Romans 10-13

Paul gives us more on how to live in our faith as Christians in Romans 10-13.  God brings us to Him through our hearts.  We claim our faith in Jesus, but we do so because of God's call, His work in us.  It's that still, soft voice pulling on our heartstrings.  Anyone, anywhere who claims Jesus as Lord and Savior WILL be saved.  Paul knows, too, we need constant reminders that we are saved by God's grace, not our own mindful doings.  And because God so loves us, the most important thing we can do for Him is love and serve each other with the gifts He gives us.

Paul is talking about God's life changing stuff.  It's Good News for believers.  It's also humbling.

God blesses us with thoughtful, reasoning minds.  It's also my mind that allows me to fall into the trap of thinking I am in control of things.  I get comfortable with my situation, and I think I have things figured out.  I am learning something, though, in my temporary periods of comfort.  God always reminds me that He knows more.  He knows best.   Paul puts it this way,

33 

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God!

    How unsearchable his judgments,

    and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?

    Or who has been his counselor?”[b]

35 

“Who has ever given to God,

    that God should repay them?”[c]

Romans 11:33-35

Yes, I am "A Mind-Maker-Upper."  I have made up my mind to live for Him.  I choose God over my own limited understandings.  I trust Him in all situations.  I am deciding to seek Him and find Him in all circumstances.  

I know I am very far from perfect.  I know I mess up all the time.  I know I fall-short often.  I know I completely fail sometimes.

I also know, most importantly, that I have to thank God in all things.  I thank God because, it's by His grace, I am saved from myself for a greater purpose- His purpose.

God powerfully uses all my steps, even my missteps.  That's where His joy comes in and makes it all worth it.  

36 

For from him and through him and for him are all things.

    To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36

I owe it all to Him who blesses me immeasurably more than I could ever imagine.

How about you?   Are you "A Mind-Maker-Upper?"  What does that mean in your life with God?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank you for your sovereignty in all things, especially my own life.  I thank you for all that I am and all that I have.  Help my mind to stay focused on You in all my circumstances.  What do I need to do for You, God?  I am Your work-in-progress.  Keep me.  Change me.  Use me.  I love you, Lord, with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength.  

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

May God's love fill your hearts and minds,