Tag Archives: transformation

July 15
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“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2, NIV)

We cannot discern God’s will with an earth-bound mind.

An earth-bound mind conforms to the will and the ways of our world.  An earth-bound minds cares more about what pleases others than what pleases God.  It is a mind that is squeezed and pressured from all of the forces outside of us; what we hear and see.

A transformed mind is also informed by other sources, but instead of coming from the outside in; it comes from the inside out — as true transformation always does.

We can change our actions without changing our mind; but we cannot change our thinking without witnessing an eventual change in our deeds.  A mind that is informed, and transformed, by the spirit of God will always know the will of God.   – Luther

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June 26
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“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

In the scriptures, there are verses and passages that are smooth and gentle — but this isn’t one of them.

In our kitchen are knives that I sharpen before each use; they don’t work well otherwise. The act of sharpening the edge requires metal on metal, and at the end of it, neither the sharpening steel nor the knife are the same. The former fulfills purpose in the process, and sacrifices tiny filings of itself; the latter is made adequate for its tasks as it, too, sacrifices tiny filings of itself in the process. 

There are people whose interactions with us are anything but smooth and gentle. Sometimes we avoid such situations.  Sometimes we resent having allowed such situations to occur. Occasionally, we see beyond the irritation and the pain inherent in such interactions to a benefit that could not have occurred otherwise.

Know that God is at work in each of your daily interactions with others.  Sometimes you are the knife; sometimes you are the sharpening steel. Each fulfills its purpose when placed in the hand of God.  – Luther

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January 24
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Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19, NIV)

Is your and my ambition to do the things that lead to peace?  In our interactions with others, do we aspire to build-up the other as we seek to become better ourselves?

These are simple tasks, and within reach of each one of us.  Through obedience to God in these two things, we can change — for good — the nature of our personal relationships, our business relationships; and the atmosphere in our homes, churches, and schools.  – Luther

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