Transformation Series Episode 4

Transformation Series Episode 4

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But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Hello, my walking friend! Today is a new day and another opportunity to allow Jesus to work in our lives! As you walk today, thank Jesus for the day and for the earthly body he gave you. Thank him for the process of transformation! 

Today is the 4^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Philippians 3:20-21:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

I don’t know about you, but there are times, many times, when I am not thrilled about my earthly body. Especially as I get older and it doesn’t look like it used to or work as well as it did when I was younger. In fact, when I think of transformation, I often think of my body as the first place to start! If I’m being honest, and you know that as my walking friend I am going to be open with you,  I probably have more desire to transform my outer appearance than my inner one. After all, no one on Instagram can see my insides – only my outside! I say that jokingly because I don’t even post pictures of myself on Instagram… but not so jokingly. Because I do struggle with putting too much emphasis on this earthly body, this earthly existence. And that, my friend, can get discouraging! Do you ever feel that way?

Regardless of the body we have been given, whether it is in perfect condition or is in some ways flawed, it is lowly in comparison to what awaits us in heaven. Regardless of how we have treated this earthly body, whether we have taken extremely good care of it or have been guilty of neglecting it (I’m raising my hand for that one) Jesus, in his infinite goodness, is going to transform our broken, aging bodies into glorious, eternal ones. And not just glorious bodies, the verse says glorious bodies like his! 

Knowing this doesn’t give us permission to do whatever we want to our bodies. It doesn’t relieve us of the duty to be good stewards with what God has given us – including our bodies. And I know that I, for one, need to repent for the ways that I have mistreated the gift of my body. No, we are still called to treat our bodies like the temples of the Holy Spirit that they are. But even if we are taking the best care possible of our earthly bodies, they can still end up broken and no one can stop the aging process. This verse reminds us to keep a heavenly perspective about this life.

So while we are working to transform our bodies into something that is Facebook or Instagram worthy (just kidding!) let’s remember that we will not be taking this body with us to heaven. We will be trading it in for an eternal model that will never age. What we will be taking with us to heaven is our soul. Let’s make sure we are surrendering our souls to the Holy Spirit so he can help us do the hard work of transforming that part of us which is eternal.

Take a little time now to meditate on Philippians 3:20-21:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Do you struggle with the aging process? Does it help to know that Jesus understands and he cares about every aspect and season of your life? Take some time now to list all the blessings that come with age and thank Jesus for them.

What can help you have a heavenly perspective when you feel yourself getting too focused on earthly things? Is there a verse you can use to change your focus? Consider saying the Our Father:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. 

Say a prayer surrendering your soul to the care of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to search you and transform your soul into the likeness of Jesus.

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

Philippians 3:20-21:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for reminding us that our citizenship is not here on earth but in heaven. Thank you for the promise of a new, glorified body in heaven. Jesus, help us to appreciate the body you gave us to live in while we are on earth. It isn’t always easy to do that because our bodies may be hurt, broken, or flawed but you promise that will not always be the case. Until then, please use our challenges to transform our hearts, minds, and souls to become more like you every day. Help us to have a heavenly perspective about all things. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one who will one day transform your earthly body into a glorified one. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.