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LESSON 29
RESTORATION AND TRANSFORMATION
Why is Becoming the Witness significant?
It is significant because when you are being drawn out of the present moment to complain and make up stories, it will leave you often feeling frustrated, upset, and disconnected. Becoming the witness will allow you to notice how much power is gained by living in the present moment. How often do we make up stories about something, or conjure up the worst possible conclusion? This is significant because in the moment we get frustrated and upset by the story we made up, we actually have a physical response in our body and biochemically there is a negative emotional cocktail brewing within us.
Tips/Nuggets
What a beautiful process is the journey from restoration to transformation. As human beings we have all fallen short of some standard, ideal, expectation, rule or law.
How does this lesson correlate to our own lives? The verse in Isaiah 40:31 describes that perfectly, “And after you have suffered a little while, the god of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and established you.”
He was only able to do this through his unconditional love of forgiveness, grace and mercy. And although we may not always easily perform unconditional love, it does set before us an incredible “modeling” and “example” of what and how to do it.
The definition of restoration literally means "rebirth". It is the regaining of inner strength and a firm determination to pursue God. When we are able to come “clean” or “confess” our shortcomings or sin nature we are able to by the power of the Holy Spirit clear ourselves of any thing “hidden.” It becomes exposed which allows us to live FULLY out God’s vision for our lives authentically.
Tip #1: Allow God to get to know you on a personal level. The way God talks to us is through his scripture but the way we talk to God is by prayer. Make it a practice to get on your knees and submit your cares upon him at his feet and throne room of forgiveness, grace and mercy. Ask for restoration and transformation.
Tip #2: Get to know God by reading the word of God everyday. The only way you develop intimacy is by spending time with them. Be purposeful. Spend time with him!
Tip #3: Be humble. Be willing to admit your faults and anything hidden by exposing it through confessing to Jesus. By doing so, you give it over to God by exposing it to the light and no longer stuffing it down (i.e., mistakes, negative emotions, limited beliefs, etc.).
Tip #4: Renew your mind. Transform your thoughts by practicing Above the Line Thinking from Lesson #2. When you are able to take captive those imaginations (negative thoughts and stories) in your head and turn them over to God you are able to think on the fruits of the spirit instead and everything that honors God and the vision for your life.
Going Deeper in the Word
When we are going through the restoration and transformation process we are on a continual journey that never ends on this side of eternity. It’s an endurance race of tremendous blessings and reward or disappointment and defeat. Yet, there is ALWAYS VICTORY when we allow our Father God to lead us. It will require patience, humility and perseverance. It’s when you put your full faith and trust in God is when he shows up big time through grace and power. That’s the benefit of being a child of the Most High God.
The following verses are a beautiful reflection moment of God's wisdom through his word.
RESTORATION
Honor
Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.”
Destruction and mishaps
Joel 2:25
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.”
The New man
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Soul
Psalm 23:3
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.”
Health
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal,
declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’”
TRANSFORMATION
Your Mind
Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Christ's modeling
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Put off your old self
Ephesians 4:22-24
"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
God promises through obedience
2 Peter 1:4
"by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Salvation
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
#lesson29 #restorationandtransformation
Real Talk
When it comes to biblical restoration and transformation is derailed or affected when your mindset is out of control and not in alignment with Christ who brings you closer to your highest vision for your life. The following are things that you should be aware of and concerned for when it comes to a life of restoration and transformation.
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The Past
Lack of forgiveness
The Future
The actions of others
The opinions of others
Impatience
How others take care of themselves
The outcome of my efforts
Legalism
Rejecting Godly support
Idolatry
Selfishness
What other people think of me
What happens around me
Self reliance
Pride and Arrogance
Compromising with worldly values
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These are all things you have no control over and can derail you from true restoration and transformation.
And while restoration and transformation is a beautiful process these pitfalls serve as a cautionary reminder to stay grounded and focused in God’s word by seeking his guidance. Therefore, utilize God’s direction through prayer, humility, reading scripture and trusting the Holy Spirit, trusting him for the answers and the timing to allow for authentic restoration and transformation.
Resources
Take Advantage of the Resources we have put together for you!
When you utilize the workbook along with these resources, you will create lasting and undeniable results!