14 day plan

How do I know God’s guidance?

Day 6 of 14

NIV

Romans 12:2

2Do not conform 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.

Reflection:  It begins with a transformed mind

God’s guidance takes place in a transformed mind. When you ask Jesus to forgive your sins, lead your life and fill you with the Holy Spirit, you are transformed. Whilst destructive old habits may take a while to die, you are nonetheless made new in a profound way (2 Corinthians 5:17). Crucially, this also means that a line of communication is built between you and God.

There are huge pressures on Christians to “water down” their faith in today’s society. The West is letting its Christian heritage slip through its fingers, and in consequence, is losing its civility. Society wants to conform you to its standards. You will have no doubt discovered that it takes a degree of tenacity to go against the flow (Matthew 7:13-14) and doing so can be costly. Jesus makes it clear, however, that he expects us to bear our share of the persecution that comes with being a “misfit” (Matthew 10:38).

So, please don’t be ‘conformed to the pattern of this world’, for if you do, God won’t confide in you. Fundamentally, guidance is all about who leads your life.

Prayer:  Dear Father, so much that is negative seeks to clutter my mind. Please renew it so that everything in it contains the aroma of Christ… for I want to understand the will of Christ.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

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Romans 12:1-21

A Living Sacrifice

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform 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.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.