Devotionals

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Whenever I visit the island of Inagua in the Bahamas, I see the lovely flamingoes and recall how what they eat affects the colour they become. When we feed on the things of God it is equally visible.

Our Lord has a moment when all of his former glory is revealed before the three disciples chosen to accompany him on the Mount of Transfiguration. His clothes are a dazzling white and the brightness is almost unbearable. He is both human and divine and it is most obvious what is within him all along: “And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and he became dazzling white” (Luke 9: 29 NRSV).

We were intended to reflect God’s glory also, and the shining face of Moses is in direct contrast to the shadows of darkness that are reflected on the faces of those possessed with evil spirits, for example. During his intimate communion with God, Moses is transformed as he prays and it remains even after he returns to the people: “Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Ex. 34: 29 NRSV).

What is it that is most visible on our faces most of the time? Is it the dark clouds of anger, the greenish tint of jealousy or greed, the purple of passion, the shadows of depression or some other hue that signifies a soul that is sick?

Leanne Payne’s book entitled, The Crisis of Masculinity, is one that I highly recommend. I have not completed it but I am already moved by the healing stories portrayed in the early chapters. She celebrates the gift of a loving godly father who is able to affirm the sexual identity of both male and female children with appropriate affection, attention and affirmation. Many people are wounded from very early in childhood and carry the scars for life unless transformed by God. Others inherit characteristics that haunt them without them comprehending their origin or true impact.

When we come before God with honest confession of acknowledged sin, we are able to be united with Christ in a wonderful way. As we pray for revelation of other forgotten impediments to spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit often brings them to remembrance. There is power in prayer and the Enemy finds countless ways to keep us from listening to God and speaking to God with the veil of self-centredness lifted.

There is a very real sense that we cannot be loved and appreciated when we are so disfigured by selfishness and the suffering of unconfessed sin. Others see this inner disfigurement and are repelled by our obnoxious forms of self-defense or self-hatred. What can we do? We can call out to God for healing and wholeness, and feed on holy things.

God is desirous of restoring us to our former glory. The Lord has walked the path of earthly sorrows to place a hunger for transfiguration in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is within us to make us more transparent as we radiate the divine Presence within us. Allow the Lord Jesus to unveil your true inner beauty and offer hope of help to others.

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