August 9, 2022 – Reflections on, “Transformed!”
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2.
What is the will of God for each of us? To trust our God, who created us. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God, He created him; male and female, He created them. Genesis 1:27. Since God is Spirit, it is in our Spirit; we are created in His image. God looks on our heart, and not on our physicalness. “For the Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12.
When we rest in the Lord and His Word, we learn to trust in His wisdom. He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure. Psalm 147:4-5.
The Word of the Lord is filled with what pleases Him and what He loves. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5.
In a world filled with fear, lies, and distrust. This daily diet of conflict and angst is dispelled by God’s promise in these verses, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am. You may be also.” John 14:1-3. Then a friend sent me to verse 27 of the same chapter. And there I find the promise to erase the fear, lies and distrust of these times.
Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27. This is one promise of Jesus that fills me with hope and faith.
How often does my mind leads me away from faith in Jesus, through what I see, hear, and feel. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the Day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.
The ‘good work’ is the Transformation of our heart, and soul, and mind. A complete change in how we treat others, pray, and live, in the name of Jesus Christ. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Through Faith in Jesus for all Who Believe. Romans 3:21-23.
Salvation from sin comes only through a transformation of our hearts by thinking of others first, loving others even as Jesus commanded. What sets the Word of God apart from other books? For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. Since God looks on the heart and mind, He is aware of every thought we have, the number of the hairs on our head and whether we authentically love others, and our Father God, and His Son Jesus.
In the Word of God, He gives us the weapons to fight spiritual battles. This is called the Whole Armor of God. Beginning with Ephesians 6:10-12. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
It all begins with the following verses. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:19-21.
When we delight in the Word of God and its teachings, do we experience the spiritual transformation of His Presence? Why does the dawn come every day–surely this light is for all the world, and is the Word transforms our spirits each day as we read and share His Word?
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8. Renew your mind and heart daily in His Word.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:3-6.
When we have joyousness to share, we do so with thanksgiving and a glad heart. Praying for someone to pray for becomes someone we can share the Joy of Jesus.
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philemon 6:4-7.
Do you groan at each new day, and its concerns, or greet it with this verse? This is the Lord‘s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23-24.