Romans 13:1-7

 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no
authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have
been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment
on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who
do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what
is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if
you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s
servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it
is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment
but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities
are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what
you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then
respect; if honour, then honour.

Meditation
1. In this passage, Paul commands, “Fulfill your obligations as a citizen.  Pay
your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.”  What is my obligation as a
citizen to this country and to the kingdom of God?  In what specific ways can
I respect my leaders?
2. Find a list of names of my local officials (mayor, city councillor) as well as my
MPP and MP.  Pray for each one of them by name.  Pray that God would use
them to lead wisely and justly.

Personal Note:
I respect them by paying my taxes and bills.  I say respectable things about them.  I am obligated to follow their leadership.  The MP for Unionville is John McCallum and for Oak-Ridge Region is Paul Calandra.  The MPP is Michael Chan.  I prayed for them to lead with wisdom and justice.

Romans 12:1-3

 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as
living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
2Do 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.
 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Meditation
1. The problem with a “living” sacrifice is that it always wants to get off the altar.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (“easy” to “hard”), rank the difficulty I think I would have
in giving my entire being – thoughts, words, and actions – to God.？
2. As I go about my work this week, I will offer myself each morning as a living
sacrifice and as an act of worship. Pray that God will help me not to conform
to the pattern of this world but to be transformed. Then, throughout the day,
in the words I say, the thoughts I have and my actions, I will seek God’s help
to choose according to the pattern and character of Jesus rather than the
pattern of this world.
3. What would be my feelings then?  Excited and willing?  Or Wanting to jump
off the altar and escape?  Why?

Personal Note:
I can relate to how I would like to love and have faith for God, but without offering myself as a living sacrifice.  When I view God's mercy (not getting the punishment I deserve), the natural response is to offer myself as a living sacrifice for God.  On a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 being easy, I would say I am at 9, in offering my entire being through thoughts, words, and actions to God. God has given me love and lots of blessings in life, and why do I still not trust Him fully and whole heartedly?

My hope in renewing my mind is to dwell myself in the presence of Jesus Christ.  Anything else other that Christ  come from the patterns of this world.  Then I would be able to test and engage in God's will.  We know what God's will is: Grow as a mature disciples in Christ and make more disciples in Christ.  The feelings should be exciting and willing.