Manifesting Our Spiritual Renovation

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Have you ever had a cell phone, iPad, computer or other electronic toy wear down or out?

When this occurs you can often send the electronic gizmo back to the manufacturer where it will be refurbished according to the manufacturer’s specifications. . .making it as good as new. . .at least, according to them.

Sometimes we need to be mentally and spiritually refurbished. . .going us back to our manufacturer. . .our Creator. . .for a makeover. . .do over or get over. . .whichever is more appropriate and needed.

If you have renovated an older house you know. . .it’s a process of changing those things that need renovation.

You replace the old flooring with a new more updated look and style.

You replace the old electrical wiring with new. . .to eliminate static interference with your new electronics or prevent a fire hazard.

You replace the outdated exterior and interior wall colors with new vibrant colors and textures.

You replace the old appliances and furniture with new. . .to reflect in changes in time and your taste.

The same parallel is true when we renew our minds.

We've got to take out the old, the old way of thinking and put in the new we find in God’s Word. This is how we become successful and victorious in Christ. We take out the old nature and bring in His new nature.

You see the process of change has as much to do with taking off as it does putting on.

Ephesians 4:22, 24 in the Classic Amplified Bible says

"Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion.

And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.”

There are many thoughts and attitudes that we need to put off as there are new ones that need to be on.

To convince you of God’s plan for your spiritual renovation. . .let’s examine seven keys which will remove all doubt about the value of a newly renovated you.

1.      You were created in His image.

Let’s begin with the basics.

Genesis 1:26 in the Message Bible says:

“God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature.”

You were created to be the master of this world. The Living Bible translation of Genesis 1:26 says:

“Then God said, “Let us make a man—someone like ourselves, to be the master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the seas.”

I realize that we quote Genesis 1:26 frequently. . .however, it’s a fundamental scripture to our success in life. . .and it seems to be a scripture most frequently forgotten by believers.

So we need. . .each of us. . .to be continually reminded that we were created in God’s image and after His likeness. We need to remember God loves us that much.

2.      God has and is continually proving His love for us

One of the ways to prove you love someone is to give them something precious . . . which may or may not be expensive.

The uniqueness of the gift. . .whether or not it cost the giver anything . . . determines, in many cases, the true value of the gift.

John 3:16 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.”

God loved you and I so much. . .that He gave. . .what was most valuable to Him. . .a gift unlike any other.

Romans 5:8 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.”

Now that’s what you call real love. . .the love of One closer than any earthly brother.

3.      We’re one of His Kids.

Your Heavenly Father. . .your Daddy can defeat every foe.

You are one of His kids. . . never take that for granted or treat it lightly. I could cite numerous verses but here are two. . . .

1 John 3:1-2 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.

“Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is.”

Romans 8:31-32

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

How can we ever doubt that God is not for us?

4.      God has plans for you.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 in the New International Version says:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I remember the very first time I ever read: “For I know the plans I have for you.” It was in my Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

My sprit leapt. . .because for the very first time I fully realized that God had plans for me—Harold Herring.

I want you to take a moment and realize that God has plans for you ... personally.

In fact, I encourage you to personalize the phrase.

Contemporary English Version of Jeremiah 29:11 says:

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.”

The Word of God says “I will bless (Your Name) with a future filled with hope. . .”

5.      God provides for every need you have

Let’s look at three verses in Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:6 in The Living Bible says:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.”

When we commune with our Heavenly Father. . .He always. . .always provides for and empowers us to achievements beyond our natural mind and abilities.

Philippians 4:13 in The Living Bible says:

“For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”

Philippians 4:19 in the New Living Translation say:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

6.      God never wanted you to feel unloved and unappreciated.

Ephesians 1:3-6 in the Message Bible gives seven reasons God wants you to feel loved, appreciated and highly valued.

“How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.(1) Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind,(2) had settled on us as the focus of his love,(3) to be made whole and holy by his love. (4) Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.(5) (What pleasure he took in planning this!) (6) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving (7) by the hand of his beloved Son.”

(1) Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind

(2) had settled on us as the focus of his love

(3) to be made whole and holy by his love.

(4) Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.

(5) (What pleasure he took in planning this!)

(6) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving

(7) by the hand of his beloved Son.”

7.      God did not create us to condemn us.

Romans 8:1 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.”

God chose not to condemn us to an eternity of damnation. . .but rather He gave us a choice of the abundant and eternal life.

Let me ask you a question. . .

If God isn’t going to condemn you . . .do you really think anybody else should have the right to? Absolutely not!

According to Strong’s Concordance the root word for condemnation found in Romans 8:1 means:

“to give judgment against, to judge worthy of punishment; to condemn.”

When it comes to CONDEMNATION one scripture immediately comes to mind.

John 3:18 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]”

Sadly, many Christians have a poor self-image because they allow the world to determine their worth, value and self-image. When, in fact, we should have a spiritual, heavenly self-image beyond description.

By the way, do you realize that Song of Solomon 4:7 in the Classic Amplified Bible is talking about you?

“[He exclaimed] O my love, how beautiful you are! There is no flaw in you!”

Also, did you realize Psalm 139:13-14 in the Classic Amplified Bible is talking about you when it says:

“For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.”

Now that we’ve scripturally-proven your worth and value to God. . .let’s look at seven practical, creative, easy to implement strategies to facilitate your spiritual renovation.

First, create a written list of the good things you’ve done.

Start with yesterday. . .write down what you did personally or did for someone that was either a blessing to you or them.

Did you stop to allow someone to pull out into traffic in front of you?

Did you allow someone with fewer items than you to go before you to the checkout register?

Did you smile and speak to someone you didn’t even know?

Did you call or contact anyone with a word of encouragement or perhaps even a forwarded email that blessed you?

Did you help a child or grandchild with their homework?

Did you counsel someone who’s been going through a tough time?

Did you compliment someone on their appearance?

I could go on but I think you’re getting the point. . .any time we pause to do something for someone else. . .that’s not only a good thing. . .it activates the principle of Ephesians 6:8.

It also says in Matthew 5:16 in the Classic Amplified Bible:

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

I vividly remember a lady who once told me she hadn’t done anything of note in her life. I asked a couple of questions and determined she had a dog that she loved very much.

I asked: “Don’t you think how you’ve cared for your dog is important to it?”

She said “Yes” and I said, “That’s a great place to start with a listing of the good things you’ve done.

We do not have to do earth-shaking things to shake the earth. Sometimes a simple comment or caring gesture can impact lives like a stone thrown into a pond. We may not know all the impressions we’ve made like the circles of water create as it moves beyond the initial impact of the stone.

Philippians 2:4 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.”

When we move outside our comfort zone to help others. . .we are blessed.

Second, create a list of your strengths and weaknesses.

Be honest with yourself. Sometimes we judge others by what they do and ourselves by what we ‘plan’ to do.

This is not one of those occasions. Prefer an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

Create two columns in the first column list your strengths; in the second column write down ideas on how to make them even stronger.

With regards to your weaknesses. . . use the same technique. Write down your weaknesses in column one and in column two list how you can eliminate them.

Pay more attention to your strengths and the weaknesses will not hinder you.

When it comes to strengths and weaknesses. . .the bottom line is found in 2 Timothy 2:15 in the Classic Amplified Bible which says:

“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”

Third, improve you self-image by increasing your skills.

The question to ask ourselves on a daily basis is:

What can I do today to increase my value in the marketplace by sharpening my skill set?

This is a long list. . .read books and web postings on your chosen career field, attend workshops and conferences. . .take a course at the local community college. . . spend time with mentors. . .listen to CDs or watch DVDs that will motivate you in areas where you need to improve your problem-solving capabilities.

Recognize you can’t complete everything on this list. . .so start with the item you think will have the greatest, most immediate impact.

As you sharpen your skill set there is a commensurate increase in your self-image.

Fourth, create a positive confession about your self-image.

Speak only the pure, the powerful and the positive over your life. . .or when talking to yourself or in describing yourself to others.

As you look in your mirror each day. . .have a conversation with yourself. This may be something new for you. . .but it is life-changing.

“Good morning <<Your Name>>, do you realize that this is a day the Lord made just for you. If He has left you with the breath of life then He has a purpose for you. Get excited about your possibilities. Purpose in your heart to maximize your time and look for at least one divine connection today. Don’t let anyone or anything break your focus off the things you’ve determined to achieve this day.

“You have everything you need. . .to do everything God has called you to do. As you journey through this day. . .remember, you are energized by the greatest power source of all. . .the Holy Spirit.

Okay, <<Your Name>> go out there today. . .find solutions and make a difference. Hallelujah.”

Fifth, as I stated earlier, never compare yourself to anyone else. . .nor use their behavior as a model for your own. Everyone has their own set of gifts.

Galatians 5:26 in The Message Bible says:

“That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”

Do you compare yourself with others. . .fellow employees, siblings or friends. . .and complain when they receive something you didn’t. . .opportunity or otherwise?

Galatians 6:4-5 in God’s WORD Translation says:

“Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others. Assume your own responsibility.”

This means that you are accountable for your own actions. . .what you do or don’t do. How you act and react. What you say and don’t say.

You can’t blame anybody else for your actions. You’re the master of your own ship. . .the creator of your own destiny. . . and you’re to continually inspect what you’re doing and how it lines up with His word.

When you know that you’ve done the best job possible. . .there is no need to compare yourself to anybody else.

Sixth, realize that you’re never alone.

Hebrews 13:5 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”

You are never alone . . . He is always right there with you . . . working . . . helping you face ALL things . . . desiring to bless you . . . simply because you love Him and want to fulfill His covenant on the earth. . .that you’re blessed to be a blessing.

The personal realization of what I’ve just shared with you. . .will renovate not only your self-image but your destiny as well.

Seven, allow God to solve your self-image problem.

You’re not the first one to have a self-image problem and certainly not the first one God’s ever had to help get over it.

In Exodus 3:4-10 when the Voice in the Burning Bush called Moses to lead the Children of Israel out their Egyptian bondage. . .he allowed his poor self-image to cloud his response.

Without going into all the excuses Moses came up with, let’s look at God’s Words to him.

Exodus 3:12 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“God said, I will surely be with you; and this shall be the sign to you that I have sent you. . .”

Then God goes a little further in Exodus 3:14 in the Classic Amplified Bible when He says:

“And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you!”

The reason this should be the last day you ever have a poor self-image is because the great I AM is with you. . .and he will never leave, nor forsake, nor abandon you.

Indeed, He is in you! Ephesians 3:16 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].”

Hopefully, this gives you an understanding of how to spiritually renovate yourself.

And, the renovation costs? Just your time and diligence in applying His Word to your life. Now, that’s something to shout about.

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