Renewed (4)
DAILY VITAMIN
- Renewed IV
Have you ever stopped just for a moment to think about why even after being born again, many of us still struggle with our old nature? The addiction doesn't become extinct; in fact it suddenly begins to feel more real than it did before, and as a result, we end up fighting against our sensual wills most of the time. It is almost like the temptations increased in multiple facets; and though we are new, it seems as if we're still fighting an old enemy.
However, oftentimes, it's our ego which tends to remain stronger, making us at unconscious moments to take the place of God in our lives just like Nebuchadnezzar did. Here's what you should know: God knew the transformation He did plan for you won't be instantaneous; to prove it to you, Peter was still of self even after three years with Christ, choosing to lie and live rather than tell the truth and die. The Holy Spirit's work in our lives at new birth was a transformation of our spirit, and consequently our entire soul and an entire outer manifestation (bodily) of the same. Paul wrote 'Be not conformed to the world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind....'(Romans 12:2). The word 'Renewal' wasn't used if you'd notice, to reveal that it isn't a one-time thing, rather it says 'renewing', signifying a daily approach to become the God-kind of person by complete obedience and total commitment. Yes, we are renewed beings now- free of fear, sin and death; and while this renewal has been sealed in our inner man, our outer man must be engaged in a renewing exercise to conform to the very nature of Christ in us.
So, don't let Satan cheat you the same way he cheated Judas; because though Judas failed, but it was not written that God couldn't forgive him. The fact that you fell today doesn't keep you on ground level, your staying there does. The fact that you fell short today doesn't mean you won't grow tall tomorrow. God wants you to grow- that's why He says grow in grace even though you're already living in grace. It's a process, and God is ready to get on that ride with you. Don't be hard on yourself, rather be hard on the goal to reach our perfect state in Christ and towards the fulfillment of the life God has prepared for you. They are not the same thing. The first puts all reliance on your strength to hit the mark, and the latter brings hitting the mark under the power and reliance of the Holy Ghost.
So, get back up now, by renewing your lifestyle from self to more of God, because regardless of how much you fall, it's more about how much you responded by standing back, and guess what? God is willing to pick you up (Psalm 37:24). Hence, will you stay standing today? Before you make your choice, just remember that in Christ you're renewed for exceedingly great things to come. You don't want to miss the view of the future He has in store for you; so please keep standing.
- Renewed IV
Have you ever stopped just for a moment to think about why even after being born again, many of us still struggle with our old nature? The addiction doesn't become extinct; in fact it suddenly begins to feel more real than it did before, and as a result, we end up fighting against our sensual wills most of the time. It is almost like the temptations increased in multiple facets; and though we are new, it seems as if we're still fighting an old enemy.
However, oftentimes, it's our ego which tends to remain stronger, making us at unconscious moments to take the place of God in our lives just like Nebuchadnezzar did. Here's what you should know: God knew the transformation He did plan for you won't be instantaneous; to prove it to you, Peter was still of self even after three years with Christ, choosing to lie and live rather than tell the truth and die. The Holy Spirit's work in our lives at new birth was a transformation of our spirit, and consequently our entire soul and an entire outer manifestation (bodily) of the same. Paul wrote 'Be not conformed to the world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind....'(Romans 12:2). The word 'Renewal' wasn't used if you'd notice, to reveal that it isn't a one-time thing, rather it says 'renewing', signifying a daily approach to become the God-kind of person by complete obedience and total commitment. Yes, we are renewed beings now- free of fear, sin and death; and while this renewal has been sealed in our inner man, our outer man must be engaged in a renewing exercise to conform to the very nature of Christ in us.
So, don't let Satan cheat you the same way he cheated Judas; because though Judas failed, but it was not written that God couldn't forgive him. The fact that you fell today doesn't keep you on ground level, your staying there does. The fact that you fell short today doesn't mean you won't grow tall tomorrow. God wants you to grow- that's why He says grow in grace even though you're already living in grace. It's a process, and God is ready to get on that ride with you. Don't be hard on yourself, rather be hard on the goal to reach our perfect state in Christ and towards the fulfillment of the life God has prepared for you. They are not the same thing. The first puts all reliance on your strength to hit the mark, and the latter brings hitting the mark under the power and reliance of the Holy Ghost.
So, get back up now, by renewing your lifestyle from self to more of God, because regardless of how much you fall, it's more about how much you responded by standing back, and guess what? God is willing to pick you up (Psalm 37:24). Hence, will you stay standing today? Before you make your choice, just remember that in Christ you're renewed for exceedingly great things to come. You don't want to miss the view of the future He has in store for you; so please keep standing.
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