Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Romans 12:2

 March 7

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2 (RSV)

Nature often looks worn out in early March. "Mud Season" abounds, and tree branches seem empty and naked. Sometimes our spirits can also feel worn out after the stress of winter. We often long for the renewal spring promises. The dictionary tells us renewal is "the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run-down, or broken." Yet too often what is "run down" is ourselves. However, Paul assures us in Romans that God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, able to experience vital new life even as the empty tree branches will soon bring forth new spring leaves. Because God wants only the best for us, we can be confident he is busy transforming us by the renewal of our minds whenever we draw closer by prayer, service, or immersing ourselves in God's word.

However, Paul also warns us to not copy the corrupted behavior of this world including selfishness, greed, lying, laziness, cheating, etc. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, needs to go deeper than outward behavior. If we want a lasting renewal we need to let God transform us into a better person by inviting Christ to dwell in our hearts and minds transforming the very way we think. Whenever the Holy Spirit renews, redirects, and revitalizes our minds and souls, we will be miraculously transformed and be confident we will reflect "what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Prayer: Lord, renew me today with your love, your thoughts, and your wisdom. Transform my brokenness to wholeness and my emptiness to new life. Fill me with the joy of your transformation. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Our limitations can be removed with God's transformations.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)