09 Eat Your Sandwich

 

 Eat Your Sandwich

 

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Romans 12:2 AMP

 

 

Romans 12:2 brings to mind a big sandwich, but not because I’m hungry as I write. It’s because this verse features a meaty layer, stacked between two hearty slices of bread. All three elements come together to make a satisfying and nutritious spiritual meal. The meaty protein filling is the renewal of our minds, sandwiched between “don’t conform to the world” and what I will call “fulfilling your God-given destiny.” Let’s talk about the two hearty slices of bread first.

Slice 1 – Do not be conformed to this world

The world will try to squeeze you into its mold, but don’t allow your circumstances to determine who and what you are. Some Believers never get beyond this point. They consider themselves to be good Christians because they don’t practice certain unacceptable behaviors. Separating ourselves from the world is only one aspect to our Christian walk. Slice 2 and the meaty layer will round out the sandwich and give us much greater satisfaction. So what is slice 2?

Slice 2 – Prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God

This is the ongoing process of finding God’s will for you, what I call fulfilling your God-given destiny. How do we know God’s good, acceptable and perfect will?

We can know God’s will by coming into His presence, reading His Word and praying. In His presence, we discover who we are, His purposes for us. God wants us to know what His good and acceptable and perfect will is for our lives individually, as well as corporately. An important reason we come into God’s presence and undertake “proving

what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” is to effect change in our lives…And that is the meaty filling of this combo.

The Meaty Filling – Be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind

Abstaining from “worldly” behavior is not enough. We need to be changed. Seeking God’s will and our God-given destinies means nothing if we are not willing to exert ourselves to renew our minds.

God is a transformation specialist. He took the filthy rags of our sins and redressed us in robes of righteousness. We make the choice to renew our minds. He makes the changes in us that will cause us to be more like Him.

Sometimes change is instantaneous as we see in the life of Paul. Perhaps less dramatic, although equally satisfying, change most often occurs over time through purposeful intent. But what mind-renewing habits bring about change? It boils down to 1) awareness of God and how we are living, and 2) our willingness to yield to God’s way.

Awareness

God’s Word always says it best: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP.

Willingness To Yield

It is vitally important to yield to what the Lord has revealed to us in His Word and in our spirits. Each time we say, “Not my way, but Yours Lord,” we are yielding. The act of yielding makes us accustomed to His presence and to His ways. Ephesians 5:18 goes on to exhort us to ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Why? It increases our awareness of how God sees things and transforms us to more closely imitate Him. The way we become filled and drink of His Spirit is to yield to Him.

At last our mouth-watering sandwich of Romans 12:2 is ready to taste…with a slice of “Don’t conform,” and a meaty layer of “being transformed,” topped with a slice of “proving the will of God.” This meal from God’s Word can sustain us for a lifetime.

O taste and see that the LORD is good. Psalm 34:8 KJV

Will you choose to not be conformed to this world and be transformed by the renewal of your mind? Now, that’s the choice-driven life!

 

Today’s Bible Reading:

Gen 24-25; Mark 9; Psalm 4

 

 

 

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The Most Important Choice You Can Make:

Prayer for Salvation:

God in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus. I confess that I haven’t lived my life for You. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe that He died on the cross and rose again from the dead so I might have a better life now and eternal life in heaven. Jesus, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. From this day forward, I’ll live my life for You to the best of my ability. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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Comments

  1. Rebekah’s journey to meet Isaac is an inspiring lesson in devotion to the unseen. Although she had never seen Isaac, Rebekah willingly separated from her family for life. There was no courtship, no “trial period,” and no way home! A thousand-mile camel ride stood between her family and her decision to marry Isaac.

    As though leaving her family was not enough, Rebekah embarked on one of the roughest journeys a bride could ever face, involving weeks of camelback travel over harsh desert terrain. All her endurance was based upon the servant’s description of Isaac. No wonder Isaac’s heart was filled with love for this bride when he saw the camels approaching (Genesis 24:63-67)!

  2. Mark 9:23 teaches us that all things are possible to him that believes. God teaches us that we first have to believe and then in due time we will see manifested what we believed.

  3. Rom 12:1-2 How do you describe your body? Would you use the words “living sacrifice”? Do you see your body as God’s? Or do you compare your appearance with others’ and worry about what others think of your body, primarily because you want to be noticed or to feel a sense of approval? The purpose of your body, in fact is the purpose of your life, is to glorify God by loving him and loving others. It’s not about you. It’s about laying down your life, heart and mind, all for the sake of God’s kingdom. God’s way is to transform people so that the world can see His will in your actions!

  4. Great devotion Olga. We can’t hear enough that we have to change the way God wants us to change, which is from glory to glory and from faith to faith. I liked the fact that you said we need a willingness to yield every time God?the Holy Spirit taps us on our shoulder either for correction or direction. Thanks. I enjoy your devotions!

  5. Hans Derksen says

    Our mind is the most important tool that we have; we can change our life with it…it’s simple but sometimes oh so difficult….thanks for reminding us to hold on!

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