“Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV
There are times in life when we can all use something new. The trials of life can leave us thirsty for the renewing Spirit of God to come upon us, change us and often deliver us even from ourselves.
There is a tendency for regret, old ideas and misconceptions to prevent us for seeing with spiritual eyes the new things that God would do with us and often through us in what we usually perceive as ordinary and mundane lives. Sometimes we are so busy reminiscing about what was, we blind ourselves to the potential of what can be.
Thankfully, God can replace our old opinions, biases and lingering doubts with inspiration and revelation. The seed of a dream we may have forgotten or deliberately buried, God can resurrect into something beautiful.
Often the key to receiving the transformation we desire is a willingness to change. God can do the impossible with us, yet often that first step toward a new beginning is recognizing when what once worked, no longer works! We often linger in dead religious acts that are void of His presence or even dead relationships when the anointing of God has long moved on.
The birth of a “new you” usually requires death to the very things that hold you back. Bad habits, wrong mindsets and negative influences allow us to remain comfortably where we are instead of moving forward with God.
Receiving a new heart and a new spirit requires that we bury those things that harden our hearts. Fear, regret and anger are a few things that keep us from experiencing God’s best. It’s not that we earn our blessings but we most certainly can block them with our very thoughts and deeds.
A hard heart is rarely kind. A bitter or envious spirit seeks to take, not give to others. We all have qualities that we could do without, things we need to improve and remove. What we are unable to accomplish in our own strength, Christ is more than able!
Just as putting on new clothes gives many people a renewed sense of self by changing the outward appearance, God can do so much more on the inside which enables us to make a real difference in our daily interactions with other people.
Seeking God’s Word and His wisdom changes us on the inside and outside. This not only blesses us, but prepares us to bless other people.
If you are seeking a change in your life, feel “stuck” where you are or your faith has faded, try God!
Renew your relationship with Him. He will reveal more of Himself to you. He will also reveal more of you to you! Seeking God’s Word and His wisdom allows us to find our true selves.
It’s not what we see in the mirror. It is not what others say about us. The titles we may hold, jobs we do, accolades and accomplishments eventually fade away. But with God, we can continually die to our old selves and be transformed into the people He created us to be.
And what could be better than that?
“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4 23-24 NKJV
I love this line: “Seeking God’s Word and His wisdom allows us to find our true selves.” Glad I came by. 🙂
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I’m glad too!
The more we learn about Him the more we understand ourselves. B Blessed! 🙂
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Amen–looking back sometimes keeps us from seeing the blessing right in front of us.
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Now if I could only keep that phrase in front of me at all times as an ever present reminder! 🙂
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Lilka, you are a super writer! And there is no doubt you love flowers and such…Another wonderful and encouraging post, my dear. Keep ’em coming…
Steve Pejay
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Thanks Steve!
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I know your garden is looking great by now, Lilka! Thanks for sharing some of the pictures from it!
Have a super day and enjoy God’s handiwork…
Steve
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Just got done pruning, weeding and watering for the last couple of hours. And in that time God gave me some insight.
A great day to you as well!
Lilka
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This is a great reminder Lilka. Very nicely written!!!😀
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Thanks so much Levi. Enjoy a wonderful day 🙂
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Wonderful post and very convicting.
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Thanks as always for stopping by Lionel. Enjoy your day!
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“He will reveal more of Himself to you. He will also reveal more of you to you!”
And He always seems to focus on the good stuff, the stuff we often never knew we had within us. This a lovely post Lilka – thank you! 🙂
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Yes, God shows us those gems we have no idea are hidden within us. Just like lumps of coal waiting to become diamonds…
Thanks as always for taking the time to comment and stop by 🙂 Enjoy your day!
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Lovely blog. I’ve shared this back to Godinterest . Com, God Bless
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Thanks so much and have a wonderful day! Lilka
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