Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lent for transformation.

Bible Reading: Romans 11:33-12:2 

Key Verse Vs 12:1

12:1 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. 2 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.
 
DEVOTION

The Book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, to the Christians in Rome. The Christians in Rome were both Jews and Gentiles. As Paul addressed the Romans, we cannot overlook the fact that the key verse for today's devotion has an overshadowing from Chapter11, verses 11- 32, where Paul highlights that it is only through God’s infinite Mercy that we have been reconciled to Him, Jews and Gentiles alike. Though Salvation came to us Gentiles, through the bloodline of the Jews, God by his abounding Mercy has grafted us, a wild olive shoot, into the nourishing sap of the Living and Holy Olive Tree(v,19). 
Keeping in mind that we have only been reconciled to God through His Mercy, Paul urges us, “His Chosen”  to present our lives (body, mind and spirit) in worship to Him.
There are many ways we can offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. One of the many ways is by depriving our body of various pleasures, and observing a fast. There are many types of biblical fasts that can be followed, like Daniel's fast (partial - only eat vegetable, fruits, nuts, grains), Esther’s fast (3 days - abstaining from food and water) and Jesus' 40 day fast (complete fast - no food). However, we have to ensure that alongside these fasts and depriving our body of food, we spend time in His Word and in prayer. This helps renew our mind and help us learn and understand God’s perfect will for our lives. Fasting always results in Spiritual growth, clarity, stronger faith and guidance from God. We always have to be mindful that the fast does not become a diet (where there isn't a connection to God through prayer) and the heart with which we observe the fast shouldn't be one for self praise and recognition. It should also never be done ignoring the  personal health situation.  
As members of the Marthoma church, and at large members of the Christian community, we are all about to embark on the journey of the Great Lent today. 
As we step into this time of self deprivation and focusing our hearts and minds, on God’s Word and in communion with Him, may our minds be renewed to gain a better understanding of His good, pleasing and perfect will for us as a church and also at a personal level.

PRAYER

  Gracious and Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Mercy in choosing us to be a part of your Chosen people. Thank you for opening our hearts to be reconciled to you. As we step into this Lent, transform our minds so we are changed and set apart from this world. So that we may shine your light in the world around us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” 
- Andrew Murray


Veena Thomas
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island

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