This past week my wife and I chatted casually about our desires and plans for this year. We have a list! – including ‘refreshing’ our home.
Periodically we like watching home reno shows. Some seem “over the top” with affluence, but some creative ideas can be adapted to suit our present needs.
Personally, I have been contemplating other renovations. These involve the ‘home’ I live in – my body. A bit of physical reno would benefit me, as would ongoing character and activity ‘refresh’.
Boundaries (partitions) may need adjusting, attitudes reset, firming up some disciplines, or even clearing musty character ‘clutter’. Preserving energy, and inner harmony with my beliefs and values helps me enjoy being ALIVE ON THE INSIDE.
Whatever the creative reno, I want to take my cue from my Creator – Jesus. He has high aspirations for me. I’ve previously noted that truly living revolves around SURVIVAL and SATISFACTION. Knowing this, Jesus purposes that we, “may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Let’s think about this:
- Jesus gives us LIFE
We NEED Him for Natural Life. He “holds in His hand your life.” (Job 5:23) “The God who made the world and everything in it …gives all men life and breath and everything else…in Him we live, move, and have our being.” (Acts 17)
We NEED Him for Spiritual Life. A relationship with God that continues on into Heaven needs to start now. Jesus offers the forgiveness of our sins, and can grant eternal life – starting NOW.
The Bible clearly states, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5)
Then comes the promise, “To you who believe in the name of the Son of God…know that you have eternal life”. I believe Jesus! – and I live in the assurance that God keeps His promises!
- Jesus gives LIFE TO THE FULL
Home renos begin with ownership, then the ‘gut-job’, then the re-build. When we surrender to Jesus He becomes Lord of our lives. He takes ownership, does the ‘gut-job’ (forgiving our sins), and begins to build His character in us – renewing us.
This transformation is described, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5) Basking in His love for us we grow in love for Him. We listen to His word, believe Him, trust Him, and obey Him. We fellowship together!
Jesus speaks of this, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15) Hence, “life to the full.”
“Lord, enable me to enjoy time with You as we progress in the ‘home’ reno of me this year.”
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris