{RE:} Renewed Daily

Friday: Renewed Daily


We're at the end of another week, and officially halfway through Lent. I would love to hear about your journey so far - where are you seeing God move in you? Let us know in the comments if you're ready to share!


Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal."



Reflect:

We look around and see brokenness, division, hate, war, injustice, and all sorts of things that could easily make us "lose heart." In our personal lives, our communities, our families, and this world, there are many situations that threaten our hearts.

  • What is causing you to lose heart lately?


Though things outwardly are wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed. This tension is everywhere we look in our lives - we can experience unspeakable tragedy and incredibly beauty in the same day, sometimes in the same event!

  • Where have you felt renewed recently? Where have you experienced joy, celebration, beauty, or peace?


We don't need to "lose heart" because God is renewing us day by day! Our salvation journey is not only a moment, but also a movement - we are renewed daily. Paul says that we can do this by looking beyond our present situation and seeking God. Looking to God doesn't necessarily change our situation, but it can change our perspective and give God space to renew us inwardly!

  • Take time this morning to lift up the situations that are causing you to lose heart. Ask God to renew you in the midst of them.


Where have you been looking lately? What kinds of things have you been seeking for renewal, strength, and hope?

Though, on the outside, things in your life and our world may seem to be falling apart, we don't lose hope! Because inwardly, there is something growing. If we look to God, deep within us we will see that there is renewal and revival springing up. Do we have eyes to see it? Do we have the hope to believe it?

Let's participate with God in this renewal day by day!



Respond:

O God,
this is a hard time,
a season of confusion,
a frantic rush
to fill my closets,
my schedule,
and my mind,
only to find myself empty.

Give me hope, Lord,
and remind me
of your steady power
and gracious purposes
that I may live fully.

Renew my faith
that the earth is not destined
for dust and darkness,
but for frolicking life
and deep joy
that, being set free
from my anxiety for the future,
I may take the risks of love
today.

- Ted Loeder, Guerillas of Grace




5 Comments


Nick Tebordo - March 25th, 2022 at 4:21am

Day by day, my soul is refreshed and renewed! Despite an anxiety producing dream in the night, I awakened with the desire to fall down before the Lord, as I begin this day-now half way through Lent, I thank God for what He has been speaking to me. He is not done with me! I guess I knew that, but in the past, I have been focusing on drawing from the well of my life experiences to this point. This week, I have heard God calling me to step into new things. Moreover, I am being called to do these things from a place of rest. I do not have to do more “work”. How exciting and what a relief all at the same time. Doug and I are working on new songs. I have found myself at the piano more than I have been in a long time. Last night, at Fresh Fire, 3 people accepted Christ for the first time and 1 person renewed his faith. “The Spirit is moving over the waters. Come rest on us!” Holy Spirit, I am so grateful. Thank you for what you are doing in Jon and Andrew! Thank you for Kaitlyn and these incredible morning devotions! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! God is not done with any of us. He has given us all a hope and a future beginning right where we are!

David Edelstein - March 25th, 2022 at 5:39am

During my walks I have been seeking my joy and peace and rest thtough celebrating with God that His creation work is complete and with Jesus that His work on the cross and resurrection is also complete. Yet God is still moving in new ways all around me.

Susan Blais - March 25th, 2022 at 6:11am

I will start with a ha ha on me. Yesterday I was so forlorn because I really felt I was losing my vision totally. I was upset all day. My husband took me to the doctors late in the day, and when I went to find my sunglasses I found that my safety glasses had been removed from my purse. When I mentioned it to my husband he said “oh yeah, I had to take them out yesterday to give you to read your morning Bible study“. So, instead of giving me my magnifiers, he had reached in and given me my safety glasses by mistake. My safety glasses have absolutely no magnification and the ha ha was on me! Lol, just thought you might wanna know! As far as today’s lesson goes, it is one that I have read over and over again. Because of my seat situation with the lifelong kidney disease, I knew God had me here for a specific reason. It is one that I may never know, but still he moves me on word on the inside and in faith in him. It is a scripture that fills my heart with hope, and knowing that my life with God eventually will be much different eternally.

Linda Comstock - March 25th, 2022 at 7:29am

"Looking to God doesn't necessarily change the situation, but it can change our perspective and give God space to renew us inwardly." There is no truer statement. So many times I've dispared over a situation, became discouraged and wanted to give up and run away. But... when I look to God asking Him to change me from the inside out, to help me keep my focus on Him rather than the situation that's tearing me apart, He changes my perspective and renews my spirit. It's not always an easy task turning things over to God and letting go.

Teri - March 25th, 2022 at 10:29am

My daily devotional brought me to Acts 3, the lame beggar at the temple gate. His friends brought him as far as the gate and then left him there to beg, when the real treasure is inside. Damn, this hits home. So many gatekeepers. Who are we leaving at the gate in our world? Who needs a phone call or a text of encouragement during this season of Lent? As we turn inward are we also turning outward? I know that most of you here won’t see this but God will. He will hear the prayers in my heart. Amen.

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