LENT 2016 Day 22 - Beyond Tweaking

I'm already having a hard time getting going this morning.  I got a late start (5:30) and I spent 30 minutes going through my "notes" on my phone which is my prayer list. I updated a few things and went through it line by line praying for my own intentions and family. Then I jumped right into the text for today only to be disappointed. Disappointed in myself that is. I know I'm not ready to give my self completely to God for him to transform my life. That actually makes me a little sad. I think i'll need to spend some time talking to Jesus and the Holy Spirit so that I can come to God and say this prayer that was provided. I want to be ready for a complete transformation, but I don't know that I'm really there yet.

Loving Father, 

Here I am.

I trust that you have an incredible plan for me.

Transform me.  Transform my Life.  Everything in on the table. 

Take what you want to take and give what you want to give. 

Transform me into the person you created me to be so I can live the life you envisioned for me.

I hold nothing back. I am 100 percent available. 

How can I help?

Amen. 

The "Here I Am" is really I opening and reminds me of the song we used to sing in church. "Here I am Lord, it is I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night.  I will go Lord if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart." But with the hustle and bustle of the busy lives we lead are we really HERE. Even though I take this time each day to pray and ponder when was the last time I was still and just listened to God?

I know that I have to start my days with a conversation with Him. Sometimes I feel like I do all the talking.  Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God."  

The transformation isn't easy we know that but God has promised that he'll take care of us.  

Exodus 14:14 " The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace."

Matthew Kelley says "But too often we use prayer in a vain and futile attempt to impose our will upon God." I think a lot of times that is exactly what I do. I ask for what I want and in increments of size that I think I can handle. I have to let it go. I have to be able to let God take hold of me, completely trusting in His plan for my life (even the small and insignificant things/material things) He has a plan for all of them. I need to be ready for a transformation.

POINT TO PONDER: The butterfly emerges from the cocoon; it is a beautiful transformation. 

Well now that just turned the whole transformation thing into a much more positive experience. If that's the outcome (and I'm 98% sure it is) then SIGN ME UP. 

VERSE TO LIVE:"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away, see everything has become new!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What will be the hardest thing above letting God transform you and your life? 

After reading Max Lucado's book about trials and tribulations and learning what various characters in the bible went through only to be transformed it's difficult for us small humans to let it all go and trust God. He's never let us down and He did such amazing things in the lives of Joseph and David and Sarah. 

Is it wrong to ask God to prepare me for the transformation? 

PRAYER:  Jesus, keep the desire for transformation alive in my heart. 

Added prayers:

Help me to understand the importance of Your transformation of my life. Help me to focus on the importance of trusting You and Your great love. Only you know my purpose and my future and You have already promised it to be great. I know I am able, make me completely willing to give my whole heart and soul to You for your will to be done in my life. Help me to move beyond just tweaking.