Welcome to this week’s “In the Little things” Podcast.   Have there been days in which it seems like everything you do has been hard. I know that this week has been a difficult week. Thank you for joining us as we discuss what the bible defines what is  "New Creation" versus what is "Transformation". As we navigate these difficult waters, becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus makes all the difference on how we transform into what God has always intended for us to be... Perfect and Complete... in Him! Listen to this week's "True Stories" as we walk and seek God's peace in this storm. 

Scripture: When we look at Scripture… These are the ones that come to mind..   (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.” (Romans 12:2) “And do not be conformed to this world, with its superficial values and customs, but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind and focusing on Godly values and ethical attitudes, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan for purpose and hope!” (Philippians 1:21) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  (Romans 5:2-5) “Through him (Jesus) we have also obtained access by FAITH into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts though the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (James 1:2-4) “Count it all joy, my sisters and brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it FULL EFFECT, that you may be PERFECT AND COMPLETE, lacking in NOTHING.”

Challenge/ Application: So whenever the liar tells you that good people do not "suffer" or  that you are not worthy of His free gift of salvation and of being transformed into what He has planned and intended for you to become in Christ Jesus... reject that lie and speak God's Truth of redeeming love for you. Ask Him... "Lord where are You in this suffering and help my unbelief so that I also can be made into a New Creation in Christ Jesus name, Amen!" Stand strong on God's Holy True Word. In order for us to be able to become what God has intended… we must get rid of what baggage we are carrying by asking God to forgive us and cleanse us. Allow Him to His love to transform You into His intended beauty!

Devotional Insight:  God knows loves His creation. He never promised that we would not  have difficulties. He promised that He will always be there with us through the suffering. Put your trust and FAITH in Him. He will provide everything you need to become a strong and to have peace even in  difficult times. Ask God to come into your heart today and He will give you His Salvation and peace.

 Guided Prayer: “Thank you for you son, Jesus who suffered and died for our salvation sake. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit that resides in us at the moment of salvation. Thank you for Your Word that transforms and sustains us during our suffering. We give You thanks in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.”