Hello Reader,
I'm so grateful you're here today. Welcome!
You know through scripture we can get Closer to God, each day, if we simply choose to.
This is my mission, to help you bring his word into your life and watch great things happen.
It can be a struggle to live according to God's word in today's culture.
It seems everyday, we are confronted with confusion, anger, frustration, and judgement.
How can we remain positive? How can we find our purpose?
The information from the internet and social media alone, is mind boggling.
What we watch, listen to, and are influenced by- shapes our lives.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote to Christians that also struggled to live good lives, and showed them how God's word can help them make sense of it all....
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2 · New Living Translation
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Here's a brief background...
This passage is written in Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, which was diverse including both Gentile and Jewish believers in Jesus Christ.
Just like today, believers back then were confronted by the patterns of the times, which were contrary to the teachings of Jesus and scripture.
The verse is a call to not conform to the ways of the world, but look internally and change your mindset to live a life that reflects God's will.
Let's break it down...
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world... Here, Paul points out the world and its customs do not always follow God's will. Be willing to call out what is counter to God's word in your own life.
,but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.... When we choose to follow scripture, especially Jesus's teachings, we will think differently than the world around us. Our perspective will change.
Then you will learn to know God's will for you... The more we include God's word into our lives, the more we start to see our purpose and meaning in our lives.
...which is good, pleasing and perfect. This is what God wants for all of us, to live with his will and purpose which is always consistently good.
How can we incorporate this...
When culture goes against what we believe and how we want to live, try to use some of these steps to turn it around:
Evaluate what influences you. What do you normally expose your thoughts to each day? News? TV? Music? Social media? Gossip? How do these make you feel? Are they positive or negative?
Immerse yourself in Scripture. Make God's word a part of your day. Start small with a verse, a Psalm or a Parable. Write it down or have it on your phone, so you can refer to it throughout your day.
Mindful Consumption. What goes into your mind effects your feelings towards life and others. What you dwell on has a direct effect on your mindset, attitude and outlook. Take notice of what your mind consumes.
Find your Tribe. There's a quote that says it best. "Your friends today, form your habits tomorrow." Find a like-minded community at church or in small groups that that lift you up, make you feel better and support your beliefs and way of life.
Application. God's word becomes part of you, when you meditate on it and apply it's message to your way of life. True application starts a transformation of peace and purpose within you.
Bringing it all together.....
Information comes at us at a rapid rate, thanks to the internet, and television that's 24/7.
This influence can change our lives and we need to know how to deal with it.
The message in today's verse couldn't be more relevant.
God's word in the Bible is the one way to live your life, with peace, compassion, and yes, a true purpose.
Make God and scripture a part of your life, everyday, and you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Here's a Prayer Just For You...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please transform my life with the power of Your words.
I acknowledge that the world often strays from Your ways of love, goodness, and compassion.
Guide me in recognizing the areas within myself that need to change so that I may live in alignment with Your perfect will.
Grant me the courage to rid my life of anything that pulls me away from You.
Inspire me daily with Your divine encouragement and strengthen my resolve to follow Your path.
In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
I hope today's message helps you. Please pass it on to others that need to hear it.
Make God's word a part of your day, and you will see your life change for the better!
Until next time, have a blessed day out there!
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Quentin Schappa
Spiritual Discipleship Life Coach
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If you want to learn more about God's Word and your purpose, check out my website.