DEVOTIONAL

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your amazing love for me and the way you have helped me throughout my life, I praise you and worship you and as I come into your wonderful presence will you please have mercy on me and forgive from all my sins and cleanse me so that I may heart may be as white as snow. And I ask you today as I come into your presence speak to me, encourage me and draw me closer to see you in all your majesty and the splendour of your holiness. Lord in your mercy hear my prayer in Jesus name Amen.

Scripture Reading for Prayer and Praise: Psalm 9:2

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” 

Worship Song Sung or Said: Be The Centre

https://youtu.be/MERQ0P6O0CE

Jesus, be the centre

Be my source, be my light

Jesus

Jesus, be the centre

Be my hope, be my song

Jesus

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, be my vision

Be my path, be my guide

Jesus

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus, Jesus

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live
Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus

God’s Word for Today: Romans 12:1-2

"Therefore, 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.” Do 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.”

Devotional/Study: (Part 2)

I believe we are living in an age where we are under pressure to conform to the pattern of this world. The age we live in is in my view anti-Christ and opposed to the teachings of God’s word. I do feel that Satan is in opposition to God and against the morals that God has established through His word. 

If I am to live according to Gods values and principles than I must not love the world or be tempted by it. In 1 John 2:15-16 it says "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the father but from the world.”

It’s a reminder to me although I live in this world I don’t belong to. The apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are "aliens and strangers in the world.” I recognise I must I have to live in this world with all its temptations, however I need to remember that this world is not my home. I am just passing through and living here for a short time until the lord takes me to my real home. 

As I reflect on my life, there have been times when I have yielded to the old nature and conformed to the worldly customs, traditions, cultures, and behaviours. I am so thankful that God is gracious and full of mercy and forgiveness. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German theologian said the “first call every Christian experience is the the call to abandon the attachments of this world.” (radical David Platt). 

Having been a follower of Jesus for over 40 years Living for Christ has not been easy. I know Jesus wants me to be different and is calling me live for Him, serve and glorify Him. 

The challenge for me is If I want to become more like Jesus, it requires me to obey God’s Word for Today and live day to day walking and living according to the Holy Spirit who I know wants to work within in my heart and mind to transform me into the likeness of Christ. If we want to become more like Jesus Christ, it requires us to obey for today and live our day-to-day life walking and living according to the Holy Spirit who is working within in our hearts and minds to transform us into the likeness of Christ. Paus says in Galatians 5:16 "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

I have discovered in my life when I live and walk according to Spirit living out the teaching and values of the Kingdom of God there is joy and peace in my heart. If I am to conform, I am to conform to the Image of Christ and not allow the culture and mind-set of the age we live in influences or hinder us from becoming more like Christ and living like Him. 

I know in the days to come to stand out and not conform will bring hostility; however, the outcome of persecution is blessing. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-12 that those who persecuted and insulted because of Him they are blessed and are to Rejoice and be glad. In these days we must not be afraid of anyone and be prepared to live differently to the world even if it means facing hostility. 

Once when David was facing hostility, he said in Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.” What can mere mortals do to me.” I know if I seek to live as Christ, the enemy will to any-thing to destroy the ministry God has called me too. I know there will be some tough times ahead. But I thanks be to God that God is much more powerful, and I have the Lord's mighty strength that dwells in me to overcome the enemy. 

John says in 1 John 4:4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 

I know that all of us who follow Jesus will face hard times and tribulations as long as we are living in this world. However, we can thank and praise God and give Him the glory because Jesus prayed in John 17:15 "My Prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” 

Personal Prayers: