Plain & Simple

Written By Betty Predmore

ROMANS 12: 1-21

(July 29)

I don't know about you, but I like to keep things simple. I like plain, easy-to-follow instructions without a lot of complication. EASY PEASY works great for me!

But life isn't always simple. Life gets very complex at times. Our relationships get complicated. Our plans get complicated. Our finances get complicated. Our health gets complicated. Everywhere we turn ... COMPLICATED!

That is one reason why I am so grateful for the instructions we find in Romans 12. They are PLAIN & SIMPLE. There are no "ifs, ands, or buts" in these scriptures; just a solid plan for how to live your life.

How are we to live out our relationship with God?

  1. We turn away from the sinful pleasures of the world and use our bodies for his glory. With the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, this will give us the strength to give our bodies over to God.

  2. We stop allowing the world to conform us to its way of thinking and start allowing God to transform our way of thinking through the Holy Spirit. We literally go from being conformed to being transformed. I like the sound of that!

  3. We give over control of our willpower to God. How do we do this? A great way is to be in prayer. Pray about all things and trust God's plan in all things. Believe me ... his plan is better than ours. And remember what scripture says, "Not my will, but thy will be done."

How are we to live out our relationship with other believers?

  1. Take an honest evaluation of what your spiritual gifts are. Each one of us is given at least one spiritual gift. Your gift may not be flashy and noticeable to many, but it will definitely be noticeable to God and to the people you share it with. These spiritual gifts are like beautifully wrapped presents from God. You don't know what it is until you take time to open it. And it is a waste of a gift if you don't use it. Even if you feel it is something you are not able to do, just exercise your faith and give it a try. If God brings you to it, he will help you through it.

  2. Be faithful to cooperate with other believers, working together with your individual gifts to build the church into the best it can be and glorifying God through the process. Remember, your gift isn't better than anyone else's and YOU don't need the glory. The glory goes to the gift-giver.

  3. Have a great and loving attitude with your spiritual gift. Don't use it in a manner that is unworthy. Honestly love other believers and appreciate their gifts. Don't be a hypocrite, don't be proud. Philippians reminds us about "Preferring one another".

How are we to live out our relationship with our enemies?

When we live in obedience to God, you better believe you are going to have people come against you. It is a simple fact of life. Even Jesus had enemies while here on earth.

The questions to ask is "Do I have enemies who come against me in my faithfulness, or is it because I am falling short in love and patience?"

Am I sharing in the "offense" done to Jesus, or am I being an offensive believer?

We are reminded in Matthew 5:44-45 exactly how we are to treat our enemies:

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

WHEW!!! That sounds like it can be tough!!! Well, friends, God never promised it would be easy ... only worth it!

The first line in Loch Lomond by Peter Hollens is this: O you take the high road, and I'll take the low road. As believers, we are to take the high road. It is that and only that ... very Plain & Simple.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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