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2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)
There are a number of renovation television shows which I really enjoy. I find it both fascinating and awesome to see how a good contractor can transform a poorly functioning home into something totally different so that it works for the family living within. The contractors are able to look at the existing building and see the possibilities and potential therein, then to use their skills to bring about the reality of positive change. As long as the foundational structure of a home is solid, they can do just about anything in regard to redesigning the original space. In fact, by the time the renovation is completed, the transformation is so amazing that it's hard to believe that it's even the same structure.
Likewise, when we come to Christ, the solid foundation, He sees and knows our potential — all that is possible within us. As we yield to the power of His Spirit's leading, we, too, become transformed creations. The acts of our sinful nature, which reigns before our commitment to Christ, are described in Scripture this way: quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, envy, selfish ambition, dissension, division, hostility, impurity, lustful pleasures, sexual immorality, idolatry, sorcery, drunkenness, wild parties, and other like sins. Committing ourselves to Christ as Lord and Saviour and seeking daily to lay our decisions, thoughts, speech, and actions before Him, however, changes everything within in us as His Holy Spirit quietly works to renew our hearts and minds, gradually bringing about our reconstruction as God's holy people.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — the fruit of the Spirit — gradually transform us from the inside out. In fact, by the time Christ is finished with some people, it may be hard to believe that they are the same persons. They may physically look the same, but both inwardly and outwardly, a totally amazing transformation has occurred.
Renovating a house is very expensive, and may be completed in a relatively short period. Jesus offers the grace of His love and forgiveness freely to anyone who chooses to believe — God's gift to mankind that when accepted has the power to begin a lifetime of quiet inner renovations that mold and shape us into all that God intends us to be.
How's life going for you these days? Are you perhaps in need of that inner renovation of the heart and mind that only Christ, the master contractor, can provide? If so, I urge you to take a moment and pray this prayer.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I need You and believe in You. Come into my life and forgive my sins, for which I am truly sorry. Help me daily to turn my life over to You, that I may reach my full potential and be all that you intend for me to be. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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Spiritual renovation is ongoing, day by day.
Always enjoy your thoughtful devotionals. Thank you!
So true and great advice for us all, thanks and blessings Lynne!
Thank you again for sharing this encouraging devotional with us!
Blessings.
Thanks once more for your writing Lynne.
Every time I tried to get up from my chair, the cat, who was in my lap, objected! So, I was there longer than I planned…wasn’t totally his doing, of course.
Thank you and good morning, Lynne.
This is an excellent comparison right down to the foundation!!
Have a blessed Sunday.
God bless.
Thanks, Lynne.
You’re keeping us guessing again (no animals in your story) but another wonderful challenge. We are a work in progress, and we do need the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily.
Thank you, Lynne. Praise God for: “Jesus offers the grace of His love and forgiveness freely to anyone who chooses to believe – God’s gift to mankind that when accepted has the power to begin a lifetime of quiet inner renovations that mold and shape us into all that God intends us to be.”
Hi Lynne,
Your devotional “The Renovation” took me by surprise. Thank you for this very modern spin on 2 Corinthians 5:17.
When I think of my life being renovated by the master Carpenter himself 2 Corinthians 5:17 comes alive knowing that He is my solid foundation.
God bless.
Many thanks Lynne for another of your very special writings. You have a special talent of interweaving common life activities with the special and unique powers of our loving Saviour. Yes, it is amazing how the Holy Spirit working in our lives can change so much of our behaviour and definitely for the better. Those words in the fruit of the Spirit certainly reflect much peacefulness and positivity. Many blessings for your assuring and encouraging words.
Good morning, Lynne.
Once again thank you for the devotional I received this morning. As usual you have a wonderful ministry with words, and today’s is a true “back to basics” reminder of God’s calling.
I am hoping that you and your family are doing okay with the wildfires out there.
Praying for everyone out there.
(Ont)
Good morning, Lynne,
It is great that we have God’s help to renovate us into His vision. Change is a lot of work and I need help. When I feel some of those changes, I am happy to be a calmer, happier, more positive, nicer, and have a stronger faith that all is in the good hands of God. Thanks for sharing and listing all those sinful natures that are in the Bible – eye opening. May the fruits of the spirit ripen in us all as we continue on our journey of life. Praying. Blessings.
Hi Lynne,
I too am an HGTV junkie.
Yes the foundation often needs the most help.
Your devotion reminded me of the Sunday school. The wiseman built his house upon the rock…
Another insight
God and Jesus are the foundation. keep that in good repair.
Then my spiritual gifts can be explored.
Dear Lynne,
My sister’s home is undergoing a major renovation and she and her husband are living with us while it’s completed. It’s been a great experience, my husband and I have been pleased to be of service to our family.
We’ve learned more about each other, good and bad but it has renovated our relationship for the better.
I love your analogy!
Blessings.