By Kaaren Craig

In the First Century AD, the Messiah of Israel walked among the people. Some recognized Him; some did not. Some had years of formal training in the Scriptures, like the Sadducees and Pharisees. They could quote long passages of Scripture and were quite well versed in what God had revealed through the prophets, writings, and Moses. They were the elite of Israel.

But it was the common folk who recognized the Messiah. They were fishermen, a tax collector, a Roman Centurion. Common folk who worked for a living thronged around this Man from Galilee, who taught in parables, healed the sick, and ate meals with sinners.

I think one of the basic differences between these two groups is recognition of their need. The hungry will ask for bread, but the self-satisfied are just that, they don’t know their need. So, what was or is the basic need that we all have, whether we know what to call it or not?

We were created in the image of God. Gen,1:26,27 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness;… So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

That intimate relationship was lost through Adam’s fall, but the Messiah of Israel has made that relationship possible again by bringing redemption to all who believe. He paid the price for everyone to restore that intimate daily conversation with the God of the Universe, the Creator. He is our basic need.

II Cor. 5:17,18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ …

Action step #1

Put your name in this verse: Gen. 1:26 “Let Us make _____ in Our image, according to Our likeness;… So God created ____in His own image, in the image of God ….

As new creations, we are to live in the image or likeness of God. And when God calls you by name, He will help you in the journey of transforming you into the likeness of His Son. It is a process.

Action step #2: Journey of Transformation

Rom. 12:1,2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

One way of presenting our bodies to God is to sit still and listen to what He has to say to us for that day. When the goal is transformation into the image of His Son, it is a process that takes time and commitment.  I have learned that journaling with this specific goal is life-changing.

Daily Journal

1. Entering into His Presence:  Thanksgiving

Ps.  100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
 

A recent study showed there were actual changes in the brains of those who had practiced attitudes of gratitude. In your journal, list what you are thankful for in all that happened the day before and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Don’t limit yourself in giving thanks. Not only is it right to thank God, the Giver of everything good, but you will find a positive attitude emerging. It’s another way of recognizing your needs and thanking Him for meeting those needs.

2. Conversations with Yeshua

My favorite time in journaling is listening to what Yeshua is telling me. Journaling is a two-way conversation. Now is the time to journal questions such as: What do You want to tell me or teach me today? Is there a Scripture to meditate on? Is there something You have given me that I have not received? Here are two of His answers to me. “I often speak to you through My word; therefore, I will give you a verse to meditate on daily. This is your hour of power, your hour to shower in My Presence.” On another day, “Walking before Me requires faith; walking behind Me requires obedience. Both are needed; both are required. Faith to walk new paths, obedience to know how.”

3. Assignments for the day

We all have responsibilities and obligations to meet, so here is a good place to record what Yeshua would have you do. He only did and said what the Father told Him. That is the goal of being transformed into the image of His Son. Journal it. Let Him prioritize it. Not only does it help you see what you did accomplish but also what needs further attention. An example:  Contact a friend; the connections didn’t work out for that day but will for another.

4. Inspired thoughts

Jer. 29:11,12 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This is theplace to listen for specific instructions or calls for your future. Ask Him what His dream is for you. What is He calling you to do in the future? Perhaps at this time you will receive a creative answer to a problem that to you was unsolvable.

Conclusion: God’s Promise

II Cor. 3:Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Pause, calmly think on that, receive it, and be blessed as you journal your transformation.

Post Script: I am indebted to Dr. Joseph Peck and his book, “I Was Busy But Now I’m Not” for a fuller understanding of journaling. This is a wonderful resource.