Renewed – to begin again, to make effective for an additional period.
Wow, when we look at the dictionary definition of “Renewed” we probably all wish we could be that or do that. I am sure our minds go immediately to moments in life that we wish we could “do over”. Of course that’s where the enemy wants to take us…to the moments in life that we were at our worst. But the truth is apart from Jesus we are the worst.
Thank you Jesus because of the cross, because of the blood shed on Calvary, because of his pain and suffering we have been given a lifetime of renewal. “ He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3: 5).
He has made us NEW! We have forgiveness and grace and NEW mercy every day. When we fail as a parent, when we mess up with a friend, when we fall into old habits…. we have HOPE as believers that we are not cast aside, that he is not done with us yet. Know that you are a value to the kingdom and that you are a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5: 17).
That my friend is your story, a story being written by the great Creator. You were (fill in the blank) but now you are not! Because of Jesus! Because Jesus has made you new! Your life was (fill in the blank) but now your life has a greater purpose! Because of Jesus! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10).
Remember, thank Jesus that He loved you so much, values you so much, and you are so important to Him that He came and paid your ransom. You can live NEW in Him because of Him! You are completely accepted, unconditionally loved, and totally forgiven. You are extremely valuable and you have a purpose that only you were created for!