Hebrews 12:11 Newsletter

Good morning Reader,

Have you ever hit a wall trying to change something in your life? You get to a point where you think, "I can't keep doing this," or worse, "Maybe I'm just not able to change." I've been there. And that's exactly where Romans 12:1-2 meets me.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT

If Hebrews 12:11 is my favorite verse, this one is a close second. Here's why: social media makes it easy to fall into two traps. The comparison trap — thinking someone else has what we want. And the timing trap — forgetting that God's timing and our timing rarely match.

This verse reminds me of two things:

• Sacrifice comes before transformation. You can't get somewhere new without leaving something behind.
• Just because the world accepts something doesn't mean God does.

Here's what that means for your money. If you're working on your budget, your savings, your debt, or your investments, something in your life will need to change. God can help you change your mindset — but only if you're willing to let go of what doesn't line up with Him. And here's the payoff: you won't just be proud of yourself. God will be proud of you too. There's a freedom in that — it's a great feeling to no longer desire the things you know hurt you. That's what's waiting on the other side of the sacrifice.

When we chase what the world says is normal, we end up back in the comparison trap. I won't pretend I don't struggle with this myself. But I'm learning something: the more I focus on my own growth, the less time I spend comparing myself to anyone else. My goal now is to measure myself against God's word — nothing else. Some days that's a real fight.

Reflection Question: What's one thing you're not willing to give up — even though it's the thing keeping you from your goal?

This week, take a minute and actually write your answer down. Naming it is the first step to letting it go.

Prayer of the Week: Dear God, growth requires change. Show me where I'm being stubborn and holding myself back from my goals. In Jesus' name, Amen.

-Latrisa

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Worship Song of the Month

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Israel Houghton - I Will Bless The Lord ft The Choir Room (Extended Version)

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