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Living Free - July 25, 2007

From the Inside Out

Today's Scripture
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 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. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Thoughts for Today
America—the land of opportunity where people are free to pursue their dreams and goals. This is a good thing, but it has bred an "I can do it myself" mentality. Self-sufficiency is a highly regarded trait. Self-improvement books sell by the thousands. And yet there are some things we cannot improve on our own.

Many of us suffer from self-destructive habits. Sometimes we have thoughts we know shouldn't be there. Display attitudes that cause pain to those we love the most. Do things that hurt us and those around us. We might want to change, but don't seem to be able to.

Real change is not something we can do though a self-improvement program. The change must come from inside, and that kind of change can only come from trusting Jesus.

Consider this…
Are there changes you want to make in your life? Perhaps you've tried, but repeatedly failed. Good news! Jesus wants to help you. No problem is too big for him. Tell him how you feel (don't be embarrassed—he knows anyhow!). Tell him that you are sorry for trying to do things on your own, and invite him into your life. He will make all the difference.

Prayer
Lord, I commit all my habits, every part of my life to you. I thank you that through Jesus, I can receive forgiveness. As I focus on him, help me change from the inside out. Help me grow and mature according to your plan, not the world's mold.

These thoughts adapted from…
Completely Free! by Dan Strickland. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God’s will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment. 

  

 

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