WEEK 20

T u e s d ay

“A True Non-Conformist”
by Peter Millard

Memory Verses: Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy
and pleasing to HIM—this is your spiritual (reasonable) act of worship. 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.”
W e d n e s d ay
In my BC days (before I came to Christ), I epitomized a hedonistic, worldly, materialistic,
irreligious person. Starting in high school, through college days, my time as a naval officer,
high school teacher and fledgling businessman, I personified the amoral, carnal, rebellious
lifestyle.

When my first marriage shipwrecked and I struggled through the crucible of divorce, I
embarked on a spiritual quest that led to my eyes being opened to the Truth. I realized that
the faith I was exposed to as a young person was truly the Way. Jesus was really the Son of
God, and He had paid for my sins. Slowly the process of sanctification began.

But how was I supposed to discern what He wanted me to do with my life? What was a living T h u r s d ay
sacrifice? How was I supposed to renew my mind? God gave me a second chance at life, and I
did not want to blow it this time. “How then should I live?” as Francis Schaeffer asked.

I was determined to overcome my selfish, sinful nature. Only the Holy Spirit could affect a
change in my behavior and program my mind to focus on “whatever is true…noble…right…
pure...lovely... admirable... excellent and praiseworthy” (Phil.4:8). Only the Holy Spirit could
free me from the prison of sin. Having once been an over the top non-conformist in a worldly
sense, I am now a different kind of non-conformist, living my life according to God’s plan for
righteous living. The peace which comes from this radical shift in the focus of my life and the
resulting change in my character is only possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit in
my life. F r i d ay

God is transforming me through His amazing Grace and mercy. He did it for a wretch like me.
He can do it for you.

P r ay e r
Heavenly Father, I ask that You keep encouraging us to continue to be transformed by the
Holy Spirit, resulting in the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Keep us from
being squeezed into the pattern of this world. Give us the wisdom to discern what You want
us to read, watch, and listen to, so that our minds will be truly renewed. Amen.

Under Armor For All Believers