Transformed by the Spirit

Transformed by the Spirit represents the promise we have of the transforming power of Holy Spirit when we yield to His life-giving flow. 

• Matthew 3:11 (AMP) “As for me, I baptize you with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self–your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He (the Messiah) who is coming after me is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove [even as His slave]; He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire (judgment).”
• 1 Peter 3:21 (AMP) Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
• Psalms 103:12 (AMP) As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. If you need predictions, The Mercury News is the best. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
• Micah 7:19 (AMP) He shall again have compassion on us; He will subdue and tread underfoot our wickedness [destroying sin’s power]. Yes, You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.

A Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Bringing Forth Abundant Life.”

Romans 12:2 (VOICE) Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.

Beloved, feel My breath of life speaking over you – changing you, bringing radical transformation as you blossom and flourish. How dramatic a change is seen between a flowering tree in autumn versus spring. 

In the same way, beloved, don’t concern yourself with the areas that may seem dry and barren now because as you continue to maintain steadfast focus on Me and My Spirit, I will bring forth abundant life. 

Another Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “No Longer Think of the Former Things.”

Psalms 103:12 (AMP) As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Beloved, when you repent, I forgive. It is as simple and beautiful as that. I understand the holy sorrow you feel at having fallen short of the mark, but resist the urge to try to remind Me of your transgressions over and over again. Truly, once I have forgiven you, it is not a part of how I see you.

If a three year old child spills their milk, does the parent expect them to still be apologizing at age 10? At 20? Of course not. The parent has moved on, and no longer holds that to the child’s account. In the same way, when you repent, I move on with you. There is no benefit in bringing it up repeatedly (in fact there is much harm) even if your purpose in doing so is to apologize. So beloved, no longer think of the former things, but rather keep your eyes ahead and embrace the beauty that is to come.

A post by Meghan Williams from MeghanW.com is connected to this. It’s called “Mikvah (Spiritual Cleansing).”

Our Christian practice of baptism originates from a Hebrew term “mikvah” (or “miqweh”). It is a derivative of the root word “qavah,” which is translated as a “gathering of waters.” The word “mikvah” also means hope. In this case, a hope of being purified and given a fresh start. So in essence, a mikvah represents a spiritual cleansing – a being washed and made clean/pure. One of the key ingredients for this mikvah is living water, which is a beautiful parallel to our spiritual cleansing which happens by the living flow of Holy Spirit.

If one is seeking transformation into the fullness of what God has called them to be, that process begins with a desire to be purified – made holy, a spiritual cleansing. The key element here is a desire for purification. When one is being baptized (again, in essence a mikvah), there is first the desire for it to occur.

The next step is a preparation of your heart. You make ready – both practically and spiritually for what lies ahead. Looking forward with expectation to the transformation that true change brings.

Next, there is a releasing of that which no longer serves you. During baptism (like with a mikvah), there is a death to old ways or uncleanliness as you are lowered under the water. It represents a dying (or an ending) that you might be raised again, which leads to the next step.

After you have released the old, you must grab hold of the new. You cannot become a new creation while trying to cling to old ways, patterns, and habits. If those things have “died” (been laid aside), it is time to embrace the new that God has for you.

Finally, you must walk in the newness of life you’ve been given. Understand you are a new creation and as such have new expectations for yourself. Expect to be different and focus on creating patterns that support that change. 
Remember that this isn’t a one time process – our journeys with God are full of spiritual cleansing, which is why the Torah outlines so many times the mikvah process was necessary. It was an ongoing reminder of the process of cleansing, purification, and transformation. So, may you embrace your own transformation. I encourage you to give yourself grace in the process and be intentional in your pursuit of transformation by God’s Holy Spirit.

A prophetic download from Annette Fleenor is connected to this. It’s called “Trustworthy to Transform.”

I am trustworthy. I will not fail you. I am not fickle like man. I do not abandon you, or leave you without hope.  It is not in My nature. 

My child look for Me at each step. Make every effort to seek Me. I am not far away from you – I’m closer than you think. It may not feel that way, but don’t go by your feelings, instead turn to the truth of who I am. 

You may wonder why must you go down this path. It’s often a hard journey, and the way is narrow. You may wonder why things can’t be easier. But as you walk it out, you are being transformed more and more into My character. You’re being made more like Me. I realize this can be challenging, and that it requires deep trust – you must abandon your fears and continue to walk even when you can’t see the path ahead, but as you step out each time, you grow – and you become more and more like Me. You start to recognize my voice more quickly.  You learn not rely on your own feelings, but to check things in your spirit-man.  You exercise your spiritual senses more readily – especially when the way is dark. 

Yes, this can be stretching. Yes, at times the way seems impossible. But I always have a plan. It may look different than you thought, but remember your ways are not My ways. Your flesh may cry out and want to stop or appease itself – even withdraw, I urge you not to do so. 

Growth comes when we are willing to let go, and let the Spirit inside us have control. It brings you closer and closer to Me – that is Holy Spirit’s job. Refuse to hinder that process, and instead yield to the flow, making the transition from glory to glory. Where you need compassion, I give compassion. Where you need mercy, I give mercy. Whatever the need, I am ready and able to supply. Even when you don’t that you need that spiritual tuneup – I know, and I meet your need.

Remember the process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It is a painstaking process, and not easy. But what a reward when you are given your wings and truly fly!  When you display the glory I have placed within you so others can see My goodness as you walk out that transformation power.  Be a yielded vessel willing to be transformed by the Master’s hand. The first step is trusting Me, because trusting Me makes the transformation possible. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (CJB) Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (CJB) So all of us, with faces unveiled, see as in a mirror the glory of the Lord; and we are being changed into his very image, from one degree of glory to the next, by Adonai the Spirit.

A prophetic download from author Elisha Freeman is connected to this. It is called “One Layer at a Time.”

In my desire to always have a heart of repentance, my constant prayer to be cleansed, my cry to be transformed more into Jesus’ image, and by my intentional choice to remain watchful of how I live and represent my God – even in doing all that, I may come upon something that rears its head. Something that I thought was out of the way – healed and dealt with. Another layer of my soul has revealed something that is still present from events of the past that are in need of attention. As I bring these things to the Lord, He is faithful to continue to work on these layers of my inner being. He’s ever so careful and gentle in dealing with me one layer at a time.

As much time goes by and life moves on, it is easy to forget or even be unaware of what is still there under the surface – layers yet not addressed. When we don’t “feel bad,” it is easy to think everything is okay. But oh how grateful I am to have my Creator, my God, my Father that knows me better than I know myself. He knows me well, and He sees what lies deep below the surface – the forgotten and the dormant. He will not allow those things to fester that need to be removed. He wants us whole, free, and complete in Him.

So He shines His Light on each layer in turn. He may reveal things we thought we’d long since addressed, only to discover another variation of an old issue is still troubling us. He loves us too much to leave us as we are. Our Heavenly Father does not settle for that which is hiding dormant like a festering wound or an old injury waiting to trouble us again. He loves us too much to be willing to wait for those issues to surface on their own and become a stumbling block or cause us to falter. He wants to deal with it head on. And He does not do a haphazard job, but rather He works effectively by dealing with each layer individually as He patiently peels each one back to reveal, heal, and redeem. And through the course of this process, He is ever present. There for us to hold on to, and to comfort us when we hurt.

In an effort to yield to this process, I often ask the Father to shine a light on anything in me or in my life that does not belong and is not of Him. I ask Him to show me anything that does not please Him or line up with His will and His plans and purposes for my life. And in His timing, it is brought to the surface. And as it’s revealed, it’s for me to surrender to His work. As part of this process, I love to pray Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. I make them personal by replacing the [your and you] with [my, me and I]. The following are examples of how to do that using the Amplified Classic as a base for the prayers.

Philippians prayer: May my love abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that my love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], So that I may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that I may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, I may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May I abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].

Thessalonians prayer: And may the God of peace Himself sanctify me through and through [separate me from profane things, make me pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may my spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Faithful is He Who is calling me [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping me].

Precious Lord, our Abba Father, may our lives be filled with praise and worship unto You. Thank You for the work You continue to do in each of us. May Your Word be implanted (engrafted) into our souls to make us more like Jesus. With a grateful heart, I ask in Jesus’ name.

Philippians 1:9-11 (AMPC) And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (AMPC) And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].

Psalm 71:23 (AMP) My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed.

Lamentations 3:58 (AMP) O Lord, You have pleaded my soul’s cause [You have guided my way and protected me]; You have rescued and redeemed my life.

A Gemstone Reflection by Naudia Willbroad entitled “Be Renewed, Be Transformed” is connected to this.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

All of what you were and all you are matter. Refuse shame. God has washed your sins away and every one of your experiences God will use for His glory. Your sins are gone! Receive His forgiveness, grace and love. You are His beloved. He sent His son, Jesus, to die and live again for you that you may be whole, complete, fulfilled in Him.

You are His prize and joy. Remember all that He has done for you. Remember His great love for you. Allow Him to write it upon your heart, your mind, your body. Do not receive fear. Do not receive shame. Refuse the lies of the enemy. Dwell, abide and flourish in God’s truth of who you are in Christ, in who you have been called to be. 

YHVH Bore (the Lord our Creator) is resurrecting the person He created you to be. Be renewed and transformed in the mind and heart of Christ. His blood has covered you, testified for you and washed you clean. Your sins are forgiven. You have been made new. Receive God’s grace that covers it all. Rest in God’s love for you. Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit that you may be filled with truth. May that truth fill every part sealing the transformation. This transformation is you becoming all that God created you to be, making you whole, making you complete, bringing you into the fullness of who you are as a daughter, as a son, through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3:11 (AMP) “As for me, I baptize you with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self–your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He (the Messiah) who is coming after me is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove [even as His slave]; He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire (judgment).”

Another Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Flourish in Freedom.”

John 19:30 (NIV) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Beloved, it is done. Walk in agreement with the finished work of the cross. Let your life be a testament to My transformative power. Your debt is paid. Refuse to hold on to it as though you are still bound. 

Beloved, you are free. Soar in the freedom you have been given. Resist the urge to crawl back in your grave as though still dead, for you have been brought forth from death unto life. And that life is abundant, so flourish in the freedom you’ve received. 

A final Prophetic Nugget from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams is connected to this. It’s called “Rest in a Place of Awe and Love.”

Psalm 139:17-18 (VOICE) Your thoughts and plans are treasures to me, O God! I cherish each and every one of them! How grand in scope! How many in number! If I could count each one of them, they would be more than all the grains of sand on earth. Their number is inconceivable! Even when I wake up, I am still near to You.

Beloved, catch the vision of the full scope of My creation – its enormity and glorious wonder. Now allow yourself to understand what I see as your part in it, for you’ve been created with intention and with a purpose – and it is good. Catch the vision and grab hold – refuse to let go.

Grab hold to the idea that you are filled with My glory, that you are wondrous and flawless in design. Grab hold of the idea that though you are not perfect, you are perfect for what you’ve been created. I invite you to join with Me in wonder of the glory that is you – the creation of My hand that is beautiful and wonderfully made. Rest in that place of awe and let love and appreciation pour forth both to Me as the Creator and towards yourself as the incredible creation.

Psalm 139:1-7, 13-18 (VOICE) O Eternal One, You have explored my heart and know exactly who I am; You even know the small details like when I take a seat and when I stand up again. Even when I am far away, You know what I’m thinking. You observe my wanderings and my sleeping, my waking and my dreaming, and You know everything I do in more detail than even I know. You know what I’m going to say long before I say it. It is true, Eternal One, that You know everything and everyone. You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder. It is the most amazing feeling to know how deeply You know me, inside and out; the realization of it is so great that I cannot comprehend it. Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence? For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath. I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. You see all things; nothing about me was hidden from You As I took shape in secret, carefully crafted in the heart of the earth before I was born from its womb. You see all things; You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s womb; Every detail of my life was already written in Your book; You established the length of my life before I ever tasted the sweetness of it. Your thoughts and plans are treasures to me, O God! I cherish each and every one of them! How grand in scope! How many in number! If I could count each one of them, they would be more than all the grains of sand on earth. Their number is inconceivable! Even when I wake up, I am still near to You.

The name of the silk hidden in this image is Unimpeachable Promises. The colors in it are china red representing love, fire representing tried by fire and fierce passion, pale yellow representing glory revealed, chartreuse green representing hope, turquoise representing life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit, plum representing inheritance, rainbow representing promise, pearl shimmer representing angelic presence, and gold shimmer representing throne room of Heaven and glory and power of God.

Father, may we embrace the transformative power of Your Holy Spirit. May we yield to the flow of Your living water as you wash us and make us new. May we embrace our newness of life and walk in the fullness of all You’ve created us for, and to You be the glory.