Friday, July 2, 2010

You--God's Origami

YOU—GOD’S ORIGAMI
Romans 8:22-30
Vv. 29-30: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.”

For those of God’s kids who choose salvation—believing in Jesus—there is unending inside work. This work lasts entire lifetimes. This work makes you "God’s work in progress."
How does conforming, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying happen?

Origami (or-i-GOM-EE, means folding paper) is Japanese. This term is derived from two Japanese words that define a skilled process--for which every person can learn to excel. From a single piece of paper, making precise geometric folds and creases, one creates something unique (u-NEEK, means one-of-a-kind).



As you fashion a single piece of paper into a bird, or a squirrel, think about how God’s shaping you, too. First, God uses circumstances to bring His kids to their knees, seeking Him. Fold one.



Then God engulfs us with His grace—twisting and turning our lives—until we emerge a close resemblance of Jesus. “Conformed into the image of His Son” is how Romans 8:29 describes our transformation. Aren’t we glad that God’s reconfiguring us into the likeness of a person, instead of a bird? But the “shape” has two meanings. Jesus’ soul is God’s target area: Mind, heart, emotions. Fold two.




Often God uses His other kids, like your parents, teachers, or Pastor to help His molding your soul into a mirror reflection of Jesus. Just like teachers show us the proper way to do all kinds of stuff, God uses them to help reshape us.

How many folds, twists, and creases does it take for God to transform you into the likeness of Jesus?

Take Home Nugget

When God’s kids' lives take unexpected turns—and we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory—remember what’s happening. Regardless of how freaked you get with difficult circumstances, remember who’s in control. Remember whose you are...In whose hands could you be more secure than in the hands of your Creator and Redeemer? Would you trade places with another?
Remember that the person you become looks like Jesus in God’s eyes.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.


You are the potter, Lord; I am the clay.
Have Your way, Lord; have it all Your way.
Mold and shape me as determined by Your will;
I await Your fashioning me, yielded and still.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA, ON YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY!


J.D. Griffith
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