Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 14, 2016

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1–2).

I don’t know if you realize it or not, but we are living during the closing moments of earth’s history! Depending on your perspective, this fact can be either encouraging or horrifying. The truth is that no matter your perspective, Jesus is, in fact, coming soon. We all must decide how the fact will impact our daily lives.

If you’ve ever prepared for an exam or court date, you have walked the fine line between preparation and nervous anticipation, to be sure. Often what made the difference was just how prepared you were. Did you give adequate attention to the details? Did you invest sufficient time? Did you get the help necessary to represent your best work or case? At some point, we all must simply resign ourselves to the outcome.

What if life were like an exam or court date? What if the outcome were predictable? What if all fear could be eradicated? What if our position could be firmed up with a simple, daily exercise that would guarantee success? It seems simple enough; however, human pride often gets in the way. Are you ready for life-changing advice? Submit! Resign yourself! Surrender your outcomes to God.

Paul’s advice to offer ourselves to God is essential as we prepare to see Jesus one day because it is the only way we will be insulated against conforming to the world’s paradigm of hatred, racism, war, malice, impurity, fear, and all other forms of evil. Those who submit self to God every moment of the day can rest in the confidence that He will transform us. He will teach us His Word and give us pure thoughts. He will respond to our prayers with the best options regarding every aspect of our lives. He will teach us how to rescue people from eternal death. He will renew our mindset as we see the world spiraling out of control, realizing we must remain helpful to others and faithful to His plan for our lives. Enduring success in this life, in preparation for the life to come depends on our willingness to remain receptive to God’s paradigm as He perfects our characters in love.

Submit your nervous energy to God and do not allow the endless bad news cycle to discourage you. Allow Him to motivate you to do your part of manifesting His kingdom wherever you go as you await the arrival of the coming King.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)