2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"
As the cold wind robbed the afternoon of any outdoor yard work, I opted to stay warm inside and do what I love -- write. "Tranference" naturally came to mind, so I sat before the flat screen and revisited older category posts.
27. Can't say I really kept track. Over the course of the year I have posted 27 devotions on this homemade topic.
But it's been far more than a topic. It's been a spiritual focus. A God-led focus for growth. I'm convinced it was Spirit-induced. (I'm just not that clever, folks!) God knows where I am lacking. And He answers those prayers that earnestly seek His involvement for Spirit-improvement.
He must become greater; I must become less.
[Jn 3:30]
I wanted Jesus to become greater in my life. It is through that lens that I read, I studied, I prayed -- I wrote. I sought application of God's Word in my life to make that desire - that choice - a reality.
What God taught me (and what I shared here) is that there are practices and attitudes that helped in this process. A certain change in perspective to renew my minds' habit of thought.
A simple summary of the meditations I experienced help me see more clearly the path I have traveled this year:
(Each a link to related post)
Surrender ~ making a title transfer
Submission ~ having a sense of other-ness
Kingdom Allegiance ~ determining whom I will serve
Shift of focus from the world to God
Attention diverted from self to Christ
Transference of
doubt for confidence;
vice to virtue;
exchange the worship of worldly idols with exclusive God-fidelity;
swapping thirst-quenchers;
trade natures;
change in priorities;
burden transfer;
choose a new family association;
transference of God's wrath;
Trading places ~ sins' propitiation
From a t
emporal to an eternal mindset
Approaching the Throne of Grace (vs judgment)It comes down to a state of wholeheartedness. A heart full of Jesus.
Undivided. (A key word, often reiterated). I would not be so bold as to give counsel.
Who am I? Dear reader, this is nothing new. This is the very Word of God. Stated in both the New and Old Testaments.
"The Word became flesh " [Jn 1:14a]
Theologically "transference" may not make any sense. Literarily or grammatically it probably doesn't even apply. But, for me personally, it was a way for me to allow God an attempt to make Jesus more visible in
this flesh. In my actions, behaviors, attitudes, heart, and soul.
But by faith we eagerly await
through the Spirit
the righteousness for which we hope.
[Gal 5:5]
In great eagerness and faith, desire was stirred in me to move-on in growth. Growing in Christ is to allow the Holy Spirit to form the pattern of Jesus in us visibly.
Desmond Tutu wrote:
"One image I have of the spiritual life is of sitting in front of a fire on a cold day. We don't have to do anything. We just have to sit in front of the fire and gradually the qualities of the fire are transferred to us. We begin to feel the warmth. It's like that with God and us. As we take time to be still in God's presence, the qualities of God are transferred to us."
Jesus is the Word that became flesh. It is His spirit dwelling within us -- in our temple of flesh -- that is our hope of righteousness. He is the Incarnation. Will I allow Him to be incarnate
in me? Will I allow His qualities to be
transferred to me by basking continually in His presence?
I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master,
nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
[Jn 13:16]
Submitting to His authority daily will make Jesus incarnate in my life. Denying self and surrendering to His absolute control. Have I truly allowed Him to be Master of my life?
Honestly? No! Maybe for brief moments. Or on shining occasions. More in '09 than years' past.
Will it last? Has it become a permanent change of lifestyle? The jury is still out on that one. For this recent, short-time-past I will give Him the glory and say; "Yes." I pray His mercy will grant me another year of grace. A new focus that this growth-cycle might remain unending. That is my petition. That is my hope. That is
His goal.
Jesus said to them,
"My Father is always at his work to this very day,
and I, too, am working."
[Jn 5:17]
Let Jesus, God Incarnate, be seen in me; He the greater, I the lesser. Holy Spirit, make me an instrument that makes Jesus visible through my life. May this year's study make a difference to others for Him. May it make an everlasting impression on the work You are completing in me. In the Name of Christ, My Lord, I pray. Amen.Click on photo-link here to travel to 2009 Theme Intro Post:
