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Greetings!
"How does this transformation take place? By asking God-for help, deliverance, forgiveness! God is eager to give us the wisdom we need for successful daily living." Norman Vincent Peale.
Spring we welcome you!
On this day of the vernal equinox, the earth transforms in just one moment when the sun crosses over the equator creating both day and night to be equal. And it takes place during such a holy time of transformation and renewal - Lent.
Are you in awe? Oh the seasons God created here on earth with Lent as a season of prayer and penance, and yet the etymology of Lent grounded in springtime. While we have our eyes set on the great mystery of Easter, the gift of life and light as nature celebrates its rebirth, this is our chance to make positive changes in ourselves and for others in the world. This is the season of transformation!
As you witness winter ending and spring be ginning, this is a time of dramatic change in appearances, especially the transfiguration of Jesus.
A few weeks back our pastor's sermon was about Luke 9, where Jesus predicts his death. He spoke of "The Transfiguration" as a pivotal moment, with the setting on the mountain as the point where human nature meets God, with Jesus himself as the connecting point acting as the bridge between heaven and earth. Our pastor used this reading to talk about our own changes as we draw closer in relationship with the Lord. Many of us are resistant to change, especially when someone else advises or encourages us to do so.
In Luke 9:35, a voice came from the cloud, saying,
"This is my beloved Son. Hear him."
I thought this verse was the key, knowing the words of the Bible give us a roadmap on how to live our life, how to make positive changes, and how to rely on the Lord. Yet to change, we must listen to the words of Jesus. He is always with us to guide us through change. He provides each of us earth angels that become positive role models for us to be better Christians and to be transformed by the light of Christ.
 During Lent, many of us carry on the tradition of giving something up as a reminder of what it means to sacrifice, or we take something up that would have us become good servants of the Lord. We do this for 40 days. We are reminded of what it means to sacrifice, and what it feels like to step into loving kindness for another. What if we could take this Lenten discipline and apply it all year round? How wonderful to make the Lord our focus each day all year long, and not only for 40 days during Lent.
For Lent this year I am re-reading one of Dr. Peale's books, "Bible Power for Successful Living." In the chapter on how to tackle a giant problem, Dr. Peale suggests reading and repeating this scripture:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2
He references the words "transformed by renewing of your mind". This powerful verse teaches us that we can become completely re-made through a renewed thought process.
During the 40 Days of Prayer, here is what is suggested to be transformed:
Drain your mind of every destructive thought, every fear, every feeling
of inferiority. Picture your mind completely empty. Then start filling it with
thoughts of God, thoughts of every good and pleasant thing. Practice this new
habit regularly twice every day, morning and evening, to counteract the older
and negative thinking. Ask God to guide your steps with His wisdom and
provide your needs from His abundant grace.
What we deeply believe and strongly affirm has the power to become reality. If you want good days and change toward this, affirm the power and love of God each day. We can turn to our Lord for the change we want to see in ourselves...we can be the change - happier and peaceful as we overcome all obstacles with God at our side.
"I am the way the, truth and the Life." - John 14:6
Dr. Peale says, "But to benefit from His life we have to walk His way. Becoming a Christian is not the end of our problems but the beginning of victory over them. God is eager to give us the wisdom we need for successful daily living. Call upon God, it says, and He will answer. He will show you tremendous things." CLICK HERE for more.  Here is a great booklet to give you the inspiration and tools to make a new start. It will help you put the past behind, and infuse your mind and thoughts with new energy and resolve. Whoever you are, whatever your circumstance, you can begin again!
Loving and merciful God, I offer you my humble heart and place my trust in you. I know that you are on my side. Order my steps this day so that I walk in the light of your loving presence. Amen. 
March 29th is OurPrayer's 43rd annual Good Friday Day of Prayer.
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