Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – Romans 12

I love Romans 12 because there is so much that we can apply to our everyday lives.

12:1 Be a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice to God.

12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV. So much has been written and preached about this verse. Don’t agree with everything in society. Change your mind so you can change your life and live in a way that pleases God.

12:3 Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest with yourself about yourself.

12:4 Everyone has value and something to contribute.

12:5 We all are a part of each other.

12:6-8 Use your gifts and talents to serve God.

12:9-10 Really love people.

12:11 Work hard.

12:11 Don’t be lazy.

12:11 Serve with gladness.

12:12 Be patient in trouble.

12:12 Keep praying in times of trouble.

12:13 Help those in need.

12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Pray that God will bless them. OUCH!!! That’s REALLY hard. I have to make that a goal for myself.

12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” NKJV

12:16 “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” NLT

12:17 “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” NLT

12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” NLT

12:19 “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” NLT

12:20 If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” NLT

12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV

Common Sense – Nehemiah 4

4:1-12 There’s always going to be someone who will criticize you – pray for them and keep working. Don’t let them discourage you.

4:13-23 Use common sense and protect yourself and your property – especially when you know that enemies are watching. God will fight for you, but you need to use common sense, too.

Never Shaken – Acts 2

2:4 Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

2:7-12 The Holy Spirit is a gift to those who believe in God. It doesn’t matter who you are.

2:13 Nonbelievers don’t understand the Holy Spirit.

2:17-18 The gift of prophecy is of the Holy Spirit, which is from God.

2:19:20 God causes miracles, wonders, and signs that we don’t understand and can’t explain.

2:21 …”‘But everyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved.’” NLT

2:22 Jesus was able to perform miracles, signs, and wonders through God the Father.

2:25-28 “King David said this about him: ‘I see that the lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’” NLT

Acts 2:29-32 reflects David’s prophecy about Jesus.

2:33-35 “Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’” NLT

2:34-35 Don’t get revenge on your enemies, God will take care of them.

Believers:
2:42 Join with other believers.
2:42 Devote themselves to Christian teaching and fellowship.
2:42,46 Share the Lord’s Supper (Communion).
2:42 Pray.
2:44,46 Meet together.
2:44 Share.
2:45 Raise money for God’s kingdom.
2:46 Worship.
2:46 Share meals.
2:47 Praise God.
2:47 Help each other.

Honor & Blessings – 1 Chronicles 17

17:5-6 God is always with us, regardless of our status in life.
17:8 God will bless us when we follow Him.
17:8, 10 God defeats and destroys our enemies.
17:9 God’s people have a homeland.
17:9 God’s people have peace.
17:9 God’s people are not oppressed.
17:10-14 God blesses our children.
17:16-19 God will bless anyone, He is no respecter of persons. You don’t have to be a certain status.
17:20 There is no other like God.
17:21 God performs awesome miracles.
Acknowledge, honor, worship, and praise God for all He is in your life.