Listen to this devotion
Shaped by God
In the Word
Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out (Romans 12:2a MSG).
Of the Word
St. Paul exhorts the Romans not to be conformed to this world. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remould your minds from within … (Romans 12:2a Phillips). The world around us exerts its influence upon us in many ways, both subtle and obvious. Today’s moral values are often empty inside while shiny on the outside. God, not the world, is the potter. As God’s children we are the clay. We are formed by His hands. The prophet Isaiah said it clearly: … O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).
How can we as God’s children hold firmly to His high principles and resist being squeezed into the mold of worldliness? St. Paul says let God remould your mind from within (Romans 12:2b Phillips). Daily reading of God’s Word helps us focus on what is God pleasing. The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and spiritual strength.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, keep me from being as weak as clay. With Your Word, mold me, making me strong to resist the false values of the world. Thank You for being my Strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Marilyn Sagehorn. 18/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked “MSG” are taken from THE MESSAGE, by Eugene H. Peterson. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked “Phillips” are taken from THE NEW TESTAMENT IN MODERN ENGLISH. Copyright © 1958, 1959, 1960 J.B. Phillips and 1947, 1952, 1955, 1957 The Macmillian Company, New York. All rights reserved.
