Are you Conformed or Transformed?

.

Right after the Civil War, a host of people became teachers because they thought it was an easy way of making a living. In his autobiography Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington tells about such a fellow. This man went from village to village teaching a little and receiving pay for it. In one town, the people asked whether he taught that the earth is round or flat. The man replied that he was prepared to teach that the earth was either flat or round, depending on the preference of the majority of his patrons. (God's Man: A Daily Devotional Guide to Christlike Character)

At a law firm that represented one side of labor disputes, they were looking for lawyers to join the firm. The focus was on law students who had not yet chosen a side. What I took from that was the owners were not looking for people with internal beliefs and convictions but for someone who for a job will commit to a set of beliefs.

Do our beliefs and convictions guide our behavior or do the situations of life determine our beliefs? From what I see, many Christians do the latter. I think this comes from not having a firm, deeply developed foundation of truth from Scripture.

I think a good example is the same-sex marriage issue. Many people, pastors and churches are falling on the wrong side because they are influenced more by society and situations than by what God has said. The same could be said for abortion, divorce, fornication ,debt, etc.

The solution isn't another Bible study but lifetime Bible immersion; It doesn't come easy. Bible college or seminary don't help much either. Most of the time is spent studying about the Bible and learning beliefs and doctrine - usually the side or opinion of the teacher or institution.

Think about and do this:

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.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Don't become so well- adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well- formed maturity in you.
Romans 12:2 (The Message)

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Romans 12:2 (Amplified)

A Prayer for Bringing Hurting Friends to the Throne of Grace

Jan 27, 2015 | Scotty Smith

         Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Heb. 4:15-16 (NIV)

     Dear Lord Jesus, with joy and confidence we run to the occupied throne of grace today on behalf of many friends. No one understands and empathizes with our weaknesses like you; and no one has the ability to dispense copious amounts of mercy and grace, like you. You are, indeed, a most wonderful, merciful Savior. Hear our cry for our friends.

     We pray for parents nearing the end of their strength, resources, and hope. Few stories have the power to exhaust our emotions and multiply our heartaches than when our kids choose to live without boundaries or a conscience. Jesus, grant great mercy and sufficient grace to moms and dads who are living the nightmare of watching their children self-destruct. And Lord of resurrection power, reveal yourself, to our kids who seem allergic to your grace and love.

     We pray for friends who feel helplessly, and frustratingly, distant from you, Jesus—those who still affirm the gospel with their lips, but whose hearts are disconnected from the wonders of your love. Whatever the genesis of the weariness and weakness, come close Jesus. Renew, restore, and refresh our friends, we pray; and show us how to stay present in their lives as a source of patient encouragement and kindness.

     Lastly, Jesus, we pray for ourselves. You know where we struggle the most and trust you the least; you know our most difficult relationships, persistent fears, and nagging weaknesses. Grant us the mercy and grace we need today, for healing and freedom. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and strong name. 

From: http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith

The First Resolution

The first resolution: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

Today the resolutions begin; most will be soon forgotten, many are unimportant. May I suggest this one as all important. Do it DAILY and the rest will fall into place.

First pay attention to me, and then relax. Now you can take it easy-- you're in good hands.
Proverbs 1:33 (The Message)

A Visit to Dad's Grave

My dad died ten years ago yesterday. He was 91 years old.

I rode my bike to the cemetery for a visit today.



Here is a link to the tribute I gave at his funeral:

A Tribute To My Dad

It is a blessing to be his son.

Philip