Join us for Day 13 of Living the Surrendered Life and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
Text: Romans 12:3
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15 thoughts on "day 13"
day 13
Text: Romans 12:3
Leave a Reply
15 thoughts on "day 13"
It's interesting because each person that reads a bible verse may get something different from it, in accordance with what he/she needs at that moment.
I saw something completely different in the verse than the author of the devotional did.
What I got from this verse was that we should not think more highly of ourselves than others, but we need to look at ourselves honestly, the way God would look at us.
Sometimes we feel like we are better than others for some reason or another, but I like to think that we aren't above anyone, nor are we below anyone here on this earth. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and it is silly to believe that we are better than anyone (or below anyone!).
I read this verse in a completely different context from what I read in the devotional content. Particularly once I looked again and read the beginning of chapter 12 and through to chapter 8. I think this verse is less out overextending ourselves and more about being content in the measure that God has provided us. In look at the list of spiritual gifts in verse 6-8 and taking in that we each are given a gift and should walk with humility in that gift. I am not a mom (though I am a teacher) so I think perhaps that context is different for me as I have a bit more blessings of free time. But either way, I think this verse is way more about humility than overextension and self-care. Just my $.02.
I agree, I got something different from the reading.
Today is my first day joining in and for me it's exactly what I've been looking for and needed in my life. I just moved to a new town and find myself lost at who I am in all the craziness happening around me. This passage really reminded me to take a look at myself and to take time for myself to keep going. I'm thrilled to be a part of this community and cannot wait to see where God takes me from here.
So thankful to have found your sight. I look forward to reading your posts, scriptures and getting into God's word. Thank you so very much!!
I have trouble anytime I hear someone say "take time for yourself"… I know Jesus cares for us so, but I see my heroes of faith, people like other Teresa and Paul, I don't really see it recorded that they indulged all that much. Maybe the lines are blurry for me, because I've heard people reference this with pedicures, shopping and overall greed. It's hard to get that out of my mind.
While in Africa, I struggled with being present if I had not eaten.. But Paul writes that he spent days without food, and also many of the children were starving…
I think time with Jesus every morning is essential, and I was blessed with alone to e as well as lots of food, but I just couldn't help wondering if I could do more?
Elise, I frequently struggle with those same thoughts, and I don't know if it will help you, but I try to think of King Solomon… He had everything! He enjoy his things, but he focused on others as well. He must have been doing something right because he was in a close relationship with God and was the most wise man on earth.
Elise, I struggle with this, too! Especially as a young mom, I’m told from so many sources that I “deserve” nights out, or that I need to be alone to “find myself.” For me it is so important to remember that myself is truly who I am in HIM–and I need only to seek that. Generally speaking, if I’m trying to find to much ME, I lose him and everything gets even crazier. I definitely believe He cares about the little things–that he blesses us with nights out when we need them, or a cute new outfit when we were feeling frumpy, and that he can work through that. For me it’s about not seeking those things, but seeking him, and letting the little joys surprise me along the way.
Ashley, that is such a great perspective. Thank you for sharing it.
The exhortation to think of ourselves with "sober judgement…according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" really struck me. I'm to think of myself with sober judgement, not with self-pity or criticism, and I'm to do so according to the faith God has given me, not according to any standard created by anyone else (myself included). If I were to actually do that, it would definitely change a lot of my thought patterns!
Yes. In The Message translation it says "the only accurate way" to view oneself is by what God has done through you, not what one has done oneself.
I loved this.
Wow, how did I not see that? "to view oneself by what God has done through you." not the worlds standards, and not with pity. That's wonderful!
I missed that too Megan! Had to go back & re-read :) View myself by what God has done through me makes vs what I have done. Am I allowing God to work in my life? Do I do things for God's purpose or my own? GREAT read today & GREAT comments!!
She Reads Truth has been such a blessing to me. I knew that I needed to take time to refuel myself, but I didn't always do it. I'd do my devotions for a few days, but never really formed a habit of reading the scripture every day. I didn't have anyone to keep me accountable. I didn't have anyone to discuss what I was reading with. But now I do! I found this wonderful group of women through a hash tag on a friends tweet on day 19 of Soul Detox, and I haven't missed a day since. And for me that's some kind of record. I actually get out of bed early each morning to have my coffee, read the word, and then see what others have said. Knowing that you ladies are out there, that I'm not alone, has been a tremendous blessing to me. If you read further down from today's scripture Romans 12 talks about the different gifts of the members of the church. Verse 8 says "if it s encouraging, let him encourage" – and you girls have been so encouraging to me!
Lisa, yes!! I was also reading the rest of the chapter and was so struck by verse 5–each member BELONGS to the others. I think of how much struggle, especially for women, comes from needing to belong, needing to be a part of something. And He knew, and he created us as members of one body, to belong together! Such an encouraging thought. I imagine #shereadstruth was not exactly what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he penned those words, eh?? Amazing to see God work to create and bring together his Body even through technology!!