January 2: REAP

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 

This year, try something new for the New Year! Instead of trying to change some habit or situation, consider allowing the Spirit of God to change YOU! Let God’s Spirit bring new life, new perspective, and new power into who you are! Reflect on how serious you are about what you believe. Resolve to make yourself available to however God wants to transform you. Renew your spiritual excitement and energy. Reconnect with the One who made you and loves you, and commit to the work of reconciliation with those He gave His life for. Recognize the cost of transforming growth in your life, and then... reap the new life! 

Restore what has been faded or lost 

Experience His “with-you” Presence and Power 

Accept His abundance in your life 

Produce the fruit of a transformed life! 

Meditation: 

Lord, help me to make each day of this year a transforming opportunity. Show me what needs to be restored, experienced, accepted or produced in my life that will glorify You and show the world how Good and Wonderful life with You can be. Amen 

For Further Study and Meditation 

Check back here for daily Lenten Meditations starting February 17 through Easter.

January 1: Recognize

“If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost... no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.” Luke 14:26-28, 33

One more step is absolutely necessary if we are really going to embrace the transformed life. We must be ready and willing to recognize the cost of being transformed! Jesus said that there are three things that will prevent us from truly following Him: relationships, comfort, and possessions. Note that Jesus does not say you should not, or, you ought not be my disciple. Three times, He says that you CANNOT be His disciple if you will not consider and agree to the cost of discipleship! Jesus’ words are very clear; we cannot be true disciples if relationships, comfort, or things are a greater influence on our life than He is.

• When we put our relationships with other people above or outside of our obedience to Christ, we prevent ourselves and those relationships from being all they can be and from reflecting His priorities and love. 
• To take up our own cross we must be willing to let go of everything else. When we are not willing to be uncomfortable – or unconventional – we limit the changes that God wants to bring into our lives. Change can be scary and sometimes painful – it can mean giving up things and ways that we have become accustomed to; but if we want to live the greater life, the life of significance, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and let God use everything we have, including our relationships, pleasures, and possessions.
• When we are not willing to honestly count and accept the cost, we are not ready to be truly transformed. If we want to go the distance, we need to know the cost of the trip, and be ready to pay it! 

But there is one more cost to recognize, the cost of not choosing discipleship. Dallas Willard writes,

Nondiscipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s over-riding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil…Nondiscipleship costs you exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him

Meditation
Lord, I accept the cost. Lord Christ, You are more precious to me than any thing. You are dearer to me than any other relationship. Your Kingdom come is more important to me than any dream or goal I may have of my own. The cost is worth it. You are worth everything. Amen 

For Further Study and Meditation 

• Reflect on the passage above from Luke 14, or look it up in your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you which areas of total commitment to Christ you struggle with. 
• Prayerfully consider what fears, reluctance, or concerns you have regarding discipleship and ask God to begin showing you how to trust Him more fully. 
• Consider writing out a New Year’s Prayer of commitment based on the Luke 14 passage.
• Book Suggestion: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard

December 31: Reconcile with Others

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation  2Corinthians 5:18

Once we determine to continually reconnect with God throughout our day, then we must decide to take the necessary steps to reconcile not only ourselves with others, but to work at reconciliation between all human beings. 2 Corinthians 5:18 tells us that through Jesus, we have been given personal peace with God, as well the responsibility of bringing that peace to others. Transformation that truly reflects and glorifies Christ in our world requires dedication to this ministry of reconciliation.

We must begin to build bridges of peace by:

1. Building and repairing personal relationships. The Apostle Paul wrote that as far as it depends on us, we are to do whatever is possible to live at peace with everyone. (See Romans 12:18). Not just those who agree with you, not just those who look or sound like you. Not just those who think the same way, vote the same way, dress the same way – or even pray the same way. No, everyone. And we are to do everything we can to make this possible. For many of us, this means that it is time to take any and all steps necessary to forgive, heal, and release past hurts; as well as to confess and ask forgiveness for those whom we have hurt.

2. Identifying and eliminating division and barriers between people groups. "Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).  “We” vs. “them” – “tribal” thinking. It goes to the root of our human identity. We cluster into groups and subgroups. “We” are always right, and “ours” is always the right way. But the Bible says that in Christ we have a NEW identity, and with that a new association. One people, one family! We have been given the ministry of bringing all mankind – and their “uniqueness” – into that family! (See 2 Corinthians 5)

3. Committing to pray for the unity of all mankind. I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

What do you truly believe about the power of prayer? The proof is in the practice! I recently read a devotional by an amazing man of peace who has dedicated his life to working with and for the cause of the persecuted. He writes, (because of the nature of his work I will keep his name anonymous),

Have you ever prayed for terrorists in Al-Qaeda or Hamas or Taliban or Islamic Jihad or Hezbollah? Let's be more specific. Have you ever prayed for Osama bin Laden? If you say you did not pray, then "Is that the reason Osama is what he is-because we didn't pray?” Can we pray him into the kingdom? Or can we neutralize his hatred and effectiveness by prayer? Let's go on a prayer offensive! Let's contest with the devil for the soul of the man, not with military might but with the Gospel. After all, God is in the business of transforming lives.

These are strong words, challenging words, transforming words. How important is praying for the unity and salvation of all mankind to you? How important was it for Christ? He gave His life for it.

Meditation

Lord, show me who I need to be reconciled with. Help me to take the steps necessary to do this in a healthy and godly way. Show me what barriers I need to begin to remove in my family, community, church, and world. Unite and empower the prayers of all believers for the peace of all mankind. Amen 

For Further Study and Meditation 

• Look at the three areas of bridge building listed above. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you which area(s) you need to begin working on in your life. 
• Look up and reflect on the verse that is listed for that area. Consider writing a prayer based on your reflection.
• Make a list of people you need to reconcile or reconnect with. Make a plan on how you intend to begin reaching out to them. 
• Consider making a list of people you can be praying for reconciliation and/or peace and salvation. Make a commitment to pray regularly for them. 
• Book Suggestion: Secret Believers by Brother Lawrence

December 30: Reconnect

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

     And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 

A transforming Holy Spirit makeover requires 1) reflection on what we really believe about our faith, 2) resolution to make ourselves available to whatever the Holy Spirit wants to do in us, 3) spiritual renewal to energize our thoughts and actions, and 4)reconnection with God and man. 

2 Corinthians 5:18 tells us that, “God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself … gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” We must be dedicated to the ministry of reconciliation if we are going to reflect and glorify Christ in our lives. We cannot be transformed apart from God, and we cannot complete our task of reconciling others with God if we are not first reconciled with them ourselves. 

Reconciliation requires reconnection. First, we must reconnect with God. The closer we are to God, the more dynamic our transformation will be. We need to train ourselves to turn our attention to God in all times and in all situations. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Never stop praying.” How is this possible – or even practical? Henri Nouwen wrote, 

Our minds are always active. We analyze, reflect, daydream, or dream. There is not a moment during the day or night when we are not thinking. You might say our thinking is "unceasing." …we can convert our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer by making our inner monologue into a continuing dialogue with our God, who is the source of all love. 

Prayer is communication with God, and communication is a two way street; listening as well as petitioning! Scripture tells us that Jesus came as our Immanuel – “God-with-us” (see Matthew 1:23). When we take this literally and strive to make each moment an experience of divine communication and participation with God’s Kingdom, we will not only find ourselves, but also our experiences, radically and dynamically transformed. We must strive to become acutely aware of the transforming powerful potential of the moment by consciously and continually reconnecting with God throughout the day. 

Meditation 

Lord, help me to become more dependent upon You in every moment and every situation. Remind me throughout the day to reach out for You, and reconnect with You minute by minute. Amen 

For Further Study and Meditation 

• Consider ways that you can remind yourself to be more attuned with the Presence of God and the powerful potential of each moment during your day. 
• Consider how Matthew 1:23 fits with 1 Thessalonians 5:17. How do these two scriptures encourage you to be more aware of God’s constant presence in your life? 
• Book suggestion: Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence; The Sacrament of the Present Moment by Jean-Pierre De Caussade

December 29: Renew

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 

Transformation requires reflection, resolve, and spiritual renewal. Ephesians 4:23 says, “...there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” We cannot reflect God’s glory or effectively represent Christ in our world when we are spiritually dull or tired. But the Holy Spirit can transform our lack of spiritual fervor into spiritual excitement and renew our spiritual enthusiasm, expectation, and energy.

1. We give the Holy Spirit room to renew our spiritual enthusiasm when we simplify our life by letting go of those things that are complicating or cluttering our time or space. From the overfilling of our homes, closets and garages, to the over-commitment of our calendars, we need to routinely look around and consider what can I let go of or give away?

2. The Holy Spirit renews our sense of spiritual expectation when we actively look for, take steps to remember, and praise what God has done and is doing in our lives. Journal, start a “praises” bulletin board, or do as the ancient believers did and set up stones in your garden to remember the activity of God in your life! It’s amazing how the more we remember to look for and appreciate God’s involvement in our life, the more we will begin to confidently expect, experience, and recognize His unfailing providence for our daily lives.

3. The Holy Spirit renews our spiritual energy when we intentionally step out of our comfort zone and reach out to do something entirely new in God's power. When we become totally competent to accomplish whatever we are doing, we no longer need to rely on God's power. Living in the "power zone" is never easy, and is rarely comfortable. If we can do it on our own, we are not growing in God's power. What is that little voice in the back of your mind urging you to do? Take a step in leadership? Reach out to a neighbor or family member in need of Christ? Stand up for a godly cause? Ask the Holy Spirit what new, exciting, and completely impossible thing God wants to do through you this new year. Remember, "What is impossible with men is possible with God!" Luke 18:2

Meditation

Holy Spirit, renew my enthusiasm, expectation, and energy this New Year. Help me to be a fervent servant for Christ! Amen 

For Further Study and Mediation 

• Look up Ephesians 4:21-24 in your Bible. Spend some time prayerfully meditating on the passage. Record any insights, thoughts, or questions you may have. 
• Look at the three examination statements above. Prayerfully consider how you can begin to practice each of the exercises in your normal lifestyle. 
• Prayerfully consider which area of spiritual renewal you need to begin focusing on: spiritual enthusiasm, spiritual expectation, or spiritual energy. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can step out in faith in that area.

December 28: Resolve

The second preparation step for the Holy Spirit's makeover is to resolve to make myself available to whatever the Holy Spirit wants to do in me. Transformation is not always easy, or comfortable, or even popular. Romans 12:1, 2 tells us to “... offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

Stepping out from what is socially acceptable or popular is hard, and it requires a willing determination and confidence that will not give up until the work is done. Real transformation requires an absolute certainty and commitment to the promise “... that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). It means not giving up until that last day! 

We need to consider: 

• How willing am I to prayerfully and honestly resolve to ask God to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you...” (Psalm 139:27,28) and to ask the Holy Spirit to show me any attitudes, motives or behavior that is getting in the way of His transforming work in my life? 
• How willing am I to prayerfully and honestly resolve to “... throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and ... run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) by confessing and turning away from the things that distract and impede the Spirit’s influence in my life? 
• How willing am I to prayerfully and honestly resolve to “... fix [my] eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) by filling my mind and heart with the knowledge and understanding of Him through prayer and daily reading and study of the His Word? 
• How willing am I to prayerfully and honestly resolve to no longer live for myself but for Him who died for me and was raised to life (See 2 Corinthians 5:15) and to be an “imitator of God ... and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1, 2)? 

To be truly transformed this New Year we must prayerfully consider if we are truly willing to let go of all the things that are distracting my complete devotion to God -- our comfort, our attitudes, our past grievances and mistakes. We must honestly determine if we are willing to truly commit our attention and time to knowing and following Christ's will for our lives. 

Meditation 

Holy Spirit, I want to be totally and completely available for You to work in my life. Help me to identify and deal with anything that is distracting or obstructing Your work in my life. Amen 

For Further Study and Mediation 

• Spend some time reflecting on the above examination questions. Prayerfully and realistically answer the questions. Record your thoughts and insights. 
• Look up the verses mentioned in the four examination questions listed above. Prayerfully read through the passages and record any insights or thoughts you may have. 
• Record any decisions or commitments you come to. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you begin to live out commitments.

December 27: Reflect

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5 

What steps can we take that will help to prepare us for the Holy Spirit’s “make-over” work in our lives? The first step is to reflect on what we really believe about our faith. No matter how long we have been “believers” in Christ, we need to seriously consider how fully committed we are to our relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. We need to examine our faith, and then test our commitment and actions. 

• We need to take some time to seriously consider whether or not we are taking our commitment to Christ seriously or if we have become complacent in our faith. 
• We must test our priorities to determine whether we truly desire to live a life that demonstrates how wonderful, good, and worthwhile it is to be a follower of Christ. 
• We need to ascertain whether we are living each day aware that the Spirit of Christ is in us, and that we represent Him in every situation and relationship we encounter. 
• And we must honestly consider if we truly desire and welcome the changes God wants to make in us and in our lives. 

Before the Holy Spirit can truly transform us, we must honestly reflect on and answer these questions and allow God to show us where we lack the passion and commitment that transformation requires. 

Meditation 

Lord God, I ask You to help me to honestly examine myself. Show me where I am lacking in my faith. Help me to open that area to Your life-changing power. Amen 

For Further Study and Meditation 

• Consider the four examination statements listed above. Consider journaling your insights, reflections and any questions or concerns you may have. 
• Consider writing personal purpose statements for each of examinations.