Transformation Series Episode 7

Transformation Series Episode 7

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I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Hello, my walking friend! In the book of Lamentations we are told that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning and His faithfulness is great! As you walk today, thank Jesus for the fresh start he gives us each and every day! 

Today is the 7^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Galatians 2:20:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

There are many ways we can be transformed – we can transform how we look on the outside by losing weight and getting fit or by getting plastic surgery. We can transform our finances by being good stewards of all that God has given us in the way of wealth. We can transform our relationships by learning how to communicate in a Godly way. But the most significant and most amazing way we can be transformed is when we repent of our wrongdoings and trade our old, sinful nature for God’s nature.

By faith, we believe that Jesus is the son of God, who came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Why did he give himself for us this way? Because he loves us so much! He loves you that much! And when we say to Jesus, “Jesus, I believe you. I have faith in you. I love you. I want to live this life for you.” When we surrender to the Lord in this way, he lives in us! Think about that for a minute – God, the father, Jesus, the son, and the Holy Spirit – the trinity – lives in you! You can live, by faith in Jesus, by your own power to satisfy your own desires. Or, you can live with the power of Jesus for his purposes. You get to choose!

Richard Halverson says: Christian growth is not the struggle to become the kind of person we think God wants us to be, but a surrender of our bodies, all our faculties, our right to ourselves, to God—that He may make us and mold us into the image of His Son, that through us His life and love and grace might flow.

This kind of spiritual transformation happens when we crucify ourselves, present tense, with Christ to our own selfish, self-serving earthly desires in favor of being filled with Jesus to see the world the way he sees it and to live our lives to bring him glory. This is the most amazing transformation! 

Now, I think some people get stuck on this concept of dying to themselves, as though we won’t be ourselves anymore. We will all be robot Christians who never have fun or get to do things we like to do. But you are you! Think about it – you were uniquely created by God with special gifts and talents and passions. Jesus doesn’t want to take that away from you – on the contrary! He wants to give you the power  and vision to live a full and abundant life – and yes, a life that includes having fun! And that is possible when you give up living solely for yourself on your own power, and you allow Jesus to live in and through you in his power. The choice is yours – and mine. Listen to Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

Choose Jesus! Choose life! 

Take a little time now to meditate on Galatians 2:20:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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. 

Be honest – do you ever worry that surrendering your life completely to Jesus will mean you won’t have fun or get to be yourself or work on things you are passionate about? If so, consider the psalm that says, Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Is there an area of your life you are having trouble surrendering to Jesus? If so, take some time to think about why you might be reluctant to do so. If not, take some time to praise Jesus.

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus loves you so much that he took the penalty for your sins AND is not only willing, but wants to live in you! Isn’t that amazing to think about? Jesus wants to transform you into a new, beautiful creation. Take some time to think about that now.

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

Galatians 2:20:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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,

How can we thank you for loving us so much that you would die for us to give us a new life. And you didn’t do it begrudgingly, you did it willingly and a great personal cost. Help us never to forget that, Jesus. When we hesitate to let go of things in our lives that don’t honor you, remind us of the cross and help us nail our selfish desires to your cross so we can live for you. Fill us, Jesus, with your spirit, your love, your vision, your goodness. We love you and we need you. 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, who died to give you new life. 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.