Scripture Reading -"The New Life in Christ"
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness."
Romans 12:1-8
Questions for Reflection
In Romans 12:1-8, Paul urges us not to be conformed to the world's standards, but to be transformed and renewed by God's will. Is there an area of your life that is in need of transformation and renewal? Reflect and pray this week, asking God to show what God wills for you in this area of your life.
Paul goes on to name a variety of gifts that members of the church have been given, all of which contribute to the overall functioning of the body (the church). Is there a gift in that list which you possess? Which one? How are you making use of that gift among God's people? Is there someone in your church or in your life who shares a particular gift of the Spirit faithfully?
This week, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for that person and for any others who use their gifts to enhance your life or the life of your worshiping community.
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the gift of this day. You have blessed me in so many ways in days that have come before. Today I will look and listen for signs of your joy and gladness present in my life, in the lives of others, and in the beautiful world you garden. As I begin this day, I pray that you will strengthen my soul and whatever your purpose for me will be fulfilled in faithfulness and love. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
