"Transformed"

Yesterday, I passed a flashy billboard with triple x printed across the sign.  I pictured those x's being pushed on their sides and transformed ino the three crosses.   Such a transformation is not only theoretical but literal.  Jesus literally transforms us from our XXX state into a new creation 2Cor5:17 by what he did on the cross.

The world has fallen away from God and we are all tempted to live self-indulgent lives. Many are dragged away and enticed by their own desires James1:14-15 and so become slaves to sin Rom6.   Even though we sin, God offers grace. He washes us clean (as I described in the Diaper Change Analogy post) if we let Him because He loves us and wants to reconcile us to Himself. 

Thank God for grace!  So, "should we sin all the more that grace may abound? By no means! How can he who died to sin still live in it?" Rom6:1-2.  Rather He calls us to obedience.  Jesus explains in John14:23-24 that if we love Him, we will obey Him and that if we do not obey Him, we do not love Him.  In other words, if we do not love Him through our actions, we prove that we were not truly transformed.  No we never becme perfect or righteous on out own- we are still human, we are still tempted and we still screw up.  But he calls us to try.  "If we walk in the light as He is in the light...the blood of Christ purifies us from all sin" but "if we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth" 1John1:6-7.   When God changes us, our lives should change.  For "His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance" Rom2:4 and "consider the kindness and the sterness of God...kindness to you provided that you continue in His kindness" Rom11:22.   

Therefore "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Rom12:2

Diaper Change Analogy

The average baby does not like being naked and hates diaper changes.  He does not kow how important it is that he be cleaned, but his mother does.  She lovingly cleans him even in the unpleasant and hard to reach places.  Also, if he has a rash, she dabs on ointment to heal him then dresses him in a clean garment.  He fights and struggles and screams, but when the experience is over, he is healthier and happier for both the short and long term. 

Are we not the same way?  When we make ungodly decisions, we sit in a hot mess of sin- poisoning our spirits and sometimes our bodies.  God, like a loving parent, wants to clean us up and restore us to spiritual health.  But the experience is often painful and humiliating.  So, eventhough we know that we need to be changed, pride and selfishness hold us back from letting him take care of us; we fight him.  This experience is well documented in the song, "Let It All Out," by Relient K: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD14sIrLiI8
[Chorus:]
And you said I know that this will hurt
But if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse
If the burden seems too much to bear
Remember the end will justify the pain it took to get us there

And I know you know
You touched my life
When you touched my heavy heart and made it light



I wrote a similar analogy a year or so ago: http://heatherpaiges.blogspot.com/2010/08/analogy.html

More "a little late" pictures from Week 1

Birth Story Photos (a little late)

Our new little family has come home to Texas to see the grandparents for Christmas.  I found these pictures here on my mom's computer.  Click for the birth story and here for the story behind the flag. 

I'm in Texas

I had Dublin Dr. Pepper and BBQ for lunch then chili cooked in Shiner Bock beer for dinner.  Today was a good day. 

List of Truths

Here is an abridged list of descriptions of God's people from scripture.  Scripture is true; these words are true for people who belong to God; you belong to God; these words are true for you.  Click on the word for a Bible verse or a song.  YOU ARE: His child, worth more than many sparrows, known, one who longs, not abandoned, a conqueror, protected, unafraid, courageous, armed, sustained, forgiven, saved, loved, healed, a new creation, a dancer, undignified, His delight, spotless, unashamed, not accused, not sorrowful, free, heard, comforted, renewed, strong, not troubled, joyful, eternal, created, being transformed, clay, a sinner and righteous, tempted, sympathized with, prayed for by Jesus, a recipient of foot-washing, ransomed, His friend, an heir, a servant, a temple, a branch, sheep, a lamp, like a star, a runner, His handiwork, blessed, covered, satisfied, and sent.

Old lyrics. New meaning.

Have you ever watched a movie that you hadn't seen since childhood and realized how completely you had misunderstood the plot.  I have done that several times.  I did it also with the pledge of allegiance.  "And to the republic for which it stands..."  I remember the day I realized that we were not saying "witch," but "which."  I seriously pictured a witch on a broomstick every time I said the pledge in grade school. 

I listened to "O Come O Come Emmanuel" today, a song I grew up reading from a hymnal.  I knew the words, but did not know my vocabulary.  "O come O come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel."  Wow.  That is beautiful.  God's people were held captive by sin (as in Lamentations 1:5), but he loved us so much that he sent his son as a ransom to free us and gather us back to Himself!  Not just the Jews, but the gentiles too.  Romans 6.  "Rejoice! Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel."  Repeat. 

He :)ed

Blue Eye's eyes are still blue. I half expect them to turn Brown in the next few months because his eyes have not yet fully developed.  He did, however, pass one development milestone last week! He smiled a joyful little smile!  Here he is :)ing, but he also :Ds big open mouthed smiles that I just cant catch on camera. When I do, I'll post it because it is just too cute. 
When your child makes eye contact with you then smiles at you, it is such an amazing feeling!  Oh I was made for this. 

We are so blessed to have such a happy baby. Even before he smiled, he was generally content and bright eyed.  His face did a few times form an expression much like a smile. My guess is that the smiling muscles were already in place but the feeling of emotions such as joy had not yet set in. Now they have, undoubtably. Man, we love this kid.