Transforming Lives

Recently while waiting to board a plane to Chicago I see an advertisement for a local university which simply reads "Transforming Lives". What parent would not want to send their child where their life would be transformed? But wait. It did not specify "how" this transformation would take place. Would it be intellectual, situation, emotional, relational? 

As a believer I want my life transformed and that of my children but I want it transformed into the image of Christ. One of my favorite verses after recommitting  my life to Jesus back in 1975 was Romans 12:2(NIV) which says 'Do not conform 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.'  Transforming your mind requires getting into the word of God on a daily basis and reading it and studying it so your life will "conform" to His. The world's way is not God's way. This is not to say that we become monks and act holier than thou but it is necessary to make a deliberate effort to saturate your mind with the teaching of the Lord so when wrong stuff comes along you will recognize it.

Are you ready for that transformation today? 

PRAYER: My desire Lord is to have more of you in my life. I want your light to shine so others can know that you have transformed me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

THE TRANSFORMER

There is a child's toy called "transformers" that can be switched around to make it look like a weapon of sorts. Movies have been made depicting these too.

As I type this devotion a few days early before the day it goes out I am at the airport and a sign right smack dab in front of me is an advertisement for a local Christ based college and it says "Transforming Lives". Indeed the presence of Christ does indeed help transform a person.

In the Bible the transformation is being referred to is how we change from the inside out when Christ comes into our lives. Romans 12:2(KJV) says 'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.'
How about you? Are you more conformed to this world and it's culture and ways or are you transformed into the likeness and actions of Christ? Maybe it is hard for people to even know by your actions and speech that you identify with Christ. Perhaps it is time for your own spiritual transformation.

2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV) 'Behold if anyone is in Christ he has become a new creature: old things are passed away and behold all things become new.'

PRAYER: I want to be conformed to your image and be an example for you Lord. Forgive me when I have allowed the world to try to mold me into an image not fit for the kingdom of God. I want to live for you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Postscript note: As I get ready to post this devotion I was shocked to learn that yesterday in Lynchburg, VA at the largest Christian University, Liberty University, a student was shot and killed in an off campus female dorm by a security officer. Things like this do not happen at schools like this or they shouldn't. It goes to show you that evil is everywhere and problems exist even in the minds of those supposedly transformed. That is why it is ever so important to study the word of God and live for Him. In Memory of Joshua Hathaway of Lubbock, Texas.

TRANSFORMED OR CONFORMED?

Sometimes in life, even though you say you love Jesus, you may find yourself angry at people, politicians abusing their power or just having bad thoughts you ought not to be feeling.

God will take care of those who do wrong by persecuting others. Our job is to show love, grace, forgiveness and mercy. Our job is not to judge others. Our job is to remain hopeful and not worried and fretful. Our main job is to always pray. Our job is to be transformed into image of Christ and not conformed to the world and popular culture around us. Our job is to be Christlike.

Romans 12:1-2(NIV) is one of my favorite verses and one of the first I ever memorized. It says '

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conformed 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.' There it is. "Transform not conform". The world's mold of gossiping,lying, cursing,belittling others, judging, and hurting people is easy. But God shares in His word,The Bible,that to be hating and judging is indeed wrong and not becoming for a Christian. We need to do our best with God's help to be a shining light that others will come towards to get out of the "darkness" of their souls.

What is it going to be? Continue being "of the world" or be set apart and transformed for Him?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it is so easy to slip up and get angry or show hatred. I want to be more and more like you each and everyday. I choose to live by the word of God. Bring conviction when I start to stray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT ARE YOU "EATING"?

What do you have a constant "diet" of? I am not referring necessarily
to food but you have to consume the right amount of food and the right
types to stay healthy and within a good weight for your height. You
have to drink water to flush out toxins. Don't sit down and watch soap
operas all day unless you want to feed your brain on that . In a
similar way, don't play violent video games or your mind could be
affected. Pornography can captivate both men, and yes, women too so do
not even go there. Even some radio and TV shows can place wrong
thinking in your head. I urge caution and praying if you are in doubt
about something. Many things become your "daily diet" and tend to
shape you if you are not careful. Whatever you feed upon you tend to
drift towards.

The prescription for leading a good life pleasing to God is to feed on
good things. Turn on Christian worship music to lift you up. You can
listen to KLOVE on line I know and here in my area WAY FM is an
excellent choice. There may be some used to the old hymns which I am
not meaning to condemn but some of today's Christian artists have
awesome songs of worship that can really lift you up. I often include
one with my devotions to help set a mood. Give them a chance and I
think you will be pleasantly surprised.

In Romans 12:2(NIV) it reminds us ' Do not conform 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.' To be conformed to the world is to fit in a little
too much where the things of the world seem to be more important than
God. Is there something in your life you find you give more time to
than our Lord Jesus Christ? Just ponder that for a while. Do you get
up each day and look forward to spending time in reading God's word?
The only way to be conformed to Christ's image is to spend time in the
word, pray and you will slowly take on the character of Christ. Do you
spend more time with Oprah or Good Morning America than in time with
God. Which of those things do you think are shaping you then?

Christ does not bicker about denominations and who should not have

tattoos or earrings. He does not say 'Oh look at so and so. Can you

believe they do not have a tie on?' Jesus wants you to come as you are
to the throne of grace. He does not have a dress code for going to his
house to worship although many churches sort of make things up to seem
acceptable. The main thing is do you love the Lord your God with all
your heart, soul, and mind or are you too worried about other people
and what they do and your way is the only right way? He wants your
undivided attention and he wants to be what you feed upon. Why not get
your Bible out of hiding and pick it up and start with the book of
Psalms and ask God to show things to you in His word. Be blessed to be
a blessing.

Colossians 3:1(NIV) says "Since, then, you have been raised with

Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the
right hand of God." Are you able to set your mind and heart on things
above or are your passions to consumed in this world and its' passing
fantasies?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be transformed to your image. I want the
light of Jesus to radiate from me. I know when I gripe, bicker,
complain, condemn, judge or belittle I am not acting as you would act.
Forgive me. Today I choose to "feast" upon the word of God so I can be
strong in the Lord and take on the character of Christ. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

Click link below for a worship song to get your mind focused on things above:
http://youtu.be/8vNPcmLzlvI

WORLDLINESS OR GODLINESS

Do you have one foot in the world and it's passing pleasures and lusts
and the other foot into "church things"? Is your mind filled with
desires other than Jesus? Do you feel more excited about the things in
this world than you do having a relationship with Jesus?

First off as a reminder, we are only on the earth a very short amount
of time. What are you doing with that time to spread God's love and

impact the world and leave a legacy even when you are long gone?

Do you find "religious" things boring? Maybe it is time for a "heart
check up" to see how your love meter for Jesus is. When you accept
Christ into your heart you are to serve Him where He has you. When you
go out to eat and decide to pray do you sort of "hold your head" like
you are not really praying so you will not be embarrassed? I heard
someone once call this the "headache prayer". In Mark 8:38 it tells us
to 'not be ashamed of Him'. Think about that and ask yourself if you
have ever been ashamed of Jesus. Then look up and read that entire
verse. What if your children turned their back on you acting like you
embarrassed them? Well imagine how Jesus must feel if you say you live
for Him then act ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:6(NIV) says 'Godliness with contentment is great gain.'

Does it make you happy to serve the Lord and read your Bible? Are you
drawn into worldly activities more than Godly activities? For
instance, if the Bible and People magazine were side by side in a
doctors office waiting area which would you tend to grab for first? Is
your "ashamed meter" going off? I am not saying People magazine is bad
but what does it do for you? You learn all about what is happening in
Hollywood but why does that even matter? You get the point. I
challenge you to use your doctors' office time by picking up the
Gideon's Bible, which is usually in most waiting areas, and read
Psalms or Proverbs while you wait for your appointment.

We are in the last days, just look around you. This is not to say
Jesus is coming back tomorrow but if He did what would you be doing
with your time? Nothing wrong with going to movies and such just do
not let the "world" consume and shape your life.

Romans 12:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not conform anymore 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,
perfect, and pleasing will.'

A new year is upon us and yet another opportunity to make sure Christ
is truly first and the world second.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love you. I confess at times I have let the world
influence me. I know I am to be different and set apart and shine for
you. Forgive me if I have ever acted embarrassed. Thank you for loving
me and forgiving me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

DO YOU NEED A TRANSFORMATION?

 

How many times do we feel everyone else has a sin or a problem but not yourself? Many people are good at pointing the finger of ridicule and blame at others. Perhaps when things are going on in your life or a family member's life maybe it is you who needs the transformation. Just something to think about. Sometimes I feel problems occur to help in our own spiritual walk? Maybe we need a good trial or test to shape us up?

If you think you may need to be transformed to be more Christlike then God can help. Sorry to those of you who thought this was a beauty makeover transformation. In a way it is. It is a makeover of your inner self which once it is joyful and serving the Lord can not help but shine on the outside. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Our outward appearance is not what is important in this transformation. Colossians 3:12 says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Ephesians 4:24 says what we are to do after this spiritual trasnformaton and that is "to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." So how do you get this transformed life and stop trying to conform to the world?

Romans 12:2 says "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." This renewal of your mind comes when you intentionally say yes to God and to the reading of His word. It is by reading the word and letting it change you from the inside out that total transformation occurs.

PRAYER: Father I do thank you for the word of God which sets us free to live a non conformist life. I know Lord I am to be your light in this world and to stand for the truth so I want to be conformed to your image. Change me oh Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below to worship and praise the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/jAsjlLVOajI

TRANSFORMED OR CONFORMED?

In the book of Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 it says " Do not be conformed anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so then you may be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing, and perfect will."  What  does this mean exactly for someone who says they are a Christian?

 First of all we know the world and America is getting less and less Christian friendly. Christians who take a Biblical stand against a sinful act are called 'hateful' when in fact no one said anything about hate. All they do is stand up for what the believe in the Bible. Society is trying to get sinful behaviors accepted. This has been a topic of mine previously but bears repeating. The more and more you accept sin and immorality the less it bothers you what is happening. You get desensitized. The more you stay in the true word of God and study it the more the more will know the standards of right and wrong and good and evil in the Bible.

Satan hates the Bible because it has power to change and transform lives. There is that word 'transform' which means change. If you start taking God's word into your heart by reading it on a daily basis you can not help but be changed. The problem  is many Christians are just Sunday church goers with no active spiritual life beyond the doors of their church on Sunday. How can you know about God if you do not get into his word? How can you  know how to dance unless you are dedicated to dance class? You get the idea. Practice and study are what it takes.

 When the Holy Spirit does truly come into your heart you will desire his word and want to devour it. That at least was my experience back in 1975 when I rededicated my life to Christ. The word has the power to make you into a 'nonconformist' so to speak. Who will be left to speak out against the atrocities of a sin filled life and sin filled nation if we all conform to the standards set by our world?
1 Peter 3:15  says "Instead you must worship Christ  as Lord of your life and if someone asks you about your Christian hope be ready to explain it." Set your standards as godly standards but not in a self righteous way. Be a light in the world to make people around you want what you have.

 How about you? Do you conform too much to the pattern of the world? Each person needs to examine their heart and ask themselves if they appear too much like the world and less like Jesus.

 PRAYER: Father I thank you for the Bible which is the word of truth. Help me Lord not make excuses for why I am too busy to read it each day. Forgive me for the times I have been too absorbed into the culture and pattern of this world. Give me your strength to make a difference for you wherever you place me. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for a great song of praise.
http://youtu.be/8vNPcmLzlvI

MY GOLD MEDAL

If you had to say what your gold medal would be in what would you say? Comically I could say mine would be the sport of 'Jumping to Conclusions'. Now this is a funny  illustration but may make you think about this area.

Is there  some little habit you have that you know is not really taking you higher and perhaps needs God's help to remove from your life? Perhaps there is an area of your life you have not totally surrendered to the Lord that is getting in the way of you being all God wants you to be? Maybe it is gossip. How about worry? Do you act ashamed of Jesus and your faith around certain people or are you authentic with everyone? Do you have a problem with honesty and integrity? What about judging others? Maybe it is lust? Is there a lack of love in your life? Maybe a revengeful spirit? Whatever it is, it is maybe time to surrender your 'gold medal winning performance' in that area of struggle to the Lord and let him reshape you into what He wants you to be.

Romans 12:1-2 is one of my favorite verses and it says "Therefore I urge you brethren 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. 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, perfect, pleasing will."

Whatever it is that is dominating your life that is keeping you from being more like Christ,God is ready to transform you if only you will ask.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know at times I act like someone who does not fully trust you when I display worry, fear, anger or start to be dishonest in some area. Father it is my goal to be shaped into your image in all areas of my life. I surrender to you today the area of (fill in the blank). In Jesus name. Amen.

IN GODS' LIKENESS

Does your life reflect the Lord Jesus Christ? If someone were to see you right now would they be able to tell in any way that you loved the Lord? A simple gesture of showing God's love is to smile. How many folks do you see around you day in and day out that simple are frowning? Sure they may have problems but maybe they just are sort of depressed and just need a smile. Something simple as that can lift someones spirits.

Do you act holy as the Lord is holy? Not  'holier than thou' but do you radiate the love of God in what you say and do? Is your speech pure and kind? Do your actions reflect that of a Christlike person? It is something to ponder for a while. Do you just go to church and seemingly appear righteous for one hour on Sunday then turn into an entirely different person the rest of the week? Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and help guide you. Let your thinking be transformed to be able to think like Jesus thinks. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." When you make it a point to try to think like Christ it helps to be more in His image and represent the kingdom of God. Romans 12:1-2 is one of my favorites and it says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform 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." Let God transform you more into His image.

1 Peter 1:16 says "Be holy for I am holy." Once again it does not say 'holier than thou." Be careful not to think you have 'arrived' and are such a wonderful Christian example and start looking down on others. Ask God to keep you humble. Don't judge others because you do not know the whole story. For instance, those who are not in church on Sunday. We are not to be legalistic about worship and simply go to punch the Sunday ticket, but you should examine your heart and want to go. The scriptures do say in Exodus 20:8 to "remember the Sabbath Day and Keep it holy" but once again some people have valid reasons for not being able to be in church such as work. It is not our place to condemn. Each of us is on our own journey and  hopefully it includes wanting to be more like Christ.

Do you desire a closer walk with the Lord or are you satisfied and think being a member of your church 'social club' will get you through the gates of heaven? Do you want to be more Christlike? If not why not? As we begin this New Year why not purpose in your heart to get closer to God and radiate His love to others around the clock? Being a child of God is not just one hour on Sunday.

PRAYER: Lord give me your heart for others and a desire for you. I am sorry for just going to church on Sunday or maybe not even going at all. I need you in my life and want my life to reflect you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note:Click on link below to listen to a wonderful worship song.
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8

HEART SURGERY

Do you need heart surgery? Not physical heart surgery but is your heart cold and hard and thoughtless? Have you let Jesus into that heart to change it and make you into a new creature?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:21 "where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Also in Ezekiel 36:26 it says in reference to the heart " I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This does not mean literally God will pluck your old heart out of your chest but it means if you ask Him to come in and take the controls he will change your heart and your outlook on life.

John 3:3 says "In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Once again not  physical birth but a turning over the controls of your life to Jesus and saying " Lord come into my heart and change me. I want to live for you and serve you. I do not want to just be a Sunday Christian but I want to be sold out to you and you alone." Do you want this kind of relationship with Jesus? 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us once this happens that "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" So you give over the controls to the Lord and  He transforms you as you begin to walk in His ways and cast off works of darkness. When I say darkness, I am not talking about a Satanic cult, but basically things that are not of God that displease him and separate you from Him. Your heart should be convicted to know what these things are once you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life.

Psalm 51:10 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Is this what you want? Do you want a clean and pure heart? Are you ready to serve the Lord with gladness? Ezekiel 18:31 says "Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?" God is ready and waiting to give you that new heart if only you will ask Him.

PRAYER: Lord I want you to be in control. I want my heart set apart to serve you. Thank you for being Lord of my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy a wonderful worship song.
http://youtu.be/hGr8as7pPBE