to help you transform your thought life. Once you can transform your thoughts, your actions will soon follow.  Align your thoughts with His and keep your mind set on Him throughout your entire day.

TUESDAY

Finances

Ask God to transform your thoughts about your finances. Remember that when we give to God first, He will take care of the rest.

WEDNESDAY

Family

Pray for your family members, especially those that are not saved. Present them to God and ask God to help transform their thoughts about Him.

THURSDAY

Church

Continue to pray for our Church and its congregants. Pray that God will use these messages to help transform their lives.

FRIDAY

Leaders

Pray for our nation. There continues to be divisiveness in our country. Pray for unity and that God uses our President to be the catalyst to bring us together and transform our nation under God.

SATURDAY

Co-workers/Classmates

Pray for the salvation of their souls and that God would use us as a testimony to bring them back to Christ.

SUNDAY

Lost Souls

Pray for salvation of the lost souls that are around us. Pray that God would give you grace to be able to speak to these persons, and that He would open doors of opportunity to transform their thoughts and turn to Him for salvation.

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