Shattered Dreams: The Megaphone of Pain

Part 2 of 4 in the "Shattered Dreams" Series

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
~ C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Shattered dreams cut deep. The collapse of a marriage, the loss of a cherished job, the forced move from a beloved home, or the sting of rejection from someone you love—these aren’t just setbacks. They’re wounds that pierce the heart. When our dreams break apart, we feel the ache in our bones.

We despise pain, don’t we? Whether it’s physical or emotional, it’s an unwelcome guest—throbbing, relentless, impossible to ignore. We might escape it for a fleeting moment, but it always creeps back. Life, we tell ourselves, would be better without it. Yet pain isn’t just an intruder; it’s a signal.

Consider Ashlyn Blocker, now a young adult living with a rare condition called CIPA (congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis). As a child, she couldn’t feel pain—she once ran on a fractured ankle for days without noticing, and her parents found her with bloody lips from teething, unaware of the damage. Now in her twenties, Ashlyn still faces the challenges of a life without pain’s warnings. She might burn herself on a hot stove or miss a serious injury, relying on others to spot the danger.

Pain, as harsh as it is, alerts us when something’s wrong. Without it, we’d miss the cues that our bodies—or our lives—need attention.

Pain as a Signal

Emotional pain works the same way. It screams that things aren’t as they should be. We live in a broken world, where sin and death guarantee pain as a companion. It’s a reminder we’re not in Heaven yet.

And here’s the twist: God uses that pain to wake us up. C.S. Lewis called it His megaphone, a loud call to look beyond our own plans. We get so fixated on our dreams—our perfect job, our ideal family—that we miss the life God envisions for us. Pain, messy as it is, pulls our eyes upward.

But let’s be honest: understanding pain’s purpose doesn’t make it easier to bear. When agony hits, we wonder why a loving God stays silent. If we saw someone we loved hurting, we’d rush to fix it. God could erase our pain—yet often He doesn’t. That silence stings. Does He even get it? Does He know the loneliness, the sorrow, the weight of a shattered dream?

The God Who Understands

He does. Jesus proves it. The Son of God didn’t float above pain—He walked through it. Rejection by His own people, brutal beatings, the agony of the cross—Jesus felt it all. And God the Father? He endured the gut-wrenching tear in the Trinity’s fellowship as Jesus bore our sin. The cross isn’t just a story of redemption; it’s a loud declaration that God understands suffering.

Still, in our pain, God can feel distant. That’s when we need to cling to what Jesus shows us: God cares. Without that truth, the weight of broken dreams crushes us. With it, we can endure more than we ever imagined—just look at the countless Christians through history who faced persecution and martyrdom, sustained by certainty in God’s love.

Shattered dreams don’t mean God’s abandoned us. They’re a chance to see how fragile our plans are—and how much greater His are. Pain isn’t evidence of God’s indifference; it’s a sign this world isn’t our final home.

So, if your dreams lie in pieces today, listen through the hurt. God’s shouting something worth hearing.

Next time, we’ll explore how to grieve what’s lost while reaching for what’s ahead.

For now, what’s one way pain has redirected your focus? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Stay tuned for Part 3 in the "Shattered Dreams" series as we continue exploring how God’s plan transforms our understanding of life and fulfillment.

Walking with God: The Heart of True Discipleship

“Only by walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life. That is what it means to be a disciple. After all—aren’t we ‘followers of Christ’? Then by all means, let’s actually follow him. Not ideas about him. Not just his principles. Him.” — John Eldredge

Being a disciple of Jesus isn’t like being a student in a classroom. A student studies to gain knowledge—facts and skills to navigate the world. Discipleship goes deeper than just learning information. Yes, it involves learning truths and principles, but it’s not just about filling our heads with knowledge. What discipleship is truly about is the transformation our hearts. To be a disciple is to become like the One we follow, to let his character shape ours. And if we’re to take on the character of Jesus, we must walk with him—day by day, step by step.

I think John Eldredge captures it beautifully in the quote above: discipleship is “walking with God.” Discipleship is not learning basic Bible doctrine or living according to the right moral standard (though those things are important); it is living a life that is actively pursuing Jesus. 

How do we do that? I believe this journey unfolds through three vital practices: leaning into community, embracing spiritual disciplines, and following Jesus’ example of love.

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Community: We Don’t Walk Alone

From the beginning of humankind, God said it’s not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We were made for relationship—with Him and with each other. Jesus didn’t teach in isolation from people; he gathered disciples around him, living and learning together. The early Church followed this example, devoting themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).

Walking with God happens best when we walk alongside others. Christian community offers:

• Encouragement and Accountability: Friends in faith spur us on and keep us grounded.
• Shared Wisdom: We grow as we study Scripture and share the ways God is working in our lives.
• Strength in Struggle: Bearing each other’s burdens lightens the load and deepens our trust in God.

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Spiritual Disciplines: Staying Close to the Guide

Walking with God doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention. Spiritual disciplines are the habits that keep us connected us to God, tuning our hearts to His voice. They are also the way we “practice” the character of Jesus. Consider:

• Prayer: Talking and listening to God builds a living, breathing relationship.
• Scripture: His Word is the map for this journey, renewing our minds and guiding our steps.
• Rest and Worship: Pausing to honor God—whether through a Sabbath or a song—restores our souls.
• Giving and Generosity: Blessing others with what God has given us and trusting Him to continue to provide for our lives.
• Fasting: Going without food for a period of time to express our grief and repentance or to teach us how to say no to our flesh.

These aren’t duties to perform; they’re invitations to draw near to the One who knows the way and develop His character.

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Loving Others: The Fruit of the Journey

Jesus tied loving God and loving people together (Matthew 22:37-40). Our walk with Him shows up in how we treat those around us. Discipleship isn’t just the maturity of our heart—it’s the transformation of our character:

• Serving: Meeting needs reflects Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve.
• Forgiving: Extending grace mirrors the mercy we’ve received.
• Sharing: Inviting others into this walk multiplies the joy of following Him.

Love isn’t optional—it’s the evidence of a life shaped by King Jesus.

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Step by Step, Together

Walking with God isn’t a sprint to perfection; it’s a steady, lifelong hike. Some days we’ll stumble, but the call is to keep going—together. Community keeps us moving, disciplines keep us close, and love keeps us true.

This is the path to the life Jesus promised: full, abundant, real (John 10:10).

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So, where are you today? Are you walking with God, or just thinking about it? Let’s take the next step—side by side, eyes on Jesus, hearts open to what he’ll do along the way.

Choices that Shape Us

As human beings, our choices shape and form us into the people we are. With every decision, we are not just acting; we are becoming. This is why it is crucial to have high expectations for the younger generation and to encourage them to make choices that lead to maturity and responsibility. For Christians, this is especially significant, as we are called to become a different kind of people—a people who reflect the character of Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of this transformative journey in Colossians 3:1-4, where he urges us to set our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly things. Similarly, in Galatians 5:16-26, he calls us to walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh. This walk involves living humbly, putting others ahead of ourselves, as seen in Philippians 2:1-11. These are not just isolated commands but reflections of the characteristics of Kingdom people—people who embody the values of God’s Kingdom.

Greg Boyd, in his book Satan and the Problem of Evil, offers an insightful perspective on this idea. He writes:

“Moral culpability is not just about people acting certain ways when they could have and should have acted differently. It’s more about people becoming certain kinds of people when they could have and should have become different kinds of people” (p. 122).

This quote challenges us to think beyond actions and behaviors and instead focus on identity and transformation. The Gospel calls us not just to do good but to become good—to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and hearts (Romans 12:2). As Christians, we are called to encourage others to become different kinds of people, ones who are shaped by the power of the Gospel and reflect Christ in all they do.

The Path to Becoming Kingdom People

How do we help others on this journey of becoming people who represent King Jesus in all that we say and do? Here are three key steps:

1. Proclaim the Way of Redemption
   Transformation begins with Jesus. As Paul writes in Romans 5:6-11, it is through God’s love and intervention that we are saved. Without God’s grace, we would have no hope. The message of redemption is central to becoming Kingdom people. By pointing others to Jesus and His sacrifice, we help them understand that real change starts with faith in Him.

2. Pray for Transformation
   The Apostle Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12 is a model for us. He prays that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and spiritual wisdom, so they might live lives worthy of the Lord. Our prayers for those we influence can have a powerful impact. Through prayer, we invite God to work in their lives, guiding them to become people who honor Him.

3. Provide Tools for Training in Godliness
   Transformation requires discipline. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Train yourself for godliness.” Spiritual disciplines such as meditation, prayer, worship, service, fasting, solitude, and celebration are tools that help us train our bodies and minds to resist the pull of the flesh and follow the Spirit. Teaching others these disciplines equips them to grow in their faith and character.

A Life of Becoming

Each of us is in the process of becoming. We are either growing more fit for God’s Kingdom or becoming more aligned with the kingdom of darkness. Our choices play a pivotal role in this process. As Christians, we have the responsibility to encourage and guide others toward making choices that reflect the character of Christ. By proclaiming the Gospel, praying for transformation, and teaching spiritual disciplines, we can help others become Kingdom people who shine as lights in the world.

Let us remember that our calling is not just to act differently but to be different—to become the kind of people who embody the love, humility, and holiness of Christ. This is the essence of our faith and the heart of our mission as followers of Jesus.

Sunday Prayer: Produce the Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who works within us to make us more like Jesus. Lord, my great desire is to bear the fruit that comes from being guided by the Spirit. Fill my heart with love, that I may love others as You have loved me. Let joy overflow in my life, even in trials, so that I may be a witness of Your goodness. Grant me perfect peace, calming the storms within me and helping me trust in Your will.

Teach me patience, Lord, in every situation and with every person, just as You are patient with me. May kindness and goodness flow from my words and actions, reflecting Your heart to the world. Strengthen my faithfulness, that I may walk in obedience and remain strong in my commitment to You.

Father, help me to be gentle in my responses, showing grace as You have shown grace to me. And give me self-control, that I may resist temptation and choose to live a life of holiness that reflects Your character in the world.

I surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. Shape me, mold me, and let my life bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Lessons from the King: Murder in the Heart

The Incubator of Anger

Imagine working in a lab, placing a petri dish inside an incubator. The controlled environment accelerates bacterial growth, allowing it to multiply rapidly. Now, think about our world—it’s like a giant anger incubator. A recent APM Research Lab study found that 9 out of 10 Americans could name a news event that made them angry. Nearly half were extremely angry, a number more than double those who expressed pride in their circumstances. Social media fights, political arguments, injustice, and personal struggles—our environment is primed for anger to grow.

This is the kingdom of this world—marked by anger, broken relationships, violence, and destruction. But Jesus calls us to something different: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17, NLT). To follow Jesus is to break free from this incubator of anger and to work toward peace in a world desperate for it.

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The Kingdom’s Call to Righteousness

Too often, we equate being a good person with following a set of moral rules. But true Kingdom citizenship is not about legalistic rule-following—it starts with dependence on Jesus and grows as we follow His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains what it means to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Last week, we saw that righteousness makes us salt and light. This week, Jesus takes us deeper—showing that true righteousness is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but about having a heart transformed by God’s love.

To illustrate this, Jesus presents six case studies—examples of how to rightly obey God’s law. Today, we examine the first: anger.

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The Heart of the Issue

 Matthew 5:21-22

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!” (NLT)

The religious leaders taught that righteousness meant avoiding the physical act of murder. But Jesus goes deeper—He reveals that anger, insults, and contempt are just as sinful because they destroy relationships and devalue human life.

We see this in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:6-7). God warns Cain about his anger, telling him that “sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Cain ignored the warning, allowing his anger to fester and turn into murder. Jesus warns us of the same danger—anger left unchecked leads to destruction.

So how do we subdue sin before it controls us? One step is to change our thinking. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves… You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”(Philippians 2:3-5, NLT)

But Jesus also gives us another step—seeking reconciliation.

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The Priority of Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-24

“If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (NLT)

Jesus teaches that worship is meaningless if we are holding grudges or causing division. In His time, a trip to the temple could take days, yet Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize reconciliation before offering a sacrifice.

Cain should have reconciled with Abel. Instead, he let his anger fester, leading to murder. We must learn from his mistake. Our relationship with God is directly tied to our relationships with others. Imagine a father watching his children fight. No matter how much they say, “I love you, Dad,” their words are empty if they refuse to love each other. In the same way, our worship is hollow if we harbor resentment toward others. Is there someone in your life you need to reconcile with? Don’t delay—Jesus calls us to seek peace immediately.

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The Urgency of Making Things Right

Matthew 5:25-26

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge… and you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” (NLT)

Unresolved conflict has consequences. In Jesus’ time, failing to settle a legal dispute could lead to imprisonment. Jesus uses this as an illustration—unresolved anger puts us at risk of judgment. Not reconciling with those we’ve hurt is as dangerous as ignoring a legal dispute before trial. We must seek peace while we still have the opportunity.

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Living as Kingdom People

True righteousness is not just about avoiding murder—it is about dealing with anger, bitterness, and contempt in our hearts. We must recognize when sin is crouching at our door and subdue it before it controls us. How? Through reconciliation. When we have wronged someone, our responsibility is to make things right.

Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses legalism. He calls us to be peacemakers.

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A Challenge for Reflection

Ask God: Is there someone I need to reconcile with? If so, take action. Apologize. Repair the damage. Do your part to live as God’s holy people.

May we be a people who reflect the heart of Jesus, rejecting anger and seeking peace. In doing so, we truly become Kingdom citizens who represent our King well.

The Power of Love

 

“Nothing can live in God but as it lives in love. So that love alone is the cure of every evil; and he that lives in the purity of love is delivered from the power of evil into the freedom of the Spirit of love.”

— Andrew Murray, Daily in His Presence (September 10 reading)

I’ll admit, when I first read these words, I struggled to accept them. Can love really overcome the darkest parts of our world? Common sense tells me that evil needs to be fought with power and strength. Love alone doesn’t seem sufficient to combat the evil of the day.

Do I believe that “love alone is the cure for every evil”? 

Intellectually I do, but in my heart I doubt. Love might provide the motivation—after all, I want to protect those I care about—but it seems to me that force is necessary to win the battle against evil.

This tension is something I wrestle with as I follow Jesus. I still cling to the idea that there are times when combating evil with strength, even violence, is what’s needed. But then I hear Jesus’ words, challenging my thinking:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” 

— Matthew 5:43-45 (CSB)

Jesus points us to the example of God, who pours out love even on those in rebellion against Him. He loves them despite their actions.

This is the kind of love we’re called to—a love that is active, persistent, and sacrificial. It was this kind of love that caused the early church to flourish. They cared for orphans, embraced the marginalized, and risked their lives to care for the sick during pandemics. This wasn’t passive love. It was love in action.

As the early church practiced sacrificial love, two significant things happened. First, the church grew. They embodied what they believed, and their communities received a small taste of the Kingdom of God.

Second, the morals and values they lived by laid the foundation for Western civilization. The world before Jesus was violent and dark. But as His followers lived out love for God and their neighbors, the moral landscape of the world began to slowly change.

Love may not be an instant fix for evil, but when practiced consistently, it changes things. It transforms hearts, heals wounds, and reshapes societies. Love is an investment for the future, and when we commit to it, we start to see its quiet yet profound power.

Step Away From The Lies

 

"The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves, our neighbors, and our universe."  

— Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, p. 29

The world is filled with countless messages that seek to shape who we are, what we believe, and how we view ourselves and others. Our constant exposure to social media, the enticing whispers of advertisements, and the news outlets we follow can make it feel like truth is hard to discern.

And you know what?  

All this messaging not only twists our perception of reality, but it also messes with our hearts. The messages we receive from the world can divide our loyalties between the Kingdom of God and the world, causing us to prioritize the wrong things in life.

In the midst of this reality, let's not lose hope!

Peterson’s wisdom in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction reminds us that there is a way forward. The path we need to take is a bold step away from the deceptive narratives the world pushes on us.

While we may not have control over the messages being blasted into our lives, we do have a choice about what we let in. Picture it like turning away from unhealthy, cancer-causing food that has consumed you for too long, and choosing instead a healthier diet.

The Bible provides many examples of people who have embraced this pivotal step.

One such person is the prophet Isaiah, whose life-changing encounter with God is found in Isaiah 6.

Isaiah’s vision revealed God seated on His heavenly throne, surrounded by spiritual beings. The sheer awesomeness of this revelation overwhelmed Isaiah, prompting him to cry out:

"Woe is me, for I am ruined  

because I am a man of unclean lips  

and live among a people of unclean lips,  

and because my eyes have seen the King,  

the LORD of Armies." 

— (Isaiah 6:5, CSB)

Isaiah's response came from a deep realization of his sinfulness, which moved him to acknowledge the shortcomings of all of Israel.

But despite this revelation, Isaiah did not fall into despair. Instead, he took the first crucial step toward God. With a newfound understanding of his unworthiness, Isaiah confessed his sin to God. In response, God sent a seraphim, a spiritual being, to purify Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar. This purification spread throughout Isaiah’s body as the seraphim declared:

"Now that this has touched your lips,  

your iniquity is removed  

and your sin is atoned for."  

— (Isaiah 6:7, CSB)

Isaiah’s story shows us that the first step toward God begins with confronting the lies we believe. Isaiah didn’t grasp the full extent of his sin, or the sin of Israel, until he caught a glimpse of God’s glory. That experience gave Isaiah a new perspective on himself and the world.

It’s worth considering what distorted beliefs we hold about ourselves, our neighbors, the world, and even God Himself. This is where humility must come in. If we don’t have the humility to consider that we might be wrong, that there are parts of the story we don’t know, then it will be hard for us to be corrected when we’re wrong.

No one likes to be told they’re wrong. When someone points out our flaws or our false beliefs we want to hunker down and defend our position. It takes more than being told that we are wrong to move us to change. This why Eugene Peterson called this journey a long obedience in the same direction. It’s a journey of repentance, learning, and obedience that moves us to forgive, serve, and love.

As we walk the path of faith, we need to draw inspiration from those who have gone before us. Like Isaiah and other heroes of faith, we must choose to step away from the shadows of deception. We must let go the chains of lies that have held us back and embrace the truth that will ultimately set us free.

In this process, it’s crucial to remember: with every step we take, we are not alone.

The Holy Spirit walks beside us, using Scripture, prayer, and the Church to guide us closer to the heart of God.

With this in mind, we can be confident as we step forward with unwavering obedience and trust, because we know that this journey leads us to a deeper relationship with the One who loves us beyond measure.

God’s Power to Transform

Transformation is a popular thing to talk about in our culture. Everywhere we turn, from fitness to self-improvement, people seem to be obsessed with the idea of change. While change can certainly be positive, true transformation is something that cannot be achieved by human effort alone.

Transformation is a key theme in the New Testament, and it provides insight into what it means to experience true change. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse highlights the transformation that is to happen in the life of a disciple of Jesus. It is only through God that we can become a new creation, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new life Jesus secured for us through his death and resurrection.

Many people try to change themselves through sheer willpower or by following a self-help program. While these things can be helpful, they cannot bring about true transformation. Without the initiative and action of God, we will not be able to become the people God created us to be. We may make temporary changes, but we will not be able to overcome the flesh that controls our lives.

The Apostle Paul understood this truth. In Romans 7:18-19 he wrote, "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." Paul recognized that he was powerless to change on his own. He needed the transformative power of God to break free from his flesh.

Part of the Gospel message is that God is able to transform us. He is in the business of changing the lives of people. In Philippians 1:6, Paul wrote, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God won’t abandon us halfway through the transformation process. We can be confident that He will see it through until the end.

The transformation that God brings about in our lives is not just external, but it is also internal. In fact, the transformation we need is a transformation of our hearts, our minds, and our souls. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. He changes our desires and gives us a new purpose. He also helps us to see ourselves and other people in a new light. The transformation that God brings about is a transformation of the entire person.

There are many benefits to experiencing true transformation through God. For one, we become better equipped to handle the challenges that life throws our way. We are less likely to be shaken by difficult circumstances because we have a firm foundation in Christ. We are also able to experience a greater sense of peace and joy because we are no longer weighed down by the burdens of our past.

Another benefit of experiencing true transformation is that we become better equipped to serve others. As we become more like Jesus, we begin to see the world, and others, through His eyes. We become more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to help those in need. Our relationships with people are strengthened, and we are better able to make a positive impact on those closest to us.

How can we experience transformation in our lives? 

The first step is to acknowledge our need for God. In the Beatitudes Jesus taught that we need to be “poor in spirit.” One of the things this implies is that we must recognize that we are powerless to change on our own and that we need God’s help to become a new creation. Once we have acknowledged our need for God, we can turn to Him and ask Him to work in our lives.

This starts with prayer. We are to confess our sins to God and declare our loyalty to Jesus. We pray and ask God to reveal areas in our lives that need to be transformed. We ask Him to give us the strength to overcome our weaknesses and to help us grow in our relationship with Him. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and guidance.

All of us have those moments of clarity when we realize that our lives are not what they should be. We have attitudes, beliefs, and actions that need to be changed, but often we feel powerless to do anything about it. One of the promises of Christianity is that we can become new people. The only way that will happen is if we surrender our lives to God and allow Him to transform our lives.

A Change of Heart and Mind

The apostle Paul wrote:

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4; CSB)

In this passage, we discover two crucial parts of discipleship. In order to follow Jesus and experience the transforming working of the Holy Spirit, we must start with our minds.

Colossians 3 begins by reminding us that we have been raised with Christ, and therefore, we need to seek the things above. This is very similar to what Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33; CSB)

This means that the first crucial part of discipleship is to have a transformation of our values. We can’t continue to chase after the things the world values: pleasure, success, money, and recognition and follow Jesus. Disciples are to value the things of Heaven.

Our values change because our identity has changed. We are now citizens and ambassadors of God’s kingdom. To be ambassadors of the Kingdom of God means that we represent Him in the world, and we can only do that if we value God and His kingdom above all else.

Colossians 3 continues in verse 2 by saying that we need to set our minds on the things above. To set our minds on the things above isn’t about trying to imagine pearly gates and streets of gold, but meditating on heavenly things.

This brings us to the second crucial part of discipleship, and that is, we need to have a change of mind. Having a change of mind means what we think about and believe needs to be in line with God’s will and word. Rather than having opinions and thoughts that are shaped by politics, social media, and partisan news networks, our minds are influenced by the Bible, prayer, and other Christians.

The passage goes on to remind us that we have died to ourselves and that our lives are hidden with God through Jesus. The lives we live are not our lives, but they belong to God. We may be able to see a change of heart and a change of behavior, but these changes are only the beginning of the transformation that Jesus has promised to us. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer slaves to sin but instead, we are made new in him.

This happens because our old selves, with their sinful desires and selfish pursuits, are crucified with Christ, and we are raised to new life. This new life is characterized by a desire to please God by demonstrating His character in this world through the way we live.

Finally, Colossians 3:4 teaches us that when Jesus returns, we will also appear with him in glory. This is a reminder of the hope that we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We know that this life is not all there is, and that one day Jesus will return and make everything right, and that God will come and dwell with His people.

This hope should inspire us to live our lives with purpose and intentionality. We are to seek to live our lives in a way that honors God and reflects His love to those around us. In this way, we show that we value the things of heaven over the things of the world.

The passage of Colossians 3:1-4 serves as a significant reminder of the pivotal role our minds and hearts play in discipleship. Our ability to progress with Jesus depends on the transformation of our values and thoughts. Such a transformation empowers us with the strength to live the lives that God had intended for us from the very beginning.

Sunday Prayer: Thank You For Transforming My Life

Dear God,

Today I thank You for the Holy Spirit and the transforming work he is doing in our lives. I am grateful for the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that comes from his presence in my heart.

I affirm my commitment to You. I belong to King Jesus and I  have crucified my flesh with all of its passions and desires. I ask for your guidance and strength to continue, that comes from the Spirit, so I am able to keep in step with your will.

Lord, I  pray that you help me to avoid becoming conceited, being divisive, or being envious of others. May I always remember to show love and kindness to those around me, and to extend grace and forgiveness to people just as you have shown me.

I ask that you continue to work in my heart, transforming me from the inside out, and empowering me to live a life that honors you. 

I pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and King. Amen.

Prayer is Essential to Change

The world that we live in is not what it should be. On a daily basis we are saddened to hear about the murders, disasters, wars, and other tragedies that dominate our headlines. 

Even though we are saddened, we know that there is little that we dan do to change the major issues that face the world. So what are we to do?

As cliché as it might sound, we who follow Jesus are called to pray. It is through prayer that we experience change.

The reality is that we have very little control over what goes on in this world, but what we do have control over is how we live. While we our actions may not result in world peace or solve world hunger or diminish crime in our communities, our choice to love, to forgive, and to serve can have a huge impact on those around us.

Here is the issue, we are not naturally loving, forgiving, or merciful. We tend to be selfish, prideful, and untrustworthy. In other words, we contribute to the problems in the world, rather than doing what we can do to relieve the issues in our part of the world.

This is why change is crucial.

If all our failed attempts to change have taught us anything, it is that we need help to change. We can’t change on our own, especially in ways that make this world a better place.

Ephesians 3:14-18 (NLT)

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Paul’s prayer for the people who received his letter was that they would  receive what they needed, that they would be strengthened and experience God, and that they would have a knowledge of God’s love. This was a prayer for the Ephesians to experience transformation. A transformation that allows them to know and experience God in a new way.

This is a transformation that cannot happen apart from God working in our lives. The deep work that needs to happen in our hearts and minds can only be done through the work of the Spirit. Without prayer and surrendering our wills this transformation is not going to happen.

While it is important for us to pray for healing or friends, family, and acquaintances, it is equally important for us to pray prayers similar to Paul’s for ourselves and our church families. Without God’s work, change will not happen.

Make prayer an essential part of your spiritual formation.