Monday, June 25, 2018

June 26, 2018

"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. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Living in Virginia we are abundantly blessed with amazing breath-taking views. A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will provide you with stunning views in every direction! But if you head just a couple of hours to the east you will find a view of the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay that will soothe your soul!

Growing up in Northern Indiana the view I had was of corn fields, soybean fields, hog farms, lakes, basketball hoops, blizzards and an occasional tornado. 

The point of view I was surrounded with as a youngest was a conservative Christian viewpoint.

As you shopped for your dream house you looked for a house with the best view you could afford!

What you view and your point of view significantly shapes your life! It will shape what you value. It will shape how you think. It will shape your priorities. It will bias your decisions. 

So, where do you fix your view?

What shapes your view?

No, wonder Paul writes, "In view of God's mercies." He is recognizing the importance of living in a constant awareness of how merciful your God was, how merciful He is and how merciful He will always be! 

After all, your best assurance of what God can do or what He will do is what He has done! So your view of God's mercy matters! It matters a lot!