Unmasked Faces: Transformation
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"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."Romans 12:2 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we discussed the fact that believing in Jesus is the only way for our masks to be removed. But even after we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we often hang on to the masks. Growing in our faith in him—and living that faith—is the answer.
We need to stop copying the behaviors and customs of this world. Stop measuring ourselves by the world's standards. We need to refocus on Jesus. On his unconditional love for us. On his forgiveness. We need to change the way we think. Only then can we begin to understand how special we are to him. How completely we are forgiven. How he has equipped each of us to carry out his good and pleasing and perfect will.
Consider this …
As we dwell in the presence of God by aligning ourselves with his Word and spending time with him in prayer, we will be strengthened in our identity in him. As that happens, the glory of the Lord will be seen in our lives.
As the believer contemplates Jesus through prayer and the reading of the Word, the Spirit of the Lord changes (Greek, metamorphoumetha, cf. English, metamorphosis) him into the likeness and appearance he beholds. He is transformed (Romans 12:2 where the same Greek verb appears) into that image from one glorious level to another. The complete likeness to Jesus will come when he sees Him face-to-face (1 John 3:2). (Ralph W. Harris, Stanley M. Horton, and Gayle Garrity Seaver. /The Complete Biblical Library—Romans, Corinthians. Springfield, Missouri: World Library Press, 1989, page 535)
You don't need a mask to hide your identity when your identity is found in Jesus. Trust him ... and allow him to transform you.
Prayer
Father, as I focus on you, I pray you will transform the way I think about you, about others, and about myself. Help me let go of the mask and trust only in you. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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