Isaiah 55:11 Returning to the Original Plan

… so is my word that goes out from my mouth; I will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ~Isaiah 55:11

God did not offer salvation just to forgive us, but because He desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to redeem us from our sinful way of life and return us to His first design. This world as we know it is not the original plan. Sin, selfishness, greed, hate – these were not in God’s blueprints. We have allowed these distortions to destroy God’s original intent.

But now because of Christ’s sacrifice and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit through God’s Word, we can be in relationship with the Almighty once again. When we set in motion a plan to follow Him, study and meditate on His Word, live as Christ lived, we are mentored by His Spirit to live a transformed life. That growing, vibrant person can be in an active relationship with the Creator of the universe. That was the original plan.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you living a transformed life that God can be in relationship with? If no, why not?
2. In a concordance, look up the word “redeemed.” What does God’s Word say about it?
3. To remain consistently in the Word, we all need a plan of action. What’s yours?
4. What accountability will you put in place to remain faithful to your plan? You don’t have to do this alone.

Father, I so want to have a relationship with You. Thank You for Your redeeming love that continues to transform my life back to the original plan. Amen.

2 Corinthians 3:18 "True Acceptance"

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~2 Corinthians 3:18

Two major aspects of the transformation that Jesus brings that are sometimes overlooked are forgiving ourselves/others and repentance. When we ask God to forgive our sins, we must also forgive ourselves for the sins we’ve committed and forgive those who have sinned against us. Too often people will hang onto the shame and pain and really stall themselves in the process of transformation. Jesus didn’t die for us to dwell in the midst of the muck. He died so we’d have victory. Therefore, we need to completely let go of all that is associated with that sin.

Forgiveness is not the only problem. Many people do not choose repentance. Repentance is completely turning against our sin. We must make a 180 degree turn to choose to leave old ways behind that led us to that sin and to walk the path Christ has for us. Only when we choose to turn away from evil will we see the true glory of God.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find Scripture on forgiveness and repentance. Write out one of each here.
2. Are there sins in your past that you haven’t forgiven yourself for? Write out a declaration of forgiveness to yourself.
3. Who do you need to forgive? You don’t have to go to them. They may not even know they’ve hurt you. But in your heart you need to forgive them for the wrong they’ve done. Write out a statement of forgiveness to them.
4. What parts of your old way of life do you keep hanging onto? List the areas of your life that need a 180 degree turn from.

Father, help me to forgive myself and others and teach me to turn away from the old me and build on the new. Amen.

Romans 12:2 "Our Transformation Through Christ"

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. ~Romans 12:2

The amazing thing about surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ is that in the act of humbly yielding to Him, you regain your life. The power of Christ transforms you into a new creation that is so much better than the old one. The old one was controlled by vain desires and selfishness. It sought pleasures for self and certainly didn’t see the big picture of life. Every decision and thought was reduced to, “How will this affect me.”

When we are transformed, the “me” is taken care of hidden in Christ. My troubles are temporary and fleeting. My joys are precious gifts from Him. My future is in His hands, and I don’t have to worry about it. My family, neighbors, co-workers, and the people I pass on the street need me to show them His love. I’m just a conduit of caring and compassion. The world may be in chaos, but in this new life, I rise above the chaos to a peace and joy that passes all understanding. Do I still have troubles. Yes. But I face them resting safely in the Father’s capable and protective hand.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find Scripture that says we are changed, renewed, transformed when we receive Christ.
2. Is transformation an event or a process? Support with Scripture.
3. How has God transformed your life?

Father, thank You that I don’t have to stay where I am, but You transform me. Continue to work on my heart to make me more like You. Amen.

Matthew 17:1-13 "And We Shall Be Changed"

Read Matthew 17:1-13.

"There he was transfigured and his clothes became as white as the light." NIV

The word, "transfigured" in the original Greek is "metamorfovw" (pronounced metamorphoo, which is obviously where we get our word, "metamorphosis.") It means "to change into another form, to transform." It's just like a caterpillar entering a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful, soaring butterfly. Jesus' appearance changed to where He literally shone with the glory of the Almighty.

Romans 12:2 uses the exact same word when it says to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Then in 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul tells us that "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." As Christ was changed, so we are being continually changed in His likeness with His glory shining from our lives. But it only happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we must choose to live Christ-like lives, but it is through surrender to His Spirit and His work in our lives that we can shine for His glory. It is not something we do; it is a state of being that He creates within us. And it takes time and submission. The caterpillar must surrender to the confines of the cocoon to be changed into its new form. In the same way, we die to self to take on His glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read through the other accounts of the transfiguration in Mark and Luke. How are they similar/How are they different than Matthew's account? What new truths can you glean from the other perspectives?
2. Do you shine with Christ's glory? If no, why not? What is stopping His glory?