THIS is TRUTH!
“And so we are transfigured
much like the Messiah,
our lives gradually becoming
brighter and more beautiful
as God enters our lives
and we become
more like Him.”
2 Corinthians 3:18b MSG
“This glorious transfiguration
comes from the Lord,
Who is the Spirit.”
The Passion Translation
I noticed a really neat arrangement of initials yesterday.
They were displayed on the back windshield of a car
parked at the mall in front of JC Penny.
A large letter “B” sat smack daub in the middle,
sandwiched on either side by two smaller letters,
“w” and “e”.
I was in a rush and didn’t pause to take a picture
but it made an impression on me
because what I read at a quick first glance
was a short but rather impressive sentence.
“wBe” read as “we B”.
That little ‘niggle’ got me thinking about
being made different in Jesus,
which in turn brought to mind
a number of Bible verses,
which in turn caused me to recall
a more recent experience
that double-downed on
the thought.
A couple weeks ago an invitation was extended
that to be honest with you, I couldn’t picture me doing at all.
But some days passed by and I began to feel an inward pressure
I recognized immediately as that of a High Call.
This culminated in my reaching out to say I’d changed my mind.
What transpired in the aftermath confirmed the fact that
had I not responded I would have missed out
on something far greater and infinitely more precious.
Herein lies the question, the value of which is found in the answer,
“How much of Jesus do I really want to personally experience?”
I write to encourage those who are feeling rather thirsty in these dry times,
who might also be wrestling with a surprising little consideration of your own
that you wouldn’t normally be considering at all.
You might be feeling a sense of urgency developing, so I’d like to speak
into what God is always cultivating.
Who ‘we B’ now in Jesus is something to stretch for,
something to celebrate, sacrifice creature comforts for,
and never stop chasing!
It’s the way we’re called to live our lives every day!
Pennies from Heaven, Clues have been gathering,
a mighty Freight Train, clickety-clacking.
For the mind set on ‘G’listening,
Passion turns towards its Soulful Whistling,
Big Wheel keeps on a turnin’,
things blurred, are still being learn-ed,
sweet, the fruit ‘B’ing’ Cultivated!
All glory to God Who is more than able!
This personal stretch outside my own comfort zone
involved a public speaking assignment
before a room of peers from my own age group,
something I’ve absolutely avoided since my high school days,
which would make that about 44 years ago now.
Very much unlike the way it was back then
I was wrapped tight in a deep sense of Purpose and Peace;
having been sewn into, believed in, encouraged and built up
by my H/husband, F/family, and F/friends.
Who I’ve been for such a long, long time
became transformed ever so slowly
but now seems almost like overnight
as I continue pursuing what’s become
my life’s greatest passion…
the One Who came and bled and died for me
and declares me ransomed!
The second greatest joy in this being
encouraging other brothers and sisters
and talking to folks about Jesus!
There was a beautiful and generous Introduction
that strengthened my ankles, I took a deep breath and walked forward,
deciding to trust no matter was next to come.
The middle moments were Infused with compassion
and the response in the aftermath…let me put it like this.
I asked God to take control of it all…
and He showed up to wear me like a glove!
A fact that has humbled me to no end
and stirred up a lot by the way of Vision and Flame.
So I’d like to take a minute to share with you, too,
what was tucked inside this folder
to be shared with a very special group of people.
God’s people!
Gentleness…a Fruit of Holy Spirit…
begins with a heart that is grateful to God;
a humble heart will to admit when it’s wrong;
a heart willing to work with Holy Spirit to change.
It takes time spent in prayer and reading the Bible,
having honest conversations with God,
learning about His thoughts, His plans, and His character.
Holy Spirit gently works in our hearts
as we make more and more room for God in our life.
His goal and assignment…
help us to understand the love of Jesus.
The opposite of Gentleness is anger,
harboring a desire for revenge,
using harsh words, fostering a critical attitude,
and being all puffed up with a sense
of self importance.
Indulging in these types of attitudes and behavior
shape burdens and consequences that become
heavy on our insides and difficult to carry.
Gentleness, on the other hand,
is respectful and remains polite and calm.
It chooses to do good no matter
how another person acts.
It’s quick to show compassion and forgive
and always welcomes a fresh start.
Gentleness isn’t a sign of weakness
but rather an intentional restraint of might
willing to set aside its own interest
to protect and care for the needs of another.
It’s strength of character;
humility and grace.
Jesus is a perfect picture of Gentleness.
Every day He issues the invitation,
“Come to Me, all you who are wearied by heavy burdens.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.”
He intends these words to be a comfort
and our guide.
Each and every person reading this is powerful.
The words that you and I speak
shape invisible things in the atmosphere
and influence other people in a way
that can last for generations to come.
We act in ways that can either help or hurt.
More often than not
we’re so full of our own judgments and opinions
when what we really need is help with our own perception.
The lens we use as we interact with each other
is completely distorted by sin
so we can’t rely upon our own logic.
God wants us to give Him control of our lives,
to allow Him to show us what’s true
and use it to tear down our walls of lies.
The Holy Spirit is a very special gift.
He fills us with courage, power,
wisdom and strength to do this.
The Fruit of Holy Spirit is seeing His work in our hearts.
It brings glory to God, infuses confidence in us,
and shines a bright light in dark places
to draw others to come meet Jesus.
“Let your gentleness be apparent to everyone. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:5
Father God,
Bless our community. Every story being written here is Yours, is beautiful, and still very much in the making. Help us to celebrate that fact. Help us to better understand Your love. It’s so unlike anything else we’ve ever known. Grant us the vision and courage to become gentle with one another in our words and actions. Help us to want to become more and more like Jesus. Do for us what we’re not able to do for ourselves. Increase our trust and faith by leaps and bounds. Open up our spiritual eyes…and help us hear with our spiritual ears. May we be a people on fire for Jesus, willing to take risks based solely on Your promises. As we submit to the promptings of Your Holy Spirit…may wonders and miracles move forward like rings in the coming days…in the name of Jesus.
You are just so very good to us!
Amen!