O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

"For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"

"Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?"

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 11:33-12:2

What kind of a church do you go to? Is it just a pleasant diversion that allows you to live your life the way you want to? Or does it challenge you to obey God's word? No matter how nice it looks, how cool or warm it is, or how soft its seats, discipleship comes with a cost. For the faithful there is always a cross to bear. No one can understand Christianity to its depths, if they just come to church as a weekend diversion.

Being a Christian requires us to know Jesus personally. We have received Him by faith as our Savior from sin, and we present ourselves to Him. We deny our will and choose His instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God.

Don't let church just be a weekend diversion.

That is no substitute for a vital relationship with Jesus.

Our Daily Bread - December 11, 2004