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Who Are You Living For? Saul had it all. He knew the right people, had the right job, and came from the right place. Only one problem—He was a violent opponent to the followers of Jesus. He’d specifically seek them out to imprison or kill them. One day, Saul was traveling to the city of Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them to Jerusalem. Suddenly, a bright light appeared before Saul. Falling to the ground, he heard Jesus ask, “Why do you persecute me?” After this encounter, Saul was blind for three days. God instructed Ananias to restore Saul’s sight. Saul’s encounter with Jesus began a radical transformation in His life. No longer was he interested in making life difficult for ‌followers of Jesus, but he was eager to join them! Eventually, Saul became known as the Apostle Paul—who traveled great distances to share the Gospel. He also wrote a large portion of the New Testament. Paul’s new life was very different from the one he left behind. Instead of holding an important religious position, he was a wandering street preacher. Instead of being highly regarded by important people, he was often falsely accused and sent to prison. God’s transforming power took a strong opponent to Jesus and made him a strong advocate for the Gospel! Paul no longer cared about gaining the approval of important people or being highly regarded. In fact, he wrote, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done” (Philippians 3:7 NLT). Do you ever feel like you struggle to change? Today, remember that the same God who transformed Saul into Paul is alive and active! And, He wants to help you. Bring the areas where you’re struggling to change before Him in prayer—and watch God work!

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Transformation Do you want to be new? All around the world, humans long for change. We long to throw off old habits and ways of thinking if they aren’t serving us anymore. Thousands of self-help books, podcasts, articles, all kinds of media exist for this very reason. We want to change! And yet, it can feel impossible! Paul, one of Jesus’ disciples, shares this powerful truth in Romans 12:2 (NIV): 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. Transformed by the renewing of our minds. What does this mean? Transformation is a massive change. It’s thorough. Complete. A total difference. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, transformation brings an end to the old and a beginning to the new. Paul is showing us that transformation isn’t work we do from the outside in. Transformation happens from the inside out. It begins with our mind. And for our minds to change, we need Truth to grab hold of. God’s Word is this Truth. “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV “... Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 NIV God’s Word guides us when we are lost, strengthens us when we are weary, challenges us when we are compromising, and encourages us when we are overwhelmed. God’s Word changes everything. And this very moment, you hold God’s Word in your hand. Transformation is in your grasp. Read the Bible closely, dig into its verses, wrestle with its teachings, and treasure what you discover about the love and grace of God.  The best place to bring your desire for newness is to God and His Word. God’s Word renews our minds. Transformation inside-out begins here.

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https://www.christianpost.com/voices/ive-had-abortions-worked-at-abortion-clinic-harris-is-wrong.html?utm_source=Weekend&utm_campaign=Weekend&utm_medium=newsletter

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https://www.thepourover.org/news/from-the-coconut-tree?utm_source=post&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=updating-her-resume-b