Romans 12:1-2

Getting saved is the starting line, our entrance point, into a radical new life in Jesus Christ. God does not save us and set us back down where we were before. He saves us and sets us apart to live a new kind of life on a new path, all for His glory! We participate and activate that new covenant life by offering our lives back to God in total surrender! Paul argues that, in view of “God’s mercy” (Paul’s catchphrase for the gospel), our total surrender to God is the only logical response! Surrender is what faith looks like for the believer. And it is the life surrendered to God that begins to experience the beautiful transformation that God works in us as He replaces our old worldly ways of thinking and living with His kingdom perspective and power. We gradually become vessels that He can use to build His kingdom as we live out His purposes of love in the strength that He provides by His Spirit.

PASSAGE: Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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."

PAUSE: Every Christian should memorize these two verses! For today’s PAUSE, we want everyone to learn these two verses in a translation you understand. Please read them, reflect upon them, and memorize them! Please write them on a 3 x 5 card. Share this verse with a family member or friend ASAP.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, allow me to offer myself to You as a living sacrifice. Transform my mind and my heart. I desire to live my life according to Your will.