Transformation Series Episode 12

Transformation Series Episode 12

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Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Hello, my walking friend! Take a few seconds to clear your mind of  any negative thoughts or distractions or worries of the world – clear your mind of everything but Jesus and his love for you. Notice how good it feels to move your body and to move more freely when you are not carrying the cares of the world!

Today is the 12^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Colossians 3:9-11:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

My walking friend, have you ever had big fluctuations in your weight? Were you at a healthy weight at one time in your life, only to find out you gained more than a few pounds? Wouldn’t it be great if you could snap your fingers and instantly go back to the way you were before? Before you began overeating, or before you stopped exercising, or before your body aged and your hormones changed? I’m not talking about finding a fountain of youth that could make your old self look new. I’m saying, what if the cells deep inside your body could be brought back to that more healthy version of yourself. I don’t know about you, but I would say, sign me up!

That is what today’s verse is telling us about what Jesus does for us. As wonderful as transformation is, this is even better. You see, when Jesus created Adam and Eve, he breathed into them righteousness, true holiness, and knowledge. Knowledge of him. Remember, they were in the garden with direct access to God. They knew him, face to face knew him. But the minute they rebelled against him, they changed the trajectory for every one of their offspring. No longer would the human race, on their own, have that kind of relationship with God. We are born with a sinful nature. I know, that may not be popular to hear these days, but it’s true.

We need Jesus to redeem us from our doomed situation. Yes, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God rather than just trust him, obey him, and love him. And, yes, that doomed the rest of us. But let’s be honest with each other, my walking friend, which one of us hasn’t rebelled against Jesus? Which one of us hasn’t trusted him in some area of our lives, or haven’t disobeyed him, or haven’t loved him as we should? I know, ouch, right? 

But that’s the amazing grace of our Lord and Savior. He forgives us the minute we repent. And when we accept him as our savior, he restores us to that original condition. Snap! We can now go directly to the throne of God because Jesus has made us righteous and holy and has given us the ability to know him. 

And the other thing this verse reminds us of is that in the eyes of Jesus thre are only two kinds of people – those who have accepted his gift of grace and become a part of his family and those who haven’t. People in the world today, and in the world yesterday, and in the world 2,000 years ago, love to divide themselves – by nationality, by race, by gender, by social and economic status. But that is not God’s way. So, remember brothers and sisters, that in the church, in God’s family, there should be no division.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse, Colossians 3:9-11: 

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

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. 

When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you were made a new creation. And yet, it is still a struggle to live a holy life. Are there any areas of your life where you are still struggling? If so, tell Jesus about it. Ask him for forgiveness and for the power to overcome. 

Have you witnessed, or experienced, division in God’s family, his church, based on worldly identifications, like nationality, race, gender, or social status? How did that make you feel? How do you think it makes Jesus feel?

Take some time to consider that Jesus has restored you to your prior state of being, before the fall, as if it never happened, in perfect union with him. How does that make you feel?

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

Colossians 3:9-11: 

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

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, 

You are our redeemer. Thank you for restoring our souls. Thank you for renewing our knowledge of you, knowledge that comes from a pure relationship with you, a relationship not tainted with sin. Please forgive us when we make unholy choices. You know there are times when we fall back into the ways of our old selves. When that happens, pierce our hearts with conviction. Remind us of what it cost you to make us spiritually new. Transform our thoughts and perspective to see the world as you see it. And thank you for walking with us, 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 restores you. 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.