RENEWAL

The sunshine beckons.

The fresh wind blows away all that was stale.

Grass turns green, and buds appear.

It’s spring, Lord, and I’m thankful.

I’m thankful for living where I get to enjoy the change of seasons

and see the miracles of sun, growth, planting, harvest,

thunderstorms, autumn, and snow.

It’s time for renewal inside and out, Lord,

and I want it to come from You.

 

Renewal is so descriptive of who I am as your Lord.  Many people see Me as some old relic who has become outdated and no longer active in the world, but that is because the world and its distractions have blinded them to true life.

My word declares that I remain the same and do not change over time, and that is true with regard to My essence, My makeup.  But just as I created the universe in its endless variety, My creative power goes forth every moment sustaining and molding My works.  Each sunrise and sunset is a new intentional paint stroke on My canvas, not simply a tired repetition of the cycle I began.  The continuing life cycle of each plant and animal is My life finding expression and joy where even nature still lies under the curse of man’s sin.

Every child born, every hope realized, every prayer answered, every love truly given is an active gift from My hand, which supplies every good and perfect thing you treasure.  I did not set the world in motion and then leave it on auto-pilot.  I am always renewing and creating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond this, I even sent My Son to die for your sins in order to renew you to a relationship with Me.  Sin had conquered your heart and held it in a death grip, but redemption quickened your spirit to a new life, a life in My Spirit which renews your inner man day by day.  This life is lived by faith in the very life of Christ within you.  I live in you, actively proceeding moment by moment, not as just a decorative piece placed on a shelf in your heart.

Your mind needs constant renewal of these truths whereby you come to know Me better and live the life I have designed and provided.  The world and your natural human perspectives and reasoning lead you away from Me into patterns of depending on your own efforts and strength.  My Spirit will renew your mind into a true knowledge of Me that you may see and know how delightful and precious My will is for you.

I have already provided the power and means for a life lived in the bright sunshine of My love and fellowship.  I have given My very own Spirit to live that life through you by His strength, not by yours.  So renew your heart and mind in surrender, in dependence, in humility, in gratitude, in forgiveness, and in love.  My Spirit will do the work, you need only be willing to allow Me to reign.

 

Enjoy and rejoice in the renewal you can see with your eyes.  More, open yourself to the fresh work of My Spirit in your heart and mind just like you open the windows to the fresh clean air, and I will move and cleanse and establish My peace and growth day by day.

 

Hebrews 13:8; Colossians 1:16-17; James 1:17; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 4:16;

Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:2-4; Colossians 1:9-12;

Colossians 3:12-17