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
As an American consumer, you have an overwhelming number of choices to make, even when purchasing basic needs. Typical American “supercenters,” are usually 180,000 – 250,000 square feet, (around 4-5 acres,) and home improvement stores average 60,000 – 140,000 square feet. You probably manage that mind-boggling shopping task by knowing what you want. You can cross acres of options quickly, finding the exact thing you are looking for because you have already used it and proved it!
The same concept plays out in your spiritual life. The choices are unlimited! Someone is always willing to say what you want to hear. However, if you have been walking in faith for very long, you know God’s will is specific and His Word is consistent.
Over time, you have likely used and proved concepts that are pleasing to the Father, like reading your Bible and giving regularly. At times, you may have noticed that following God is counterintuitive to your human desires. For example, “If your enemy is hungry give him bread to eat” (Proverbs 25:21). But there is no formula. In the end, knowing God’s will is always about knowing Him! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Pray for those making choices for America in this new year. Ask that decision-makers seek God in their work and do His will for the nation, bringing His blessing to the people.
Today’s Verse: Romans 12:2
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 4:2-6
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
