YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
Today’s Reading: Romans 12
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The Pantheon (from Greek meaning “all gods”) is a building in Rome which was originally built in 27 BC as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the state religion of Ancient Rome. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Christian church.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
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
P.S. Below is a photo of the interior of the Pantheon in Rome (see the photo caption above for a brief historical summary).
It sounds as though David drew strength from Julia’s blog and,no doubt,from her interview.It also seems evident that God was with her through her journey.Thinking of her husband,this poem jumps to mind.God bless
Softly,Tenderly
Softly,tenderly we fell in love,
You were the answer I sought,
Then a call from God above
Took you and the joy you brought.
Now in sorrow’s web of pain
As I sort through the days I’m glad,
For as I look back there again,
I’d not trade a thing we had.
You were the candle in the night,
And I was the sparrow lost,
But with you all was just right,
Until loosing you was the cost.
Now my nights are filled with you,
For in my dreams we embrace,
But past the dawn’s early dew,
I chase your elusive angelic face.
I know from our nocturnal meet
That we will meet on golden shores,
And there with open arms greet,
Our happy souls for evermore.
G W (Bill) Marshall / Sept 6, 2012
Father God, thank You for Your invitation to give our lives – our all – to You. Thank You for loving us with Your perfect love. Thank You for giving Your all for us. I am grateful for all the Godly ones You sent to be lights in the darkness. Use all Your children today to bring hope, comfort, grace, and Truth into the places You have put them. Help this world today to hear You calling. Give our leaders wisdom, and help them to recognize and build on the Godly foundations that were laid down by the wise leaders who came before. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen!
Amen
An amazing story of Julia’s. A difficult time for her, family, and, friends. We had 2 weeks notice when my husband went to be with the Lord and he passed exactly to the day. My sister also passed recently on the second day in palliative care. Thank You 🙏 Lord for taking them quickly. Knowing that we will meet again is such a blessing. Missing David Mainse and his wonderful personality and teachings. Very thankful for his family that carry on with his ministries. Blessings to you all during this time of State of Emergency” in Ontario. Amen
Poetry, prayers and other personal, heart-felt words are like food to the soul.
All your expressions of Love and Wisdom and Goodness so beautifully reflect Jesus.
Thank you.
B.K’s Music sites always make one’s heart soar, too.
Praying that the Joy, of our Lord, be with us all.
Amen
Asking the Lord to help me adhere to verse 12 of today’s reading:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer “
I am praying for all the requests on this blog. I thank you for your posts….music links, prayers, poems, personal thoughts, etc. It’s good that we can communicate with each other via this blog. Even though we’ve never met, I care for all of you. We are family.
Praying a blessing on each and everyone of you! 🙏
Thank you all for your wonderful posts including your faithful prayers saints yesterday and the day before.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouagement and poems.
God bless you