Renewal

    As a catepillar turns into a butterfly, we too can be transformed into a new creation in Christ when we surrender our will to His.  My devotional yesterday talked about how personal renewal can benefit our lives.  Let me share this with you.
    Personal renewal brings New Determination, New Direction, New Dependence, New Desire, New Devotion, and a New Dedication.  Where can we find an example of this in the Bible?  ''When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons fled and settled in Moab. In due time, her sons married Moabite women. The Moabites were a race that was born in incest and a people who observed a false religion that was the antithesis to their Jewish heritage. Later, Naomi’s husband died, as did her sons. Left with her two daughters-in-law, Naomi, upon hearing that there was now bread in Bethlehem, set her face like a flint to return to the will of God for her life. She encouraged the two women to go back to their people and to their gods. Orpah kissed Naomi and went back. The other, Ruth, clung to Naomi, saying, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” These now familiar words constitute the formula for us when new things come and we cling to Christ in such a manner. When personal renewal comes to our own heart, it brings several new things.'' [biblegateway.com]
     So many people are looking for newness in their lives, just look at all the self-help books on the market in your local bookstore. When you decide to believe in Christ, your life should be dedicated and devoted to Him, like Ruth was to Naomi.
    I encourage everyone to read the book, 'Not a Fan' to understand the difference in being a fan of Jesus versus a follower of His.