Key Verse: Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.

“Beseech”… We are strongly urged to make a 100% do-or-die commitment to God. Paul did this. He practiced what he preached. The daily discipline of participating with me in this blog is a renewing of our minds. We are being exhorted here in chapter 12 to a very practical Christianity. Here is the way to get along well with others. Here is the recognition of the spiritual gifts that we receive from God. No believer is left out. We can find our place here. Let us take time right now to consider our position in this list. Are we using these gifts which differ “according to the grace given unto us”? If not, why not? By exercising our gifts every day, we will, with absolute certainty, “overcome evil with good.” AMEN!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, our reading for today is a perfect example of how You lived Your life while functioning as a Human Being here on earth. You never used Your Divine Essence to lift Yourself above the struggles common to mankind. I give myself anew right now to Your life within me. I ask for an increased measure of faith and grace to live minute by minute as a person who is becoming more like You. In Your all-powerful Name I pray, AMEN!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
[Note: Originally written January 13, 2017]

Some Great News for me! I’m being discharged from hospital today! Norma-Jean is coming in for 10 a.m. to be instructed by the M.D. on caring for me, giving IV’s at home, etc. Our daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Nizar Shaheen, have built an extension on their house for us. Ron was there yesterday putting up the blinds. We’re ready! Our bed, dresser, chairs, are in place. I’m finding it hard to contain my enthusiasm!

I’ve just read on my lap-top the blog postings of Julia Bayer, who died recently. One of my nurses directed me to Julia’s blog. HERE is a link to her writings so you can see and hear what has been blessing me for the last two hours (scroll down for previous posts). I know it will bless you too. That’s why I’m passing this onto you. Julia was just 26 when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 100 Huntley Street did a video feature on Julia a while back (click HERE to watch it). The following is a quote that jumped out at me from this young lady’s blog…

“He’s not a god detached from human experiences and emotions. He’s not a god eager to rule with an iron fist. God, who created the universe by spoken Word, chose suffering. In doing so, He chose relationship instead of vengeance in response to our rebellion. I don’t know of any other religion where the god chooses suffering out of love for humanity. The humility and unconditional love demonstrated by Jesus’ death on the Cross is my ultimate source of hope and joy. As I experience some of the darkest moments of my life, I will continue to fix my eyes on Jesus, because He knows suffering and He loves me. Praise God!” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Yours in praising God for the lives of precious people like Julia Bayer who are now in His presence,

David