5 Essentials for Personal Renewal
I have come that they may have life
And that they may have it more abundantly
John 10:10. (NKJV)
I recently drank some “green juice” but I won’t be doing it again. Somehow, I don’t consider liquefied kale an essential for personal and physical renewal, even if some gulp it down with great enthusiasm!
What I have found essential, however, is drinking in the life-giving and life-changing words of Scripture. Why? Because when I don’t, I get spiritually and emotionally dehydrated, and find myself in desperate need of inner revival. How about you? Are there certain essentials that make a huge difference in your life? Are there areas that need attention?
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing five ways God uses to revive our souls that I’ve found personally essential. We’ll explore the importance of each and how we can include them in our busy lives.I’ll also be mentioning other helps, posting links, and recommending books. Here’s what’s coming up:
5 Essentials for Personal Renewal:
Create Time for God’s Word
Of all the ways we can grow strong in Christ, taking time to read the Word, think about it, pray over it, and (for me, at least), write out my responses, has made me stronger than any amount of kale! I can’t abide in Christ, be a disciple, or obey Him if I don’t know what Scripture says, (John 15:1-8). If we want our lives to count for God, we need to know what’s required!
Cultivate Conversation with God
There are 24 hours in a day and we can talk to God at any moment and in any circumstance. Why don’t we? How can we become more God-aware? If we skip praying on our knees first thing in the morning, are we flunking out spiritually? What are we losing when we’re too busy to pray? James 4:2 declares, “You do not have because you do not ask God.”
Connect with a Spiritually Alive Community
Without being exposed to other Christians who live out their faith, it’s easy to dry up, grow cynical, or simply drift away, (Hebrews 2:1). We need to receive input that strengthens us, and to strengthen others in a church community, small group, or mentoring relationship. Seek out a situation where you are fed, challenged and encouraged. It’s essential!
Choose Honesty with Yourself and God
Being emotionally healthy requires honesty. In Psalm 51:6, David cried out to God, “Surely You desire truth in the inner parts.” Pretending, hiding from the truth, reframing facts, or blaming others will only hinder your relationship with God, others, and even yourself. Acknowledging truth is the key to freedom from guilt and renewal.
Care for Yourself—Physically, Emotionally, and Intellectually
Your physical health, your emotions, and your mind are all gifts from God. How you handle them can leave you unhealthy or healthy; dominated by emotions or in control of them; and either wasting or educating the mind God gave you. Taking care of yourself not only honors God, it brings fulfillment and joy.
I hope this preview of what’s to come excites you. I’d love you to forward this to friends, or even use these posts as a base for discussion or mentoring a friend.
If you’re looking for personal support and accountability in your journey, let me know. I’d love to help you, either in person, by phone, or by Skype. You can contact me.
Qu: Let us know what renews you by responding below.
Poppy
DRINK!
In order to THRIVE, we need to drink, otherwise we’ll find ourselves dehydrated. Jesus impressed on me when I left teaching in BSF many years ago, “Feed my sheep.” It’s why I DRINK, and write and speak. I need input, just as we all do. So with each THRIVE, I’ll share one resource that helps me hear God.
Here’s one:
The author is honest about his struggles until he became willing to face inner truth. Insightful, instructive, and inspirational.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
by Peter Scazzero.
Quote: “Emotional health powerfully anchors me in the love of God.”
Photos: Graphic Stock Photo