From the pen of the Apostle Paul: Happy New Year!

To all who have been following this blog, welcome to a new year and an exciting new chapter!

For those who journey with me, you know the immense joy I find in sharing my daily devotional studies. This blog began as an outpouring of gratitude for the Lord's abundant grace in my life—especially His healing. This year marks five years of being cancer-free, a milestone that humbles and reminds me of why I first began writing. God has used this space to bless me in ways words cannot fully capture. Through your encouragement, motivation, and fellowship, I’ve been continually inspired. From the depths of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey.

In the past year, we reflected on Christ's fulfilled prophecies and delved into Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions. It was a season rich with growth and insight. As 2025 approached, I prayed earnestly for direction, asking the Lord how we might grow even deeper in His Word together. This past Sunday, during a moving sermon at our church, my prayers were answered in a way that left me in awe.

Our new pastor, Zack Harris, preached on Romans 12:1–2, and his message resonated profoundly. After the service, I congratulated him on the sermon and shared my idea of starting a new study here on the blog: an intentional journey through the book of Romans, guided by his approach to Paul's urgent appeal to the brethren, rooted in God’s compassion as outlined in Romans 1–11. 

Pastor Zack encouraged me not only to embark on this project but also to write in English to broaden its reach. Inspired by his words, I am thrilled to announce this new venture for 2025—soon to have its dedicated homepage. Together, we will dive into the transformative truths of the book of Romans, chapter by chapter, reflecting on its relevance in our daily lives.

The book of Romans is a theological masterpiece, overflowing with the wisdom of God’s grace, righteousness, and the power of the Gospel. My prayer is that this study will draw us closer to the Lord and strengthen our faith as we strive to live according to His Word.

Paul’s challenge in Romans 12:1–2 begins with a profound assumption: that we are already in Christ. His call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices is not a demand for mere moral improvement but an invitation to a life transformed by the Gospel. This transformation is rooted in a deep understanding of God’s mercy. If we fail to grasp the depth of His love, our actions risk becoming impulsive, disconnected from His perfect will.

True transformation, Paul reminds us, comes through the renewal of our minds and hearts. Only then can we discern and experience the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

To those visiting this page who may not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior, I extend a heartfelt invitation. The transformation Paul speaks of begins with acknowledging Jesus’ love for you—so profound that He gave His life on the cross for your sins. Through Him, you can find eternal life and reconciliation with God. If you have yet to take this step, I encourage you to open your heart to Him today. Accepting Jesus is the first step toward discovering the incredible plan and purpose God has for your life. If you have questions or would like guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

As we step into 2025, let us carry this message in our hearts:

Imagine the apostle Paul kneeling before us, his words filled with passion and urgency:

"I urge you, by the immense compassion of God, in light of all we have learned (Romans 1–11), to offer your lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord. The essence of the Christian life lies not in receiving but in giving, just as Christ Himself demonstrated. Place your life on God’s altar and live solely for His glory.

Do not conform to the patterns of this world. Reject its lies and distractions. Instead, let your mind and heart be transformed by God’s Spirit. Through this renewal, you will discern and experience the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. In this transformation, you will find the fullness of life in Christ and the unique purpose He has prepared for you."

When you respond to this call, 2025 will be an extraordinary year, where you will live deeply and impactfully, aligned with God's divine purpose for your life.

For this is exactly what he does in Romans 12:1-2.

"I urge you, therefore, brothers, by the compassion of God, to present your bodies as a living, holy, and pleasing sacrifice to God, which is your reasonable worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God."

How about we start 2025 with this message engraved in our hearts?

As we begin this year, let’s take Paul’s words to heart. Let’s pause and reflect on the immense mercies of God—the love, grace, peace, forgiveness, and hope we’ve received. With gratitude, let us respond by offering our lives fully to Him. True transformation begins with this conscious and deliberate surrender, aligning our lives with His perfect will.

In the months ahead, we will explore these truths deeply. Together, we’ll uncover how to recognize God’s mercies in practical ways and respond with continuous, heartfelt surrender. Through this journey, may we grow stronger in faith and better prepared to live according to His divine purpose.

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Let us pray:

Almighty Lord God,

With hearts full of gratitude, we draw near to You in this new year, acknowledging the immense mercies You have bestowed upon us. Thank You for all You have done for us, from the sacrifice of Christ to the daily blessings we receive without deserving. Your grace, love, forgiveness, and peace have flooded our lives, and we are immensely grateful for that.

Today, as we reflect on the words of the apostle Paul, “I urge you, therefore, brothers, by the compassion of God,” we are deeply moved. We know that this appeal is not a mere request, but an urgent invitation to a conscious and voluntary action, motivated by Your love. Lord, help us understand the depth of Your compassion for us, so that we can respond truthfully and sincerely, offering our lives as living, holy, and pleasing sacrifices to You. May our worship not only be in words but in deeds, surrendering every area of our lives to Your service and glory.

Lord, we ask that You help us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our understanding. May our minds and hearts be shaped by Your truth, so that we may experience the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God in every step we take. We know that by doing this, we will be aligned with Your purpose and will find true peace and joy in You.

In this new year, we desire to live according to Your calling, aware of Your mercy and with hearts willing to serve You. We ask that You guide us in this new study project, so that as we delve into the book of Romans, we may better understand Your will and apply it to our lives. May this year be a time of spiritual renewal, where we experience true transformation, aligned with Your divine plan for us.

We thank You, Lord, for each person who follows this blog and for each one who joins us on this journey of learning and faith. May we be a source of encouragement and motivation to one another, and together, may we live according to Your truth, for the glory of Your name.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.