The God of Never Before

I pray that I never cease to be amazed by how we can glean fresh insight and new meaning from Scripture--that we always see it as a bottomless well of deep and rich insight to who God is.  This is what happened for me yesterday in life group as we studied Matthew 1 and Luke 1, looking at Joseph and Mary and their incredible story.  

I don't recall ever comparing and contrasting their stories quite like that--going back and forth between the two passages to see what the writers of each book had to say about the angel visitations and incredible events leading to Jesus' birth.  It was very enlightening to consider how these two teenagers responded to the news of prophecy being fulfilled and eternity changing occurences.


As I sat there soaking it all in, a thought occurred to me.  Joseph and Mary must have been stunned simply by the fact that God was telling them something was coming that had never happened before.  Never before had a virgin conceived.  Never before had an angel appeared to either Joseph or Mary.  As far as we know, never before had God so intimately intervened in the lives of these two devout Jewish teens.  They experienced God as never before while they received the news of what he was going to do that had never before happened.

While I have never seen an angel or been given such incredible news, I can tell you that God has and is asking me to step out into some places of "never before" in my life.  And, it's scary.  I rather like my comfort zone.  I like things to stay just the way they are.  And, I think I'd be much more inclined to obey without digging my heels in if Gabriel himself would just show up for a chat in order to shed some light on these callings for me.  

Can you relate?  Has God asked YOU to step out and follow Him into some "never befores"--some seemingly impossible steps of faith?  Has He asked you to walk the road of illness or suffering, trusting Him to guide, protect and strengthen you?  Has He asked you to parent a child with special needs--or a child who is complicated and challenging to parent?  Has He asked you to endure a tough relationship?  Or a heartbreak?  Or a loss?  Maybe He has an exciting never before for you, that both thrills and terrifies you.  Do you stand on the edge of unchartered territory, feeling as though you might consider stepping forth if only a map were provided?

INTENTIONAL challenge:  I tend to think of Joseph and Mary as these Spiritual giants full of wisdom and super powers.  The truth is--they were filled with super powers.  They were filled with the strength and power of the Almighty God.  That is where they found the courage to step out into the "never before."  I'd venture to guess that they were really much more like me than I'd ever imagine--full of doubts, fears, angst, and uncertainty.  Even with an angelic visit.  We are so limited in our own human flesh, our own human imagination.  But, we serve an unlimited and imaginative God.  A God of the never befores.  He wants to do a new work and reveal Himself in new ways.  He wants to reach from the heavens and take us where we've never been or imagined we could go.  He wants to draw us into deeper fellowship in these journeys, longing for us to press into Him in our desperation so that He can serve as our tour guide and refuge.  If you are in the midst of "never befores"--rest assured that you serve a God of never befores.  It's His specialty.  And in all your uncertainty, you can hang every fear and hope on the fact that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Frugal Friday--More is More

I usually try to offer you ways to spend LESS money on this Friday feature.  But, today, I am bucking the norm.  Today, I am going to offer you a bit of advice that could just change your life.  Today, I am going to share a very important Biblical principle about your finances.  Today, I am going to tell you that rather than spending less, you should be spending more.  Because more is more--in God's economy.  Here's a pretty amazing promise on the topic.

A generous man will prosper,

he who refreshes others will 

himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

When I hit my annual Black Friday shopping with my cousin Megan, her favorite thing to say about a purchasing a bargain is "you can't afford not to!"  When it comes to being generous, the truth of it is that you can't afford not to.  See, here's an important truth I've discovered in our journey to becoming debt free.  You just can't outgive God.  It's not possible.  The Creator of the Universe who gave his very own Son for you?  In God's economy (and His Word) the more you give, the more you're blessed.  

Please hear me--I am not saying that there is a magical formula to financial success that goes something like the more you give to God, the bigger your bank account will become.  No, what I am saying is that the more you put the needs of others before your own, the more you become like Christ.  And, your needs will always be met by our Great Provider.  Hear me on this--I said your needs, not your wants.  

God loves a cheerful giver.  And, I'm not just talking about money.  I'm talking about your time and talents, too.  This blog post isn't about giving bigger gifts to your loved ones.  This blog post is about giving more generously to those in need.  Isn't that what Christmas is about?  A God who gave to those in need?  Giving your time to volunteer and help and minister to others.  Giving of your talents to build the kingdom--asking Him to show you how to plug in your skill set creatively for ministry.  And, yes, giving of your money for worthy causes.  Because God promises that when we refresh others--we ourselves will be refreshed!

INTENTIONAL challenge:  So, how about as you finish up your gift purchases you choose to give to a worthy cause instead?  Be like my friend Alicia--be intentional to choose gifts whose proceeds go to charity.  Or send a gift of personal care items to an incarcerated youth through One Heart Project.  Or adopt a child from an Angel Tree.  Or for the price of a coke, you can feed someone Christmas dinner at Union Gospel Mission.  Help support a mission trip...there's a million opportunities out there.  But instead of buying shiny new gadgets, make it your goal to refresh others.  It's the gift that always fits and will never be returned.  And, just try to outgive God.  You can't afford not to.

When God Shows Up

In my ongoing quest to dig into God's Word during this Christmas season, I decided to jump into the book of Luke today.  Honestly,  I approached chapter one with a bit of a yawn.  I've heard this story, oh, a few dozen times at least.  Zechariah goes to the temple, blah, blah, blah.  An angel comes, yeah, yeah, yeah.  Elizabeth becomes pregnant with John the Baptist.  Yep, got it.  

So, I read through chapter one, and sat there.  I had started my time with God this morning in my prayer journal, as I usually do.  Today, I asked that God would give me "fresh deep revelation" as I read His word.  I first read the Proverbs for the day, chapter 8.  Then, I skipped over to Luke 1.  And, suddenly that fresh deep revelation hit me square between the eyes.

How like Zechariah am I!  Zechariah was a priest.  His wife was "also a descendent of Aaron."  When it comes to spiritual heritage, these two came from a rather Godly lot.  In fact, Luke 1:6 has this to say about Zechariah and Elizabeth:

Both of them were upright

in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's

commandments and regulations blamelessly.

Uh, that's a pretty big affirmation that they were certainly following God!  And, so the story continues that Zechariah was chosen by lot to go into the temple to burn incense.  Now, lest you wonder about this approach to choose a priest by way of gambling, let me bring you back to Proverbs 16:33.  It says that, "the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."  This used to trip me up as a child--being taught not to gamble.  But, it was common ancient practice among the Israelites to allow the Lord to make decisions by casting lots.  

Long winded as always, my point really is this.  It was not just happenstance or coincidence that Zechariah was chosen to go into the temple that day.  He, in fact, would have been well aware that God had ordained it to be so.   Thus, he entered the sacred temple, surrounded by the assembled worshipers who were praying outside (verse 10).  And, wonder of all wonders, an angel appears giving incredible news, and quite a blessing and promise about his son to come (just check out verse 14 and imagine an angel telling you this about your child).  

Zechariah's response?  Yeah, this is the part where I realize that I am JUST like him.  He asks the angel how he can be SURE of this--because, after all, he and Elizabeth are "well along in years."  HELLO!  God ordained you to enter His temple, an angel appears with some pretty hefty news and promises--straight from the mouth of God.  As far as I can tell, angel sightings were rather rare.  Yet, bold Zechariah, full of surprise and doubt, says, "Okay, okay, so you're an angel--but how can I be SURE?"

Yep, we can go to church, read our Bible, pray to ask God for something, follow Him...and then, when he shows up, we are dumbfounded in surprise and ask how can we be sure.  Because, like Zechariah, an angel or a Biblical promise in black and white or a God ordained circumstance just isn't enough confirmation.   We walk through our day asking for Him, but then don't REALLY expect Him.  

INTENTIONAL challenge:  Oh, ME of little faith!  Even this morning, I asked him for fresh revelation and then how surprised I was when He gives it.  All the time, I pour out my petitions and cry out for His intervention...but seemingly never REALLY expect Him.  How ironic that even before I read Luke this morning, I wrote out this Proverb for my children:  

I love those who love me,

and those who seek me find me.

Proverbs 8:17

 

I have said it many times before--even here on this blog--that we serve a God who doesn't play hide-and-seek, but rather seek and find.  And, yet, I still am like Zechariah when God shows up--surprised, caught off guard, full of doubt, longing for MORE confirmation.  Lord, that I could ever learn to wait in expectation!  That I could throw out the invitation and seek you with full confidence that you will answer and be found.  That I could ever squelch the doubt and walk with full assurance that you love me and will be found when I seek you!  Help my unbelief that I may not be surprised when you so faithfully show up!  

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas

It may be a few weeks past the end of the scheduled Bible study, but yesterday I finally finished the last lesson of Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Lies Women Believe.  Although I finished the book, if that study taught me anything it's that I will spend the rest of my earthly days unraveling the lies that entrap me.  I will always need to work on clinging to that Truth that frees us.  It's just an ongoing process, living here in my broken flesh, awaiting my Heavenly reward.

But, the end of the book leads me to my usual dilemma.  You see, I need the discipline of a regular Bible study--preferably with the accountability of a group setting.  I just don't seem to be one of those people who can go it on my own, without some sort of guidance.  So, as I climbed out of bed today, I simply prayed for wisdom about how to direct my time with God this morning.  Then, I remembered a pin from pinterest that outlined Scripture readings designed to prepare our heart for Christmas.

Now, I was too sleepy this morning to go find my lap top and look it up, but I remembered that Isaiah offers some very specific prophesy about who the Messiah would be.  That seemed like a good place to start.  Perhaps I'm not the only one who at some point may have sent out Christmas cards with this passage:

For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this. 

Isaiah 9:6-7

Today, I felt led to approach this passage in a whole new way.  I wanted to offer this to you today in case you, too, could gain fresh insight--a "manna" word from the Lord to feed your soul today.  Take a piece of paper, and write out the four names of the Lord, as outlined in verse 6:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Now, sit quietly and consider what these names mean to you in your life.  Just what does it mean to YOU that your God is your Wonderful Counselor?  Or Mighty God?  Or Everlasting Father?  Or Prince of Peace?  

Here are some of my reflections.  For the Lord to be my Wonderful Counselor means that he can offer me advice, insight, direction, comfort, reassurance, and guidance about those issues that burden and baffle me today.  Like my children, or how to handle a particular problem.  I am a firm believer in seeking resources such as therapy or counseling as needed to assist you in difficult times.  But, to have the Omniscient God as your Counselor?  Well, that is pretty awesome.  

Mighty God?  Wow.  The power and strength that my God can offer me today.  Those things that defeat me and beat me down--they got nothing on my Mighty God.  Those circumstances that I tend to "get under"--God is over them with great power and strength.  Sovereign.  Omnipotent.  Ruler of all Creation.

And, oh my gravy, did my meditating on this verse today bring me some new meaning on Everlasting Father.  Just a week ago, I was enduring a pretty rough day of mourning for my dad.  The thing is--it really caught me by surprise.  My dad has been gone 21 years.  Those really sad days when I honestly just feel cheated and overcome with self-pity are few and far between.  But, it was intense.  Until today, I had never considered that my Heavenly Father is my EVERLASTING Father.  Nothing can take Him from me.  Nothing can separate Him from me.   I need never feel cheated, left behind, abandoned or grieved.  Wowzers.  Still working to wrap my brain and heart around this truth.

And, Prince of Peace.  Who doesn't need someone to pour peace on them today?  Yep, the Lord knew what this day would hold.  He knew that an hour later, I'd walk downstairs to find it raining in my breakfast nook from a leak.  He knew that I'd be running late for my PTA meeting.  He knew that I'd then be running late to the chiropractor.  He knew that I'd get that e-mail telling me the adoption report that I planned to type today would absolutely HAVE to be done today.  He knew that I would feel frazzled and thrown off, anxious about many things vying for my attention, finances, and energy.  He knew the comfort I would feel that today, I can simply cry out to ask Him to be my Prince of Peace in regard to every anxious situation.

INTENTIONAL challenge:  Just as the Lord beckoned me to meditate on this passage in a fresh way today, I encourage you to join me.  Join me in considering this ancient prophesy of the Messiah. Join me in considering how each of these names of the Lord have been fulfilled in your very life TODAY, in the circumstances and burdens that weigh on you at this time.  Consider the meaning of each name and how He has shown up in these definitions to you--as well as how you need Him to show up in new ways.  Then, just as we wait for the upcoming holiday, wait in expectation for your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father, your Prince of Peace.

How Well Do They REALLY Know You?

The media was abuzz with the news of Steve Jobs passing recently.  Everywhere I turned there was a story, bio,  or accolade to the legacy he left the world.  It was inspiring at first glance--to read comments on Facebook about how Steve Jobs changed the lives of countless people through the way they could use technology.  But, it was a tiny shred of information that I read in an online article that broke my heart.  Because as much as this innovator may have changed the world...there was a huge void he left behind.

Because I had read how intensely private a man he was, I was intrigued by an article about how he gave his biographer unprecedented access into his life.  Even in those last weeks when his wife politely refused countless visitors who wished to offer their last good-bye, this biographer was granted full access.   Quotes from Jobs about this access explained that he wanted people to understand why and how he did what he did.  But, it was one little line that stopped me in my tracks.

Jobs said that he also wanted the biographer to have such access so that his children could really know who he was.  In the years of his busy life building a technical empire, he had been away from his children a great deal.  He wanted his children to gain a better understanding of who he was through his biography.

Hmm.  For all the money and worldly success Jobs enjoyed, it would seem that he failed to connect to the greatest treasure God ever gave him.  What a sad but all too common commentary on our culture.  We strive to keep up with the Joneses, we work toward success and maybe fame, we run on the gerbil wheel of busy schedules.  Yet our very own children don't really know us.

How true is this in your life?  Do you really live out Psalm 127:3 which tells us children are a treasure, a reward, a heritage?  Perhaps you were raised by workaholics or emotionally distant parents.  It's all you know, and you are doing better than they did.  But, here's a truth to soak in.  We cannot change our heritage.  But, we can certainly change our legacy.  And, it's never too late.

INTENTIONAL challenge:  Last night, my daughter was very excited that I put her in charge of baking a cake for a Journey to Bethlehem cast party.   So, she puttered away in the kitchen, occasionally asking me a question as I sat nearby working on my lap top.  And, one of my sons needed help with his math facts.  The other son needed the lap top to finish his homework.   As I heard myself say for the third or fourth time--"Guys, just let me finish this one thing I need to work on," I realized that I was being like Steve Jobs.  I was putting other, less significant, things above my children's need for ME.  They each needed me in a different way, but they each had a need that I could have met.  No, I don't think they are scarred or will end up in therapy over this particular incident (perhaps over others).  But, the point is that I missed an opportunity to connect.  I missed an opportunity to validate them.  I missed an opportunity to convey to them that they are important and special to me.  Oh, that my children would really know who I am and be inspired by how I TRY to be the person I want them to be.  Lord, help me to be the mom these kids need!  Help me to get out my own way.  Help me to SEIZE these opportunities to connect to them while I still have their full attention.  Fill the gaps where I fail, and may they know their importance to YOU because I've shown them they are important to me.

The Journey Wasn't an Option

Well, there I go--opening my big mouth on Saturday to invite you all to our Journey to Bethlehem.  But, alas, it would seem the weather had other plans, and thus, our last 3 nights of Journey to Bethlehem have been cancelled.  This news was heartbreaking to my children, who, as I last noted, love their time participating in this event.  It was heart breaking, as well, for the event leaders and other cast and crew, who literally prepare all year long for this big endeavor.  Two nights.  Two out of five--that's all we managed this year before the rains came and flooded out the trail.  

This turn of events has been occupying our minds, as even this morning the kids talked about how much they would miss our last night's performance that should have been tonight.  And it got me thinking.  (Dangerous, I know).

How spoiled am I?  How much have I lost sight of the real story of Christmas--EVEN as I have been part of bringing it to life?  Mary and Joseph didn't have a choice.  As that poor very pregnant lady made her long journey to Bethlehem, she didn't have hand and toe warmers handy to keep herself nice and toasty for up to 6 hours.   She didn't have polar fleece and ski pants to bundle under her tunic to keep her warm.  She didn't even have the luxury of saying, "Well, this weather isn't quite cooperating, so I will just need to cancel this trip."  Our church paths were too wet and soggy to be safe for our guests.  But, Mary and Joseph didn't have the benefit of an amazing leadership team to go before them and determine how passable the paths might be.  They couldn't say, "that's a wrap.  We'll wait till next year."

No, I think I get so entrenched in my rather easy and spoiled life to fully appreciate all they endured.  The ridicule of carrying a baby out of wedlock, claiming it to be God's son--who would listen to such "crazy talk?"  How intimately Mary must have known the Lord to respond so willingly to the angel.  The courage of Joseph to go ahead and take Mary as his wife, focused on God's calling for them instead of logic or convenience.  

And, how about Jesus?  The humility and obedience it took to constrain himself--God's only Son--into the confines of human flesh.  And, not just human flesh--but a helpless infant at that.  Not the entrance into the world fit for the King of Kings--being born in a stable, among dirty animals and sleeping in a feed trough.  I can tell you from being in the "village of Bethlehem" with those crazy alpacas, rabbits, donkey, and goats...it's not a sanitary, welcoming nursery any of us would choose for our cherished children.  But, God Almighty ordained it to be so for His Son.

INTENTIONAL challenge:  I can don a tunic and headdress and play dress up as a Bethlehem villager...and still, all the while, miss the significance of that first Christmas.  I can moan and be sad about missing some nights of Journey to Bethlehem due to inclement weather, yet still overlook the difficult circumstances ordained for my Savior's entrance into the world, sent to complete the greatest work of all history.  We can all become so entrenched in our culture, our conveniences, our luxuries that we forget to really meditate and marinate in the TRUTH of that first Christmas.   We can display our nativity sets and be moved by some great Christmas hymns, yet still manage to overlook the meaning.  You see, God's only begotten Son came from the perfect Heavens, wrapped in human flesh, to the humblest of beginnings.  He was born to parents who braved bad weather, difficult travels, man's ridicule, and inconveniences to choose obedience to their Father's call.  And, just as our church's Journey to Bethlehem doesn't end at the manager...the entire path, every step, was leading to the cross.  And, that is the story of the first Christmas.

Frugal Friday--Christmas Experience, Free but PRICELESS

Yes, I know...frugal Friday...on Saturday.  I'm a bit behind because, you see, our family has the greatest privilege to be part of an amazing Christmas experience called Journey to Bethlehem.  For 5 nights, our church, Church at the Cross, offers a unique interactive experience of the real story of Christmas.  As you travel on a 45 minute walk with a "Jewish" family to Bethlehem for the census, you encounter Roman soldiers on horseback, shepherds and their sheep, the wise men, camels, the village of Bethlehem, and of course, the manger.  But, most importantly, you encounter the true meaning of this season...and from first hand experience as a former guest, it's a priceless experience!

Now, just imagine that greatness multiplied about a million times now that we get to participate.  Have you ever been part of something so much bigger than yourself that you just can't hardly believe it?  That is what this experience is for us.  It's something our children look forward to for months.  It's their favorite Christmas tradition.  Despite the late, late nights and sometimes, the cold, cold temperatures--they love it.  We all participate in the village--or I should say we all did until this year.  This year, our middle son decided to go out on his own to be a child in one of the "Jewish" guide families.  This is a bigger role, complete with lines, and he has been rehearsing since September.  So the rest of us remain in the village without him, performing as the blacksmiths, the rabbit lady, and as one of the sweet dancer girls who sing He is Jehovah to every group of guests who come through.

I just really can't quite articulate what JTB (Journey to Bethlehem) means to us.  But, I will try.  It means bending to a young child to let her pet the live rabbit, her eyes full of wonder.  And, when I ask about her journey, she can hardly utter her description of seeing an angel.  So, I ask her what the angel said.  And, she breathlessly looks at me wide eyed to say, "He said God will bless us real good."  It means my youngest climbing into bed, exhausted from a late JTB night, and whispering as she drifts into sleep that she now knows that Jesus came as a baby so that he could die on the cross for our sins.  It means my boys interacting with peers who are our guests, knowing that the Truth of Jesus is being clearly spoken before their friends will finish their journey.  It means foreign exchange students from closed countries will hear who Jesus is and why He came...and their eyes will be open to a story they've never heard, but which intrigues them.  It means being part of planting seeds to thousands from all over the world, literally.  It means knowing that as we don layers of clothes to keep warm and endure sore feet and throats from our parts--we know the ripples of harvest may spread further than we could ever imagine.  And, we, in our tiny little roles from our tiny place in the world somehow might be part of changing the eternity of untold people.  All the while, we never had to board a plane, sell all our worldly goods, or even travel more than 10 miles.

So, if you are worn thin from shopping and frazzled from all sorts of Christmas preparations... then know that there is perfect way to invest a couple of hours of your life to REALLY experience Christmas.  We run from 5:30 pm until 9 pm, now just two more nights.  If, of course, the Good Lord is willin' and the creek don't rise--and the weather cooperates.  Check here for more info and weather updates.  And the best part is that it's totally free!  But, be forewarned...it just might be the most priceless way you've celebrated the season!

This Little Light of Mine...I'm Gonna Let it Shine

I have found that the longer I walk in my faith, the more rote the basic tenets of our Christian faith can become.  We can so easily lose sight of the awe and wonder of the profound and life changing elements of being a Christ follower.  Yawn, yawn...time for the Lord's Supper (or Communion--whatever name you give it).  Yada, yada, yada...the blood shed for you, the body broken for you.  The enemy lulls us into becoming mindless robots who claim a faith in a history changing Saviour...but who walk through each day not much differently than unbelievers.

Today, as I was reading my Bible, I was impressed with a very fundamental aspect of our faith that most of us tend to lose sight of--the importance of prayer.  Prayer.  Oh, we learn how to recite "Our Father who art in Heaven."  We might have some familiar meal time prayer such as, "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food."  In moments of desperation, we might throw out a quick prayer for help.  And, we so casually tell a hurting friend that we'll pray for them.  

But what role is prayer really taking in our lives?  Do we approach prayer with a sense of amazement--that the God of the Universe has made a way to listen to our hearts' cries?  Do we step forward in great faith, approaching the throne of grace with confidence, truly believing that prayer changes things--and more importantly, prayer changes US?  

Talk about letting your little light shine.  Look what prayer did for Moses!

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with

the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands,

he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

Exodus 34:29

Or, as Christ followers, how about we take a look to see how prayer impacted the Son of God during his ministry on earth?

About 8 days after Jesus said this, he took 

Peter, John and James with him and went up

onto a mountain to pray.  As he was praying, the

appearance of his face changed, and his 

clothes became as bright as 

a flash of lightening.

Luke 9:28

Lest we think a glowing face from the result of talking with God was reserved for men who witnessed a burning bush or the Son of God, let's take a look at 2 Corinthians 3:18.

And, we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the

Lord's glory, are being transformed into

his likeness with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Let's not forget that Moses' face was so bright after his prayer time that he had to wear a veil lest he blind his companions.  Paul is making a reference to this, as he talks about us having unveiled faces.   And, unlike Moses, we have the Holy Spirit within us to continually work out this sort of glowing transformation.

INTENTIONAL challenge:  What is prayer to you?  A quick reciting of some sentences you've memorized?  A required and rote exercise, that "hopefully" will draw you closer to Him?  Or an outpouring of your deepest needs and hurts, with complete belief that He hears your every word, and He acts on your behalf?   Do you wait in expectation, having full confidence that He will answer with complete sovereignty?  Prayer changes things.  Prayer changes us.  Time with God, really communing with him, causes us to reflect His glory.  It makes our little lights shine.  It makes us radiant.  I think it's high time we all take it seriously, with great reverence, never losing sight of the privilege that we can storm the throne room of heaven, with the Spirit interceding our our behalf (Romans 8:26) and Jesus who lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).  Talk about some power in your corner.  Prayer...may we engage in this life changing aspect of our every day, believing that He will transform us in the process.