Romans 12:2

GOD’S WILL IS GOOD

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

The Apostle Paul says as we begin to think/live God’s way we’ll see for ourselves that God knows what He’s doing — whether we see it at the time or not! Psalm 84:11 says God withholds no good thing from those who walk with Him.

My wife and I have seen this time and again. An example took place back in 2001 when we were looking for a car. The following information is from my journal entry for October 22, 2001. The results that unfold below spring directly from God’s promise in Romans 8:28, that “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

  1. Decided to look into trading in [the] Miata (wasn’t selling) and our Van [1990 Dodge Caravan]. We saw a 2001 GMC King Cab (low miles) at the dealer. Looked at it. Came back two days later with [the] Van [and the] Miata, saw it [the King Cab] parked there. Parked Van/ Miata — and by the time we walked 200 feet [to the dealership], it was gone! Two people wanted it that morning! (It had been there for a month!)
  2. As we looked around, we discovered we could buy a new Dodge P.U. for less than the GMC! Would only give us $5000 trade on Miata. Decided to keep trying to sell it.
  3. Looked at Mustangs [in Salinas] on 10/16. Decided to get one if we could sell [the] Miata. Sold it 10/20… [The] car we wanted in Salinas had been there for 1 month. Called when [Miata] sold. Mustang was sold!
  4. Picked a white Mustang (2001) with options desired. It was being delivered to the dealer — and the driver totaled it! The first time our salesman (Chris) has seen this in 5 years.
  5. [I left a blank space in my Journal and wrote] What God has in mind will go here: 10/24: We are getting the car we originally wanted: silver with all the options (a couple backed out of the deal). Supposed to get it today. Wow! You are awesome LORD!! Best news of all: 0% financing for the life of the loan (5 yrs.)!

It took a while to see it, but God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect!

What have you been asking God for lately? How do you feel about His answer? Are you tired of waiting? God saves His best for those who leave the choice up to Him! As we choose to trust the Lord and wait for Him to work, we will eventually see that His plans are truly good: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart…Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Ps. 37:3,4,7).

WHATCHA THINKIN’?

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Many of my devotional thoughts address the importance of the mind. That’s because the Bible has much to say about this subject. I know from personal experience the power of the mind — indeed, practice bears out the truth that we become what we think!

We are what we think; behavior is the direct result of what we believe.

Fact is, I don’t know of even one Christian who has or is making a difference in this world for God’s kingdom that hasn’t embraced this truth — not even one! That’s because your mind will always believe everything you tell it.

It’s therefore not surprising that the Bible has much to say about this! The Amplified Bible in particular fleshes this truth out:

“So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” I Peter 1:13.

“The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.]” I Peter 4:7.

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]” Philippians 4:8.

“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]” Colossians 3:2.

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]” Romans 12:2.

A personal discipline I established years ago is an ongoing rehearsing of Scripture and truth-statements. For instance, each night as I’m lying in bed I recite these thoughts and verses:

“I don’t believe in defeat! I don’t quit, give in — or give up. That’s because Scripture says ‘I can do all things through Christ Who gives me the strength!’”

“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid…The LORD is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies” Psalm 118:6-7.

“With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies” Psalm 108:13.