Do Not Conform to This World

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2

This is a tough verse to swallow.

It's hard not to confirm to the pattern of the world.

But God is ready to tranform us into something much better.

Renewing our mind so we can test and approve God's will for us.

His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Yesterday, my writing team took me out to lunch to celebrate Boss's Day.

I am blessed by my coworkers and friends.

Be Transformed By the Renewing of Your Mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2

God calls us to be in the world but not of it.

To be transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.

Not to conform to the pattern of this world.

All this so we will be able to test our for ourselves what God's will is for us.

To approve what He has in mind for us.

God's good, pleasing and perfect will for you and me.

Sound Teaching

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. — 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Saturday we went to the Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham concert at SDSU.

It was more a worship service than a concert.

And it was fun to attend as a family.

Singing praise songs together and praising God.

And watching hundreds of people sign up to sponsor a child with Compassion International after hearing the testimony of a mom who was sponsored by Compassion when she lived in the Philippines.

A wonderful time a worship.

Thanks be to God!

Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:1 

It's so easy to conform to the pattern of this world.

But God wants something better for me.

He wants to transform me into His image and renew my mind.

He wants me to be able to test, discern, and approve what God's will is.

We already know that His will is good, pleasing and perfect.

God knows what's best for me.

The Pattern of Sound Teaching

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. — 1 Timothy 1:13-14 

Today is Labor Day, so I have the day off.

A welcome rest from the work week.

Yesterday, our pastor gave an inspiring sermon from 2 Thessalonians 2.

And our Sunday school teacher encouraged us to share the gospel with others by getting to know them personally.

A rich day of teaching from God's Word.

God asks me to keep His Word as the pattern of sound teaching.

To hold fast to the faith and love of Christ Jesus.

To guard the good deposit that was entrusted to me.

To guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in me.

Help me, Lord.

Sound Teaching

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy 1:12

Today was another beautiful day in sunny San Diego.

And Kirk golfed another 83!

Very impressive.

He also trimmed our Crape Myrtle tree and got a lot of yardwork done.

Abby went to the Padres game and cheered them on to victory!

Also very impressive.

And a fun evening.

What we hear from God in His Word, we keep as the pattern of sound teaching.

WIth faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Thanks Be to God

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. — Romans 6:17

Kirk has been practicing creating some new drinks.

Here is his Piña Colada with a sprig of mint an a slice of pineapple.

Very refreshing, we sipped them outside in our courtyard on Monday evening.

Thanks be to God for his goodness.

He is teaching us His way.

And He is calling us to obey from our hearts.