He is Lord. He is hope. He is the God of armies. He can do wonders. He is the one true God. He’s known us forever. He is our help. He wants us to return. He gives us chances. He loves. He forgives. He heals. He is the sacrifice. He has given us all gifts. He is good.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
When we become full and lifted in heart, sinful humanity forgets God. Living in even a wealthy and comfortable place like the US, May I be poor in spirit and contrite in heart before my Holy God.
1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This passage reminds me of this: that God is both full of love and mercy and also justice. I tend to be merely full of (wanting) justice. While others are full of love and mercy. I think that it is the part of God we cannot grasp, because we all lean one direction or the other, while He is complete in both sides.
He will equip you with what’s needed if He called you. He may be stretching you, but in your faithfulness, He will work in you and through you in ways you never imagined. ♥️
Isaiah 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I think the past few weeks have shown the world what evil is capable of. I was talking with a friend in Vegas who said the way community has shown love and support has been amazing since the shootings. I said to him these words today, “we must overcome evil with good.” That is what he has experienced. I pray for a day when we can simply show good and not have to overcome evil in this world.
Has anyone else struggled to read Hosea? I was drawn in daily until we reached that book. Things like this passage confuse me and turn my attention off.
16 Samaria shall bear her guilt,
because she has rebelled against her God;
they shall fall by the sword;
their little ones shall be dashed in pieces,
and their pregnant women ripped open.
These passages were difficult and heavy for me to process too (see my comment yesterday). It seems the consequence to the truly innocent is horrific and unjust. In prophetic or OT literature that seems R-rated and violent, I try to look for the reason (disobedience) and the overall point (God is just and sin demands restitution). We have the NT, the unjust sacrifice of an innocent man, Jesus, who makes all things new. God doesn’t change, but our filthy sins deserving death are under His blood, if we’ve repented of our sins. Keep reading and ask the Lord daily what you are to take from it.
These readings (to me) show just how depraved humans become when we think we have a better way than God’. As a society- even if i believe and try to follow Christ- i only create a portion of society that is lighter and more loving. But i still suffer- and our children suffer- the effects of the large part of society who rejects God’s ways. The consequences are natural ones. The darkness and depravity just happen when people are outside of God’s direction/will. Believers don’t get to live on an island. But we can try to influence our society to submit to God. The more submission, the more beauty and peace we experience- (natural benefit). This is why no one goes to heaven unless we are purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. The perfect place of love and peace and joy cannot afford to allow an ounce of rebellion in. Rebellion =suffering (to both the sinner AND society). I WANT to be in a place where we are purged of this!) Only by the grace, mercy, gift of God in Jesus Christ will it ever be possible. I hope i’m making sense.
How fitting to have Hosea 14, where Israel turns from its idols and again acknowledges that only Yahweh can save, right before Romans 12, where we are implored to give our bodies as living sacrifices. It’s like they belong next to each other!
I also am pondering Hosea 14:8–“Your fruitfulness comes from me…” I have been thinking over this concept the past few weeks, how the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is not from me, it is from the Spirit, who sows the seed, waters and nourishes through His Word, and eventually brings fruit. It isn’t my effort or good deeds that bring fruit. It takes so much pressure off me to be loving and kind and patient when I have nothing more to give, because HE gives fruitfulness. We aren’t conforming to the pattern of the world by making good effort at loving sincerely or serving zealously or being joyful, hopeful, patient, or faithful. We are drawing from the Holy Spirit to bring to fruition all these characteristics HE grows in us. He has supplied all we need for life & godliness (2 Peter 1:3-9).
We need to daily (sometimes every minute!) recognize our source, allowing His love (etc) to come through for us, because there are times we just can’t. We then ‘sacrifice’ our natural/fleshly response, turning to Him, allowing His Spirit & character to be what we cannot. Keep producing your fruit in me, Lord!
I read the comments every day, but have never commented myself. I just want you to know that I am thankful for your insight when you post and love hearing your perspectives. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!
This is so insightful Sarah. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I am encouraged by your words this morning that it is the Lord that works in and through me to bear fruit. My responsibility is to lean into Him, his grace, his strength, and his Word and what naturally comes will be an outpouring of that in my life.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him! That part just really spoke to me. In today’s society, we have a lot of enemy’s and hate in the world. But when it comes down to it, we are supposed to take care of them.
I love this chapter of Romans, especially read out of The Message! If you haven’t read it in that translation take a minute and do :) Such practical instruction and goodness!
Hi Amber! I know you made this comment a while ago but I just read Romans 12 in the message and it was absolutely perfect and I feel translated in way everyone should hear today.
Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer.
I love this so much for so many reasons. I read that and think about the world we live in today. In America there’s just so much craziness going on! This is a dark place. But we can’t get our feathers ruffled. We must be JOYFUL in hope. Knowing this life is short and these troubles only temporary. We will spend eternity with him. We must be PATIENT in affliction. Knowing he has a plan and that he is in control. We must be FAITHFUL in prayer. Something I could work on. Presenting all of our requests to him, according to his will. Leaving anxiety at the foot of the cross.
There’s so much to absorb today! There are verses in Romans 12 that I love to linger in, but what really caught me today was in Hosea 12:2-6. The story of Jacob wrestling with God is a familiar one, but after reading through the OT this year and seeing how often Israel wrestles with God, I was really struck with that comparison. The significance that the naming of Israel took place during struggle, the fact that Jacob/Israel prevailed (to me shows God’s faith in continuing to redeem Israel) was like connecting two points in history and seeing the glory of God’s plan. Jacob became Israel during the struggle, and yet God allowed him the victory…just like He has given us victory through Christ.
Just awesome reading today…
Really appreciate the reminders of how to relate to someone who’s persecuting you…God will take care of vindication and He can handle my hurt. So thankful!
He is Lord. He is hope. He is the God of armies. He can do wonders. He is the one true God. He’s known us forever. He is our help. He wants us to return. He gives us chances. He loves. He forgives. He heals. He is the sacrifice. He has given us all gifts. He is good.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
❤️
❤️ cling to what is good ❤️
❤️
✅
✝️
2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
“Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.” Showing extravagant kindness to EVERYONE is what Jesus would do
When we become full and lifted in heart, sinful humanity forgets God. Living in even a wealthy and comfortable place like the US, May I be poor in spirit and contrite in heart before my Holy God.
10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Yes! ❤️
1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
❤️
This passage reminds me of this: that God is both full of love and mercy and also justice. I tend to be merely full of (wanting) justice. While others are full of love and mercy. I think that it is the part of God we cannot grasp, because we all lean one direction or the other, while He is complete in both sides.
❤️
He will equip you with what’s needed if He called you. He may be stretching you, but in your faithfulness, He will work in you and through you in ways you never imagined. ♥️
Rebecca I am praying for you!
Isaiah 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I think the past few weeks have shown the world what evil is capable of. I was talking with a friend in Vegas who said the way community has shown love and support has been amazing since the shootings. I said to him these words today, “we must overcome evil with good.” That is what he has experienced. I pray for a day when we can simply show good and not have to overcome evil in this world.
Has anyone else struggled to read Hosea? I was drawn in daily until we reached that book. Things like this passage confuse me and turn my attention off.
16 Samaria shall bear her guilt,
because she has rebelled against her God;
they shall fall by the sword;
their little ones shall be dashed in pieces,
and their pregnant women ripped open.
I hope I’m not the only one.
You are not alone, Megan! Here’s an overview video from The Bible Project that might help. Check it out here:
http://bible.com/v/n6http://bible.com/v/n6
These passages were difficult and heavy for me to process too (see my comment yesterday). It seems the consequence to the truly innocent is horrific and unjust. In prophetic or OT literature that seems R-rated and violent, I try to look for the reason (disobedience) and the overall point (God is just and sin demands restitution). We have the NT, the unjust sacrifice of an innocent man, Jesus, who makes all things new. God doesn’t change, but our filthy sins deserving death are under His blood, if we’ve repented of our sins. Keep reading and ask the Lord daily what you are to take from it.
These readings (to me) show just how depraved humans become when we think we have a better way than God’. As a society- even if i believe and try to follow Christ- i only create a portion of society that is lighter and more loving. But i still suffer- and our children suffer- the effects of the large part of society who rejects God’s ways. The consequences are natural ones. The darkness and depravity just happen when people are outside of God’s direction/will. Believers don’t get to live on an island. But we can try to influence our society to submit to God. The more submission, the more beauty and peace we experience- (natural benefit). This is why no one goes to heaven unless we are purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. The perfect place of love and peace and joy cannot afford to allow an ounce of rebellion in. Rebellion =suffering (to both the sinner AND society). I WANT to be in a place where we are purged of this!) Only by the grace, mercy, gift of God in Jesus Christ will it ever be possible. I hope i’m making sense.
Very well said!! Thank you!
That’s the exact scripture that had me cringing too. You’re not alone.
How fitting to have Hosea 14, where Israel turns from its idols and again acknowledges that only Yahweh can save, right before Romans 12, where we are implored to give our bodies as living sacrifices. It’s like they belong next to each other!
I also am pondering Hosea 14:8–“Your fruitfulness comes from me…” I have been thinking over this concept the past few weeks, how the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is not from me, it is from the Spirit, who sows the seed, waters and nourishes through His Word, and eventually brings fruit. It isn’t my effort or good deeds that bring fruit. It takes so much pressure off me to be loving and kind and patient when I have nothing more to give, because HE gives fruitfulness. We aren’t conforming to the pattern of the world by making good effort at loving sincerely or serving zealously or being joyful, hopeful, patient, or faithful. We are drawing from the Holy Spirit to bring to fruition all these characteristics HE grows in us. He has supplied all we need for life & godliness (2 Peter 1:3-9).
We need to daily (sometimes every minute!) recognize our source, allowing His love (etc) to come through for us, because there are times we just can’t. We then ‘sacrifice’ our natural/fleshly response, turning to Him, allowing His Spirit & character to be what we cannot. Keep producing your fruit in me, Lord!
I read the comments every day, but have never commented myself. I just want you to know that I am thankful for your insight when you post and love hearing your perspectives. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!
This is so insightful Sarah. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I am encouraged by your words this morning that it is the Lord that works in and through me to bear fruit. My responsibility is to lean into Him, his grace, his strength, and his Word and what naturally comes will be an outpouring of that in my life.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him! That part just really spoke to me. In today’s society, we have a lot of enemy’s and hate in the world. But when it comes down to it, we are supposed to take care of them.
I agree
Romans 12 is honestly a beautiful passage. Basically tells you how to live a spiritually fulfilling life.
romans 12 just about covers EVERYTHING i need to hear all the time . it’s so relevant .
I love this chapter of Romans, especially read out of The Message! If you haven’t read it in that translation take a minute and do :) Such practical instruction and goodness!
Hi Amber! I know you made this comment a while ago but I just read Romans 12 in the message and it was absolutely perfect and I feel translated in way everyone should hear today.
Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer.
I love this so much for so many reasons. I read that and think about the world we live in today. In America there’s just so much craziness going on! This is a dark place. But we can’t get our feathers ruffled. We must be JOYFUL in hope. Knowing this life is short and these troubles only temporary. We will spend eternity with him. We must be PATIENT in affliction. Knowing he has a plan and that he is in control. We must be FAITHFUL in prayer. Something I could work on. Presenting all of our requests to him, according to his will. Leaving anxiety at the foot of the cross.
We must love everyone no matter our differences or “status”-amen!
There’s so much to absorb today! There are verses in Romans 12 that I love to linger in, but what really caught me today was in Hosea 12:2-6. The story of Jacob wrestling with God is a familiar one, but after reading through the OT this year and seeing how often Israel wrestles with God, I was really struck with that comparison. The significance that the naming of Israel took place during struggle, the fact that Jacob/Israel prevailed (to me shows God’s faith in continuing to redeem Israel) was like connecting two points in history and seeing the glory of God’s plan. Jacob became Israel during the struggle, and yet God allowed him the victory…just like He has given us victory through Christ.
Just awesome reading today…
Thank you so much for sharing this! It was an awesome connection and helpful tying so much together. I really appreciate it!
Offer our bodies fully to The Lord!!!
Really appreciate the reminders of how to relate to someone who’s persecuting you…God will take care of vindication and He can handle my hurt. So thankful!
I really love the book of Romans
Me too! Romans is one of my favorites!