John 15: 13. “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.” ‭‭

 God is my friend. One thing I have found as I get older, is that my friendship with God has become more profound and brings me greater peace and overwhelming joy. His presence is nearer and His leading is easier to submit to. Perhaps I’ve discovered over the years that the fact that His ways are not my ways is a good thing. 

I have given God many reasons to turn His back on me over the years, but I now appreciate the Grace and Patience that is manifested by His love. He was building a relationship and friendship when I was walking away.  I thank Jesus for being that Savior and Redeemer who has brought me into this friendship.   Because of His Spirit, I will draw on His Love to treasure the relationships and friendships I’ve had over the years.  Jesus did not turn away and neither will I.

START MY DAY WITH GOD...not worldly noise.

 Romans 12: 2 "...do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

This scripture passage of Paul to the Romans is a great ideal and certainly a valid quest, but I believe that it is impossible to achieve by my own efforts.  My default condition is to surrender to the worldly clutter around me, so that I see the world through my own eyes and my own wisdom.  The key to avoid conforming to the world is the Renewing Of My Mind.

The renewing of my mind can only happen by the Holy Spirit, who lives within when I accept Jesus as my Savior.  There is no persuading someone to believe and accept Jesus as Savior/ Son of God.  This adoption process is a one to one encounter...Jesus and His Spirit comes to those who recognize that he or she needs a savior, needs forgiveness of sins, and needs a faith and hope that rescues them from the chaos of the world.

That is why I frequently start my day making this verse a prayer.  If I want to be transformed and rescued, it begins with God renewing my mind day after day.

Heavenly Father, 

Help me to not conform to the world.  Help me to see the world and people through your eyes...loving, forgiving, caring for the world and people you have created.  Transform me by renewing my mind, letting Your Word take root in my heart.  Help me to spend time with You in the Bible so that I can come to know you more fully and see myself more honestly.  Jesus, forgive me of my sins and become my Savior so that Your will becomes my will as well.  Let my life be witness to Your will, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

In Jesus' Name, Amen