Transformation

CAUTION – wordy blog ahead :)

My mind was captivated by two scripture passages I read this week, and I have been mulling them over since.

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

¹²For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

¹ And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I have been thinking a lot about transformation recently and how it can occur in someone’s life.  I believe that our own personal journey and stories can have some transformational effect on others.  I know self-motivation or one’s thought process is another element in causing transformation or the lack thereof.  Circumstances, environment/surrounding, all can cause transformation.  I have been reflecting on my own personal transformation and the struggles I have been through.  I have been considering how to better be an agent of transformation and helping people realize supernatural transformation through Jesus.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of  “transform” is a : to change in composition or structure b : to change the outward form or appearance of c : to change in character or condition

As I am considering these things, I can’t help by acknowledge my need for Jesus to transform me.  Sure, I could motivate myself to get into shape and be disciplined – I have been there and done that; having a drill sergeant yell at you all day can get you whipped into shape pretty quickly .  Or I could “choose” to have a positive thought life so as to lead a more positive life.  To borrow some lines from the movie “Happy Gilmore” – “Harness in the good energy, block out the bad. Harness. Energy. Block. Bad. It's like a carousel. You put the quarter in, you get on the horse, it goes up and down, and around. Circular, circle. Feel it. Go with the flow.”  At the end of the day, I know there is a space that needs to be filled.

When I think about the dictionary definition, I see Jesus all over it – He is the Creator, the Healer, the Savior and the Judge.  When it comes to a “change in composition or structure” my first thought is of the caterpillar cocooning into a beautiful butterfly – now that is one serious change in composition!  You can draw so many analogies from butterfly transformation.  When it comes to “change the outward form or appearance” I think of the physical appearance of someone who has been transformed by Jesus.  I have personally encountered a night and day difference in a person’s demeanor when Jesus came into that space.  This kind of ties in with the last example of the definition “to change in character or condition.”  It is amazing and possible to see such change in someone’s life and again I have encountered people.  It is a journey nonetheless, sometimes it is a gradual change but Jesus makes it possible.

Many people criticize Christianity as a “religion” full of rules that take the fun out of life but because they haven’t taken the step to discover Jesus; not the one portrayed in movies or not even the one they hear about through a preacher on TV, or the name that is used a swear word; the Real Jesus – the one who was talked about in olden days before he even was born, the one lived among people, the one loved people and healed people, the one who was willing to die a horrible death even though He did nothing wrong, choosing to stand on the side of truth.

If only those who criticize and mock would take the time to discover the Jesus of the Bible and let the words that are “living and active – Hebrews 4:12” start to transform their hearts and the way they think. And “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. – Romans 12:2”  I know without a doubt that when Jesus becomes a part of your heart and mind, transformation takes place and you’ll experience joy and peace; not that you won’t still face difficult, sometimes more difficult than we think we can bear, but because the way we think is now transforming through Jesus, we can have joy and peace.  You want God’s will for your life?  Let Jesus transform your thinking.  Let the Word aka the Bible penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; and let it judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart like it say is Hebrews 4.  Once we allow these transformations to occur, we will realize fun like never before; the so-called “rules” will not control your life but instead guide your life.

I had some entertainment news program on the other night while making some dinner and they introduced the author Laura Day, who recently wrote a book called “How To Rule The World From Your Couch.”  It immediately caught my attention and I stopped to listen.  I wanted to find out what tips she was going to give and whether it was going to be useful for me because she had some major celebrity endorsements.  Here’s what she writes in her “Welcome Page” of her website:

I welcome you to the Practical Intuition website. You as a human being are vastly more powerful and accomplished than you realize.  You have innate abilities, already developed, that allow you to understand yourself, others, and your environment. These abilities can help you act in ways that create joy, success and healing.  This is a place where you, the intuitive, and you, the healer, can refine and share your talents with others and gather information on the resources that will help you reach your greatest potential.

I think to myself, how can one not stop and think about the source of these human abilities she listed.  How can we deny the existence of God when clearly there is a Creator that lavished these innate abilities on us and these things didn’t just happen or evolve?

Another thing that popped into my head as I listened to Laura talk and describe her book, was my friend Greg Wingard.  He was inspired (while taking time to read the Bible, in prayer and in his journey of discovering Jesus) to put together what is now known as the “Red Bucket Strategy.”  It is scientific protocols that addresses more than 30 obstacles to creating permanent change.  The strategies have helped organizations and individuals achieve dramatic increases in sales results, customer service levels, leadership development, time management, and numerous areas of personal performance.  Some of these organizations helped include Starbucks, Jack In The Box, Aflac, Microsoft, etc.  Not too shabby array of endorsements as well.  Most importantly though is, if you were to ask Greg where he came up with these strategies, he would tell you they all came from Biblical principles.  Remember: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” and “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”?  It is all about Jesus!

What I have concluded in my lengthy winding thought process is that I need to take time to discover Jesus and allow Him and the word of God to transform my heart and mind and then I will learn to know God’s will.  I hope you will do the same.

Peace!

Life

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:9-10; 13 (NIV):

9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Today, Ronald Lemm confess Jesus is Lord and he believed in his heart that Jesus died for him.  I believe the heavens rejoiced when Ron acknowledge that today.  Lindsey had the perfect opportunity to talk with her dad about who Jesus meant to him and she was able to guide the conversation to the point where Ron "confess" Jesus.

Ron is in a cardiac care unit in Seattle, literally fighting for his life.  Ron is Lindsey's dad and you can read Lindsey's updates on her blog.  Ron has been diagnosed with a tumor on his kidney, his lungs and liver are full of cancer.  The outlook may seem dire right now, but today, we can celebrate because Ron acknowledge Jesus.  Now Ron is alive and his eternity is secure in the hands of the heavenly Father.

I got the opportunity to spend some time with Ron the last two evenings.  Tonight, he was actually sedated and "asleep" when I got there. The doctors had performed a procedure to help ease some pain he was feeling around his kidney.  As I stood by his bed, I rejoiced in my heart and I prayed for him.  Last night, I got to converse with him for a few hours.  Because of his condition, Ron sometimes forgets where he is or tries to get out of bed or doesn't really know what is going on.  However, we managed to have good conversations about his past and his love for flying.  I am so glad to have been able to just hang out with him and talk with him.  It moved me that even through some of his weird episodes, he knew who I was.  I know God has and is still answering prayers.

I am reminded again at how unpredictable life is yet at the same time am confident that my life is in God's hands; and I know where I am going to spend eternity (just like Ron).  I am reminded to love my family and to let them know it, and not wait till something happens in life.

In John 10:10 (The Message), Jesus said:

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

This is a promise we can all cling on and I am so glad that Ron is going to enjoy the Life!

Tonight as I drove to the hospital I was listening to Brooke Fraser.  One of my favorite songs on her new album is called Shadowfeet.  I wasn't expecting to blog tonight but on my way home all of these thoughts came to mind and also the lyrics to this song.  Here they are and may you be encouraged:

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing, less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when I began
and I have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day
[CHORUS]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
There's distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumors of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way
[CHORUS]
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things
You make all things
[CHORUS 2]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Ron, this song is for you.  I am praying for you and routing for you.

Discovering Who Jesus Is And What It Means To Follow Him

This title is taken from the mission statement of my church Life At The Ridge. It has been a really great experience so far being a part of a brand new church.  I have been thoroughly challenged and continue to be; and I also have been learning a lot from the experiences.  I am enjoying this season of life especially because I am constantly discovering who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.  I know God is shaping my heart and mind.

I have been thinking about the term "discovery" recently; partly because I have been following a little bit of the suit between the City of Seattle and the Seattle Supersonics.  In a lawsuit, there is a pre-trial process known as "discovery" where evidence is complied and depositions are given, etc.  I was reflecting on that in my own life's journey.  The past few months have been quite a process of discovery for me.  I have been wrestling with some ideas that have come up in the church world and in the life of a Christ-follower.  I must preface this by saying I am by no means making any judgement, these are my personal thought process and convictions - my discovery process if you will.

Being a team member in the leadership core of a church has been an amazing learning experience, mostly because I come from a traditional pastor's family and a relatively traditional church background.  I am enjoying the process of breaking it down and getting to the essence of what it is all about.  It has also caused me to put certain convictions I hold to the test which is a huge growing experience.  The biggest part of my internal wrestling match these past few months comes from the second part of the title - what it means to follow Him.  I truly believe that everyone should ask themselves that question; especially those of us who are Christ-followers.

So, what does it mean to follow Jesus?  Lately I have observed, heard, and been around people who I know love Jesus and are passionate about following Him but at the same time have indulged in habits that I don't think are necessary, especially not to fit in with the "world."  Jesus set some high standards for His disciples and followers.  Sure, He hung out with people from all spectrum of life and He had compassion for them, but He never compromised His standards.  People were drawn to Him because He was different - there were things that set Him apart.  To me, that is a critical discovery point.  Those things were not rules and regulations in place to add to the religiosity of our faith, but I believe Jesus set these standards for us to become more like Him.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I have noticed that in the recent paradigm shifts in the church world, like how we approach living the missional life, and being Christ in the market place; we have started to do things that "copy the behavior and customs of this world" in hopes of being authentic.  My fear is that we don't set really set ourselves apart and we don't pass on the higher standards that Jesus calls us to.  In Matthew 5, Jesus talks about how He came to the earth not to abolish the Law (10 Commandments) and the Prophets, but as the fulfillment of them.  He goes on and addresses some of the laws and He sets the bar even higher than what people were already adhering to. I believe that Jesus wants us to be set apart, to live holy lives and through that, people will see a difference.  I want to lead a life that is active in this world but not of this world.

What does it mean to follow Jesus?  I was reading in Luke 14:25-33 (NLT) where Jesus talks about the cost of being a disciple and it caught my attention.  Jesus lays it out this way:

25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

This is one area that I constantly struggle with.  I grew up with parents that were and are still devoted to the cause of Christ.  Parents who are pastoring and in ministry at a local church.  Parents who, in my opinion, have lived up to the cost mentioned in this passage and yet have a healthy family by God's grace.  Often times I hear my friends and others in ministry share their priorities in life and I am torn.  The reason I am torn is because I have seen the effects, both positive and negative, on the lives of families in ministry, so is that the cost of being a disciple?  Apart from the basic principle of loving God and loving people, following Jesus according to what He said in this passage means we are to give up everything.  One commentary I read said "Jesus teaches that whoever desires to follow Him and be His disciple should first decide whether he or she is prepared to pay the cost.  The cost of real discipleship is to give up all relationships and possessions, i.e., all that we have: material things, family, our own lives, desires, plans and interests (v.33).  This does not mean we must reject all we have, but that all we have must be placed at Christ's service and under His guidance."

In my own life's experience, I see my parents living out this explanation.  They gave up many things in life and they placed them (like the lives of their kids) at Christ's service and under His guidance and I know God has blessed them in return beyond measure.  I guess the tough part for me is combining being a private Christian and being a "professional" Christian (i.e. being in ministry) and how the cost of being a disciple is calculated.  Another commentary puts it this way: "Jesus demands that our loyalty to and love for Him be greater than every attachment, even to our own families."  It sounds like all of Jesus' disciples back in the day carried out this principle.  I guess this is one where I will have to keep working on reconciling the ideas.

My discovery process continues.  I know I want to be set apart and I am striving to live a holy life.  I want people to see Christ in me and see the difference He has made in me.