Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

We’re back again. You’re welcome for having Backstreet Boys stuck in your head for the next 24 hours. Speaking of music and seamless segways, one of the very few gifts that I possess is my ability to play the drums. I grew up in a small church, pastored by my grandfather which kept the same 20-25 members with no interest in change. Week in and week out my brothers and I would witness new, young, hopeful attendees walking through the doors of this church. Our excitement was good for about 3-4 seconds only to realize they would never return to a seemingly dead congregation. One Sunday, I entered the church to find a brand new Yamaha Stage Custom drum set with a shimmering green wrap. And yes, it did complement the carpet and the chairs. I asked my grandfather if we had somehow found a victim to join our church and play the drums. In fact, we had not. He bought the drum set in hopes that God would send a drummer to our church to help lead worship. While waiting on the seemingly impossible event that a talented musician would darken the doors of our church, I began to mess around on the drums before and after church. As it turns out, God had me in mind to fill that position. Through many attempts at trying to produce licks I heard on the radio onto the canvas of the drum set before me, as well as many sleepless nights playing Rock Band on the Xbox with friends, I’ll be danged if I didn’t become a drummer. While I would hardly call myself a talented musician, I am forever grateful for my grandfather’s faith and for God's willingness to bestow to me the talent to play the drums. It has led me to many rooms and given me many experiences that have helped grow my faith, and, I hope, led people in worship.

God has given us all gifts. In Chapter 12, Paul describes us as a body. We all know how integral each body part is to the functions of our daily lives. It is the same with the body of believers. Verses 3- 8 describe how we are given gifts and are to use them accordingly. Paul also describes being a living sacrifice with our lives. We are to use these gifts to further His Kingdom. Our commonality in Christ is what binds us together, but our individuality and our gifts are what make us most effective in serving Him. We all know people in our lives that do things we can not and we are grateful for relationships with those people because they bring light to the dark areas of our lives. As part of being a living sacrifice, we are to use those gifts first and foremost for His Kingdom.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• What gifts do you possess? How can you leverage those for the kingdom of God?
• Prayer: Thank You, God, for the abilities that I have. Give me every opportunity to use them for Your Glory. Let me never withhold my gifts from Your service. We love You.

Family Devo: Romans 12

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset 

Head

 Romans Chapter 12 is a powerful chapter that focuses on how we should live as followers of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul encourages us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, not conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by renewing our minds. He speaks about the importance of using our gifts and talents for the benefit of the body of Christ. Paul highlights the qualities of a genuine Christian, including love, humility, service, and kindness. He reminds us to bless those who persecute us and to overcome evil with good.

Heart

 As we dive into Romans Chapter 12, let our hearts be filled with a desire to live wholeheartedly for God. Paul's words remind us that being a follower of Jesus is not just about believing, but also about how we live our lives. It's about being transformed from the inside out, reflecting the love and character of Christ. Let us approach this chapter with a prayerful attitude, asking God to mold our hearts and align our desires with His will. May our hearts be open to the transformation that the Holy Spirit wants to bring in us.

Hands

Romans 12 challenges us to put our faith into action. It calls us to live out our love for God and others in practical ways. Let us use our gifts and talents to serve one another and build up the body of Christ. We can show kindness and compassion to those around us, even when it's difficult. When we encounter opposition or mistreatment, instead of seeking revenge, let's respond with grace and forgiveness. We can actively pursue peace, not only in our relationships but also in our communities. Let us be proactive in doing good and being a positive influence in the world.

Prayer: Dear God, as we study Romans Chapter 12, we ask for a transformation of our hearts and minds. Help us to offer ourselves fully to You, living in a way that pleases and honors You. Show us how to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others. Teach us to love genuinely, serve selflessly, and bless those who mistreat us. Fill us with the courage and compassion to be agents of positive change in the world. In Jesus' name, amen.