Transformed Daily

As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.

If I look back on who I was twenty plus years ago, I would barely recognize me. When I share in a group, the old me, many cannot believe it. That is a good thing, cause if they found my words plausible, it would mean I have not allowed God to work in my life. Many of us can say the same, "We have been changed by God, we are a work-in-progress, but changed nonetheless. We will always be a work-in-progress. Not yet arrived but heading in the right direction most days.

Do you remember the turning point, the reason or motive for turning to Jesus and making changes in your life and behavior? Can you pinpoint the day or season when things changed for you? When transformation began to work in you?

Transform is a verb meaning to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character. I think I can safely say that there was a definite change in character. My words became softer, as did my heart. Of course, this transformation did not happen overnight. No, it is still happening today.

I can also say the transformation was in appearance too. The scowl on my face lightened. My eyes must have reflected some of the peace and softness I felt. What about you? Where there physical changes when you allowed Jesus to transform you? Was there a jaunty bounce added to your step or at the very least, a smile lurking nearby?

Dear Jesus,
Please continue to work in my, to change what needs to change and to help me recognize those areas I will need work in. Thank you and Amen.


Romans 3:9-18

Soft Hearts, Warm Hugs

The story of the prodigal son is timeless. I believe we all relate in a differing ways. Some of us were like the son; the one who left home without a backward glance, leaving heartache and pain in their wake. Many of our life lessons were learned the hard way. Looking back, we recognize just how bad our behavior was, and how much we hurt those who loved us.

This story is a wonderful example of  just how much we are loved by our parents. This young man didn't appreciate it at the time he left home, but I am certain he did once he felt his father's arms around him and heard the words of welcome and forgiveness. This act must have softened the young son's heart. The unconditional love expressed by the father must have changed things for the younger man forever. Wouldn't you love to know the rest of the story?

I can only imagine what the next few years were like for this family. Healing between the younger son and his father for sure, but what about the other son? Did his heart eventually soften toward this brother and father? I realize it might take a long time and a lot of work to mend the rift. I want to think that the father's soft heart would rub off and the family would be healed and changed forever.

Our lives do not always have fairy tale endings; and never without pain and hard work. But, the softer the heart, the warmer the hugs.

2 Samuel 11:27-12:13

Which Prodigal Son Are You?

Luke 15:11-32

What on earth can I write that is new and fresh about the prodigal son passage?  Haven't we all read this passage countless times?  And haven't we all heard many, many sermons based on Luke 15?

The term 'prodigal son' is one that is used in literature (see Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice among others), in music, in the arts and on the stage.  To call someone a 'prodigal' is to evoke this biblical passage.  We  focus on the younger son who comes home after sowing his wild oats, tail between his legs, realizing he made a huge mistake in spending his inheritance in sinful, wasteful living.

His father, however, sees it differently:  "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (v. 20.)

Trust me on this:  fathers in Jesus' day didn't run to their sons.  Running wasn't manly.  It wasn't dignified.  But this father ran.  He threw a party.  "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (v. 24).

And so his family and friends rejoice.  Well, not so fast.....take a look at the older brother.  The older brother, who had faithfully served his father, who had never left home, who followed the rules.  What was this brother's response to the prodigal's return?  Resentment.  Deep-seated, bone-crushing resentment:  "The older brother became angry and refused to go in......" (v. 28).  Why should his profligate younger brother get all the attention, all the glory?

The father gently tells his older son that "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."  (vs. 31-32)

Luke doesn't tell us what happens next.  Does the older brother see the father's perspective?  Or does he continue to wallow in self-pity and self-righteousness?

Who is really the prodigal here?  I strongly recommend you read the excellent short book by Tim Keller on this passage, entitled Prodigal God. http://www.timothykeller.com/books/the-prodigal-god

Keller offers a fresh perspective on this age-old passage and he challenges those of us who have never left our faith to take stock of what we are really clinging to:  is it our rules and our 'goodness?' Are we earning our salvation?  Or are we, like the younger brother, willing to lose everything if only the father will welcome us home?