August 7 | Romans 12:1-2

Judy Webb
Aug 7
2 min read

DAILY READING

Romans 12:1-2

REFLECTION

Keep In Shape

By Judy Webb

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

These familiar words were my yearly memory verses for 2024. The words which inspired and motivated me on this journey were: Transformation, Renewal, and Change. It was quite a year for me as I journaled my thoughts and prayers during that season. I came to see how much I needed to engage in my own renewal. When God puts His word in front of us, convicting us to grow in it, we can’t help but be changed. Many times, during 2024 these two verses would pop up unexpectedly. I assume that was a reminder to not just read these lines but learn how to live them!

We hear often that some of our health issues aren’t to be treated only with pills or another prescription. After studying God’s word, I understand that some, if not many of our aches and pains could be a spiritually motivated. How many times have we had a serious personal problem present itself as a painful stomachache, or a tension headache, a backache or tight muscles? Dizziness and nausea also present themselves as symptoms of a trying season.

I am currently reading a book by Neil T. Anderson titled The Bondage Breaker, where he writes:

Whenever I sense an illness coming on, I verbally submit my body to God as a living sacrifice, ask the Lord to fill me with His Holy Spirit, and command Satan and his demons to leave my presence in the wonderful name of Jesus. (p.44)

Some issues are clearly physical, like a broken bone; others though are spiritual, like guilt and shame. They might manifest in the form of pain indicating we need to get right with God. Remember the words from 2 Corinthians 5:17. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Is there an area of your life you wish to change, a behavior you want to walk away from, or perhaps a lifestyle you long to embrace more fully? Remember, do not conform, but be transformed as you allow God’s Word to speak to your heart. Practice the words from Ephesians 4:23 (VOICE).

“…to take a fresh breath and to let God renew your attitude and spirit.”

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

There is much to learn from reading and studying your Word. Just opening the Bible gives a renewed sense of doing the next right thing. Nothing brings more peace to the troubled soul than turning from our old selves and allowing our hearts and spirits to be transformed. So, let us take a fresh breath and be renewed by The Word. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.