Renovations are life, right now. About two months ago, I started studying under a friend and mentor who is also a Christian counselor. Along with two others, we have begun to train for a biblical mentoring certification under her, and it's hard. The books are not hard to read, but the material is very challenging; and to date, I've only finished half of my first required reading. Every chapter I've been faced with questions about how I view my faith, the depth of my understanding and questioning why I think the way I do.Recently, I described my studying like having my heart ripped open, examined and then gentle placed back together. It's hard; and yet I am so enjoying the process. It hurts, but I see my exposed sin and faulty thinking as another testimony to God's grace, for he loves me still!
As it says in Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Ugly in my humanity, unable to hid ANYTHING, and yet it says in Ephesians 2:4-7
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Is anyone else thrilled by these words?! God is awesome!
And then, because of Christ's cross covered those sins for me, Romans 12: 2
2 Do
not conform to the pattern 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.
I realize that to some transformation may sound very uncomfortable and even threatening. But God doesn't want us to stay where we are...he longs for us to be molded into his son's perfect likeness, and that is a life long process that is beautifully painful, and only finished when we are with him in heaven.
So in the months to come, as I study, I thought I would share my findings, just in case you are looking for a challenging read. But I warn you, God will not allow you to read these books without moving in your heart too. That's what happens when we think on his cross and what it means to us.
Thank you LORD!!
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