So I was looking around the Duke cancer center the other day with my buddy Barry and we found a room for prayer and meditation. I figured I’d take a look inside. Talk about wild!!!!! I thought we were aboard the space ship enterprise. I’m sure there has been some serious prayer in that room, but for some reason that day, I couldn’t resist a quick picture on the transporter device!!!!
Reflecting on that silly moment with my friend, I am now thinking about being transported. Transported from a place of despair, fear and uncertainty to a place of peace and assurance. A better word would be transformed.
I recently read something in Galatians 6:
14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.
18 Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
As silly as this picture of me standing on this blue transporter, I really see the importance of living a transformed life.
I’ve had some time to reflect on my past, not one I’m proud of. I was not a guy you’d want to have around. I seemed nice at first, but I was manipulative, selfish, lustful, prideful, addicted and lost. Now, I have to live in this flesh for the rest of my life, I’ve been delivered from my sin (thank you God) but I still have to make choices everyday not to live like I used to. My flesh remembers all those things and sometimes really wants it back. Paul told us in the bible to die daily. At first glance that sounds as crazy as looking at me on that blue light special, however, it takes discipline and passion to live a life dead to yourself and alive in Christ.
When I last left you on a cliff hanger, I was talking about rhythm in my life. It is a simple rhythm of Up, In and Out. What I mean by that is, I focus daily on these 3 areas to provide a balance. 1. UP – My relationship with God. My daily devotion, my prayer life, my fellowship with Him in worship. 2. In- My accountability to others. Those I trust my life with and whose input I find priceless. Also people I share the closest part of me with both spiritually and physically. No one can go at this life alone, it always take two to tango and I surround myself with some incredible dancers! 3- Out – How I Iive this life outside of my 4 walls. The way I treat others, my example, my passion(s). Looking to serve others in every way possible.
I have found that those 3 things have provided some incredible stability in my life and that transformation is life in itself!
I’d love to share more of that with you, if you have any questions you can always email me 🙂
So, I want to encourage you to live a transformed life. That just looks different than the one your living now. Because His Word is alive, I find myself in a constant form of transformation. I am being molded and shaped into God’s perfect plan for my life. I can fight it, or submit. I choose to submit. Oh.. It’s not always easy, but it is always right.
Part of the scripture above said: “For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus”.
That doesn’t just mean physical scars. I’m not some guy who goes out and gets wounded to show off my scars. But we all get them now and again and it is how we wear them that matters.
Be TRANSFORMED!!! #Godsgotthis
It’s good to know you don’t claim to be a saint and that you have to work at being who you are today…redeemed through Christ, wanting to be more like Him. You are so open to the Holy Spirit how can you not succeed…too many people get blindsided by earthly possessions, satisfaction comes from what you have in your heart not what you can touch.
I’m enjoying your blog Matt..you are an inspiration and as we learn about you and your journey, we also learn about ourselves and our quest to be better children who follow Jesus.
The transporter device…Love it! Thanks for sharing, such a great message. Love the new blog…can’t wait to read the next one.
WOW!
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
He is the potter, we are the clay, and the wheel is life. He’s always molding and shaping us.
That would be a good album cover.