“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Periodically, we’ll look back and reflect on what God is doing through His Word and prayer to transform us into the bride of Christ. It would do no good for a bride to make a list of things to be done, read through it, but not accomplish anything on the list. The wedding day would arrive, and she would not be ready. Is there evidence that we are preparing for the wedding feast? Would people around us know that something special is coming? What difference are God’s Word and your prayers making? Use the list below to help you consider the transformation. If you are stirred to revisit any of these posts and prayers, just click on the highlighted title.
Do we have a greater desire to see God’s will done in our lives and our churches? Are we using Scripture to pray according to God’s will? Made Ready
Is there a greater obedience to God’s Word with a greater revelation of His glory and presence? Glory-Filled
Are we more aware of the spiritual battles being fought? Are we actively supporting others in those battles through prayer? Battle Reinforcement
Is Jesus ringing our spiritual alarm clock to wake us up? Are we becoming more spiritually relevant? Wake Up!
Are we gaining a greater understanding of how to spend our time on earth? Are we spending more time following Jesus’ commands to free, feed and follow? Incomplete Deeds
What has changed to cause us to put the love of God and Jesus back in first place? Have we looked up from our busyness and service to make sure we have not moved away from Him? First Love
Are we becoming believers that are noted for having a passion and priority for prayer? Are we participating and encouraging our Christian communities to be united in powerful prayer? Joined In Prayer
Are we experiencing more of God’s power in our lives as we look to His Word to guide us? Powered By The Risen Word
Are we seeing more of the Holy Spirit’s supernatural, miraculous work and desiring to work less out of our own strengths? Spirit-Filled Amazement
Are we allowing the sharpness of the full gospel message to pierce hearts? Are we convicted by the Holy Spirit when we soften or all together skip that message? God’s Sharp Knife
How often are we gathered together in prayer with one mind and passion so we can be filled with the Spirit, and experience the fullness of Christ and the power of God? Are we a force to encourage this in our churches? A Key Ingredient
Whose power is at work in our lives and circumstances? Are we pointing people to Jesus and giving Him the glory? By Whose Power?
Are others seeing Jesus in us because we are filled with His Word and His Spirit? Can they tell that we have spent time with Him? Are we finding we are able to serve beyond our own strengths? The Jesus Effect
Are we more united in heart and mind with the body of Christ? Are we truly seeing others as ourselves? Are there less needy in our churches because of it? One In Heart
Are we seeking God’s help to eliminate pride and dishonesty in our lives so that He is not opposing us? Is our desire to be filled with the generous heart of Jesus? Have we considered the motivation with which we give of our time, talent and resources? Satan-Filled Hearts
Are we eliminating work and busyness that starts in our own hearts and minds? Are we seeing opposition as a sign that we are doing God’s will? Are we becoming unstoppable in the face of that opposition? Unstoppable
Are we doing our part to help carry the load in our churches so our pastors can devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word? Are many souls being saved because of it? Heavy Work
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for how Your Word and prayer transform us. Thank you that in your grace, mercy and love, you do not leave us as we are; you continue to pursue us, reveal your will and prepare us to meet Jesus face to face. Give us a passion to seek you in prayer and Your Word. Let us not just hear your Word, but put it into practice. Please continue to reveal to us your vision of your Son’s bride. Let us be a people and a church that is pleasing in your sight. Please give us wisdom and insight as we continue to meditate on and pray over the Scriptures. In the transforming name of Jesus Christ. Amen!