Spiritual Renovation

 

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

My daughter and her husband are currently pioneering a church. In the very beginning stages of this massive undertaking, they were directed to write down the mission and vision that would guide them in this process. In doing so, they brainstormed the attributes of fruitful, impactful churches - churches that reflect God's glory!

 

Just as my daughter and her husband spent lots of time envisioning what they believe their church should be built upon, we need to do the same with our LIVES. After all, Ephesians 22:19 says, "In Him YOU too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit." Our lives should be like "mobile churches" - a place where people always feel God's love. Today's scripture instructs us to let our light shine before others so that God is evident in all we do. We should live in such a way that houses God's mercy, grace, forgiveness, peace and love.

 

Luke 6:48 describes the process of building one's life on Christ - "It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built." Sadly, the next verse describes what occurs when little attention is given to how one lives his life - "...When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins."

 

The floods in Luke 6 are representative of the trials of life that we all face. By building our lives on the strong foundation of Christ, we will be equipped to be "His church" and to shine His light EVEN in our darkest hours.

 

I challenge you today to consider the following questions concerning your life: Do people feel the presence of God when they enter my presence? Do they walk away from me knowing a little more about Jesus? Do they feel encouraged and inspired by how I live my life?

 

No matter what your answers are to these questions, ALL of our lives could use some improvement. We should always be in a constant state of spiritual renovation - always striving for God to strengthen our foundation and constantly allowing Him to bring out the BEST in us so that we could bring out the best in others.

 

Dear Lord, Thank You for providing Your solid rock of salvation for me to build my life upon. Help me reflect You in ALL I do!

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.