Transformation is First Required
n Romans 12:1-2 it states, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Salvation is the starting point of our transformation, but the depth of this concept goes far beyond its surface. Paul understood this truth profoundly, by experiencing firsthand the incredible transformation God can bring about in our lives when we encounter Him. Despite his past as a murderer of Christians, he found forgiveness and a new beginning through Salvation. (Acts 9:1-19)
This scripture reveals the essence of Christ through Paul. He begins with a sense of urgency! He is urging us to grasp the importance of his message. Have you been set free by the power of the Holy Spirit? He desires for us to have our own transformative experiences with Christ for ourselves. This journey demands that we fully submit every part of ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Total surrender is essential!!
This action serves as “the Key” that unlocks all the hidden doors of sin within our being. (body) As this unfolds, the Holy Spirit begins teaching us how to surrender to each of these areas at the foot of the cross. This act is what allows us to be cleansed and made whole. This process, allows the Holy Spirit to inhabit those parts of our mind and heart that were previously shut off by sin. Paul’s aspiration is for us to grow increasingly like Christ with each passing day. The intention behind His Word, commandments, and laws is to enhance our relationship, so we can accurately reflect Christ to others.
God transcends time, which means it’s never too late for transformation. Time doesn’t have a hold on you because your age does not limit God’s influence in your life. God desires to show you His truth so you can explore, understand, and grow through your experiences while seeking after Him. The target is to guide you toward what is good and enriching, adding value to your life until the very end. He desires for us to get as close to the bulls-eye as we can -until He returns. This allows us to recognize we are accepted, worthy, cherished and invited into His kingdom. Do you realize that in His eyes, you are perfect, capable, without fault, and mature, provided you are ready to fully surrender your life to him?
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death.” Romans 8:35
As we continue to move forward in our journey of salvation, God consistently reaffirms His deep love for us, even when we stumble along the way. He will lift us, dust us off, and continue His journey with us. Cling to the unwavering truth that, regardless of our circumstances or where we find ourselves, His love for us remains unbreakable.
Action is essential!! As we progress forward, Christ starts to work on our behalf. This journey helps us identify and acknowledge our mental and emotional rollercoasters in our “mind pit.” This mind pit serves as a repository where significant events from our hearts leave a mark, enabling us to recall each experience positively or negatively. When we start to accept, embrace, and comprehend these thoughts and emotions, a transformation occurs that prompts us to respond with intention. We begin to see things differently and all the lies that have kept us bound, isolated, and numb are now on the table for discussion.
Accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior opens the door to understanding the perspective of His Kingdom. To unlock this access, we need to grasp our Father’s will, which requires us to listen for and recognize His voice. This step is a crucial part of our progression as He redeems our minds to their intended purpose.
Denial tells us that we can escape the turmoil within our minds alone, but the truth is, we need a Savior! Jesus Christ has the authority and power to remove and replace all the mental clutter, negative self-talk, distractions, harmful suggestions, and emotional strongholds that weigh us down. Today, let’s choose to stop allowing our thoughts to guide us back to familiar pain. Pain does not define who you are, so don’t allow it to become your crutch. Are you ready to completely surrender to Christ, so we can start utilizing the keys He has provided to unlock our transformed minds?
PRAYER:
I pray that if you don’t know Christ as your Lord and Savior you will permit Him to come into your heart today. If you’ve been running and trying to figure it out on your own I pray that you will repent and reclaim your loyalty back to Christ. Then allow him to lift you, dust you off, and continue where you left off. It is not about where you left off or what chapter you are on but instead, it’s about your obedience to the will of the Father. Father, I ask you to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior of my life. I repent of all my sins and my fleshly desires. I ask you Holy Spirit to fill me and make me whole again. As I begin to open up my heart and mind please clean out my house. I permit you to fill your spirit within me. Fill me, Lord! Allow me to see that you are a safe place to dwell, and you can make all things new. We grab hold of your word in Romans 12:1-2. I ask you to cause my thinking to correlate with scripture. Where there is doubt teach me. Show me your ways so I can move as far as you want me to go. Holy Spirit renew my mind, and I permit you to move throughout my life in every aspect- so you can set me free so I can do the same for others! Scripture states in John 3:3 state, “…I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Expose my sin so I can be “re-born,” and one with Christ. Thank you for coming into my heart! In Jesus name, Amen!