God initiates change! Trying to change my life leads to failure and frustration.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Am I frustrated with trying to change my life?
What are signs that I’m trying to change my life rather xthan allowing God to transform me?

In Session #1 of “The Life You’ve Always Wanted,” John Ortberg says, “The good news as Jesus preached it is that now it is possible for ordinary men and women to live in the presence and under the power of God … It is not about the minimal entrance requirements for getting into heaven when you die. It is about the glorious redemption of human life – your life. It’s morphing time.”

The following is an excerpt from a message preached by Pastor Matt Gregory on October 7, 2007.

Trying to change my life leads to failure and frustration! (Luke 11:24-26). Signs I’m trying to change, include:
1) Measuring spiritual success in superficial ways (Matt 23:27-28)
2) Needing to impress and compare
3) Judgmental, exclusive, proud
4) Getting weary of pursuing spiritual growth
5) Looking for the latest spiritual fad
6) Relying on feelings

In Galations 6:15 (NLT), God says, “What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” But what kind of “new creation” am I suppose to be transformed into? Romans 8:29 makes it clear that I am to become Christ-like – “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Q: Is transformation instantaneous or a process? A: Both

Q: Whose responsibility is it to transform my life – God’s or mine? A: Both. As 2 Peter 3:18 states, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” That’s a command.

Q: What do I do to be transformed? A: 1 Timothy 4:7 says “exercise (train) yourself toward godliness.” Spiritual disciplines are any activity or tool (e.g. prayer, Bible reading, confession) that can help me be transformed and life the life that Jesus intended for me.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as a sovereign God. You have been at work in my life before I was born. I didn’t choose who my parents were, where I was born, where I was raised, or who crossed my path to influence me. You created me with unique gifts, talents, abilities, and experiences to solve a unique problem. Guide me to die daily to myself and rise to new life in You. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
“Transformation” by True Passion Media

Blessings to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!