We LOVED Avery's videos! She is SO mature for her age, but still so CUTE! You and Kristine have done such a beautiful job raising your girls. The word for this week is "conformed". It appears only twice in the New testament. Both times are in Romans, but two different Greek words. The first is Romans 8:29:
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. KJV
This is the Greek word "summorphos". Strong's Concordance says: jointly formed. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: having the same form as another. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: (a) of the conformity of children of God to the image of His Son, (b) of their future physical conformity to his body of glory. This is speaking of us becoming more and more like JESUS from the inside out, and then being just like Him when we are finally with Him. 1 John 3:2 says this:
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. KJV
The second verse is Romans 12:2:
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV
This one is the Greek word "suschematizo". Strong's Concordance says: to fashion alike, conform to the same pattern. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to fashion or shape one thing like another. This verb has more especial reference to that which is transitory, changeable, unstable. Suschematizo could not be used of inward transformation. God's plan for His people is that we do NOT simply blend in with everyone else. We are to be the Light to the world, and we can't do that effectively if there is no outward manifestation of what has happened to us on the inside! That is where the first 'conformed' comes into play! As we become more and more like JESUS, from the inside out, by spending time in His presence through prayer, praise & worship, and study and meditation of His Word, there will be something different about us that draws people to us who are really seeking. Not everyone will be drawn to us, but everyone SHOULD notice something different about us! Your Father-in-law did a teaching once on 'Fruits, Flakes and Nuts'! :) We want to be different from the world, but not weirdos! We want to be a good different. Different in the same way that JESUS was when He ministered on the earth. He was known for the good things He did. I desire for that to be said of me! Here is an appropriate song by Hillsong called "From The Inside Out":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
