Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, February 16, 2018

"Do not conform any longer 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."¹

Albert Lee writes, "I have read how farmers in Zentsuji, Japan, are producing full-grown watermelons for shipment—only these are no ordinary melons, they're square!

"They were placed in tempered-glass cubes while they were still growing. Why would anyone want a square watermelon? They're much easier to store in a refrigerator. They're a whole lot easier to pack too.

"It's amusing to think of how a naturally round watermelon can become square because of the shape of the container in which it's grown. This reminds me of the forces in the world that exert their influence on us, and attempt to shape us. If we meditate on God's Word daily, it will shape our thoughts and help us grow to become more like Christ. Then we will act in a manner that pleases him. Pressures of the world will continue to try to shape our character, but they will not succeed if God's Word is changing us from within."²

And if we neglect our spiritual life, get carried away with materialism, feed our minds on mindless TV, run with the wrong crowd, and forget God then these things will shape our lives—not only for time but also for eternity.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, give me the good sense to live with eternal values in mind and choose wisely in what I allow to shape my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 12:2 (NIV).
2. By Albert Lee, cited on KneEmail. To subscribe send a blank message to: kneemail-subscribe@welovegod.org.

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