BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART - TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

If you look up the word "transform" in a dictionary, you are going to read something like this:

trans·form  

/transˈfôrm/

Verb: Make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of.

Noun: The product of a transformation.

Synonyms: verb.   change - convert - alter - metamorphose - transmute noun.   transformation - metamorphosis - conversion

The month of July found multiple transformations occur in my family:

• July 1st found my hubby hanging out at home.  His last day on the job was June 30th.  Transition!  Transformation!
• Our newest grandson entered this world on July 2nd!  What a transformation took place during the 9 months in the womb!  Then, the transformation didn't stop on arrival day: physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional transformations will occur throughout his entire lifetime. His coming has certainly changed his daddy, mommy, and brother's world... and that of his entire extended family. Yes, transition and transformation!
• Our house began to change from a cozy place to call "home on earth" to a house full of boxes, looking more like a packing plant, as we prepare for a move. Transition!  Transformation!
• On July 20th, my mom transformed from this world to paradise.  Her body became an empty shell... her soul is with her Savior!    Transition!  Transformation!
• Last night, our congregation lovingly honored my family and me, as we prepare to leave them for a new work in a new place.  Much change will occur for them... for us... Transition!  Transformation!

Lately, my life has been one big whirlwind!  Today, as a new month begins, I move out of my office and finish up the employment that I have had for the last 5 years.  Transition!    Transformation!

None of this would be possible without Jesus holding it all together for me!

I love Colossians 1.  What an encouraging scripture for times of transition and transformation.  May you be blessed by this reading beginning in verse 13:

 

^"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness,
and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
     (Redeemed us!  Forgave us!  THE REASON WE CAN HAVE PURE HEARTS!)

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things have been created through Him and for Him.

¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church;
and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

¹⁹ For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
having made peace through the blood of His cross;
through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

²¹ And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind,
engaged in evil deeds,
²² yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death,
in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—
²³ if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast,
and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard,
which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven..."

Time to become PURE IN HEART?  You can, with Jesus!

Transition from ALIENATED, HOSTILE, AND EVIL

TO

RECONCILED, HOLY, BLAMELESS, and 

BEYOND REPROACH...

TRANSITION!  TRANSFORMATION!

BLESSED! 

OH, THE JOY OF BEING PURE IN HEART!