Redone and Transformed

 A little tag I found (shown larger than actual size).

 

Many years ago, I randomly found this small round tag on the ground. The red and white plastic tag has just one word engraved into it: “redone”. The concept which immediately struck me was that when I decided to live for Christ, I was redone – fundamentally changed – on the inside, as the Bible promises: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As I continue following the Lord, I am constantly being redone – transformed – with the help of His Spirit. Over the years, that little tag has become a unique symbol of my life in Christ.

Whoever commits to being a Christ follower is “redone” at the moment of salvation. We are new creations in Him. However, we are also called to daily work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12) and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We are all works in progress, and though God sees us as perfected through Christ, we are not perfect, and fail every day. I know I do.

God lovingly created each of us, with our unique personalities, likes and dislikes, and tendencies. When the Spirit enters our life, He begins to change us, in ways both small and significant. From the way we assert our personality, to why and how we use what we’ve been given; materially and in gifts and talents. The same God who created each of us helps me to be the best “me” possible, as I let Him, while living in this fallen world. My good traits are enhanced and the less desirable habits are replaced with more fulfilling ones that benefit not only myself but can positively influence the community around me.

Many folks have experienced dramatic changes almost instantly, such as the desire for cigarettes, alcohol or drugs being taken away. Those kind of miracles at conversion are great, but with many other entrenched habits or shortcomings, it may take months, years, or even a lifetime to “get it right”. Every day is a spiritual battle to conquer our imperfections and sin nature. As I’ve written before, we fight that battle by walking daily with Jesus through prayer and reading His Word, and sharing our faith journey with other believers through fellowship – all in full submission to His leading. None of us is perfect, and there are ups and downs. At times we’ve all experienced dry moments, or made decisions we wish we could take back. Yet God is ever faithful, always ready to forgive us and set us back on the right path! (1 John 1:9)

I wrote this poem exactly 22 years ago (!), after a short dry spell in my life:

“Commitment”

This broken vessel I give to You –
My offering, knowing You’ll see me through.
Surrendering all to follow Your lead;
For though I’m imperfect, You plant a seed.
Shortcomings don’t limit what thru me You can do,
with my eyes set toward heaven, my heart toward You.
What little I have expands in the grace
You give me to serve You, wherever the place.
I’m not perfect, I’ll never meet
these high expectations I lay at Your feet.
Disappointments arise from unfinished plans;
as You take over, I free my own hands.
It’s been some time, but Lord, now I pray
with faith that You’ll guide me on from this day.

1-14-96
©Ladeena Ashley

Have you been redone? Are you in the process of being redone? Is there anything you’re holding onto, thinking you can overcome it using your own wisdom and by your own strength? Jesus is just waiting for us to admit defeat – that we can’t do it alone – and once we do that, then He can do His work and we can claim the victory! Besides, the blessings He has waiting for us are so much better than the mediocre things we often pursue or settle for.

If you don’t know what it’s like to be redone, trust that God the Father loves you more than you love yourself, and has your best interests at heart! Believe in His Son Jesus and accept the gift of forgiveness and new life in Him! Through the Spirit, He will walk with you and help you to be the best redone and transformed “you” that you can be. Surrender your imperfections to the One who alone is perfect and has a perfect and loving will for your life.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2018 All Rights Reserved (Blog content and photos)

A Pumpkin In Progress

Phase Into Fall – October 17, 2017

 

Last week it became glaringly obvious that I have a ways to go in controlling my stronger emotions. I am a pumpkin in progress. (Stick with me; this will make sense, I promise!)

My manager made an email suggestion in response to an inquiry from another office. I didn’t think it was a good idea, and decided to speak directly to him about the matter. While I was quite animated and mostly in control, still my voice was elevated and I could sense that my face was flushed with raw frustration. After some debate, I finally retreated to my desk, and, wouldn’t you know it, staff in the other office replied with concerns mirroring my own. In a matter of moments, it became a non-issue. If I just would have waited, or thought outside myself to realize that others might feel the same way and dismiss the idea, my minor outburst could have been avoided. Looking back, I should have been much slower to speak and much slower to get upset (James 1:19-21). It was definitely a “stop and pray” situation, of which I did not take full advantage.

Growing up, I actually wasn’t allowed to question authority or assert my own opinions around my father. Everything was “backtalk” to him. Therefore, normally I’ve not been known to get all up in arms about things, as I’ve found myself doing over the past few months. The quiet, easygoing soul that the Lord saved nearly 30 years ago still yearns for peace, but lately my powerful inner reactions catch me off guard at times. In short, I often drive myself crazy, caring so much and over-thinking things!

I thank God that He isn’t finished with me yet.

As our church prepares for Trunk ‘n’ Treat again this year, and I get ready for Halloween, I’m reminded again of the little evangelistic fliers that ask, “Are You God’s Pumpkin?”. Perhaps you’ve seen them. In part, they speak of God scooping out the yucky stuff inside and placing His light in us so that all may see. Living as God’s pumpkin isn’t easy, but in every struggle I also rejoice, because I am a work in progress. He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Yes, Jesus saved me from death, and scooped out my less desirable traits, but as my heart remains surrendered to Him, the Lord keeps working in me so that the light He’s placed inside is more and more visible, and glowing ever brighter.

Here’s a new poem I wrote today, with that in mind:

“God’s Pumpkin”

I’m so glad to be God’s pumpkin,
for He pulled me from the field;
The dirt of my sin was wiped away,
and He works on me as I yield.
The Spirit gives easy access –
God gently reaches in to clean:
Removing the seeds of doubt,
the stringy mess of fears unseen.
He carved out a goofy smile,
and placed His light inside of me,
to not only shine on Halloween
but all year, so the world can see.
Yes, I’m thankful to be God’s pumpkin.
No trick! His treats are the best!
Some may say I’m out of my gourd,
I say I’m monstrously blessed!

10-29-17
©Ladeena Ashley

Are you God’s pumpkin? Has God plucked you out of the pumpkin patch, cleaned off the sinful dirt, works daily in your life to scoop out the yucky stuff, “carved” a smile on your face and put His light in your soul? If so, rejoice and tell others how they can become God’s pumpkin, too!

Just remember, we’re all works in progress, with our own struggles, so lead with love!

Don’t be afraid to shine His light, especially into the conspicuous darkness of this holiday. No matter the current trends or the origins of Halloween, what the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good as you make yourself available!

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2017 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photos)