The Renaissance Washing
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3.4-7 NIV).
The Renaissance Period was a time between the 14th to 17th century where a rebirth of art, literature and music took place. The word, renaissance, means a revival or a renewed interest in something, and its synonyms include: Rebirth, Revival, Renewal, Reawakening, Regeneration.
When we feel our faith has grown stagnant and our hearts are not bathed in God’s love, we may need a Renaissance Washing. The joy of God is so bright and amazing. The fact that the Holy Spirit walks this life with us produces awe in the deepest parts of our souls. To forget the miracle of mercy is to vanquish all joy and peace of life. God always wants to revive our heart, and here are 8 ways to let Him renew our first love.
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2.4 NIV).
The Distracted Heart
Rebirth begins on our Salvation Day, the day we ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior. But just like the ocean, the waves of renewal should wash over us continuously. Each wave bathes our hearts and brings us into greater intimacy with God. The enemy to this washing is distraction brought on by worries and greed. When we worry, we reveal our mistrust of God. When we covet, we reveal a discontented heart. These distractions prevent us from dipping into the basin of Living Water where we find refreshment and renewal for our inner person.
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13.22 NIV).
8 Ways to Renew your Heart
When I feel like I’ve forgotten the mystery, the beauty and the awe-inspiring goodness of God, I know that I need to do something to immerse myself in His presence, so the wave of His mercy and grace can wash over my hardening heart. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us in an imperfect world that came at the price of His Son, Jesus. I want to open that gift and allow it to permeate my thoughts, attitude, actions and day. It’s interesting how we will give ourselves wholly to worry, entertainment, relationships and pleasures, but we have difficulty giving ourselves completely to the majesty and tenderness of God. When I feel my heart has become distracted and cold, I aggressively want to wake it up!
“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you'” (Ephesians 5.14 NIV).
Heart Renewal 1: Seek a New Perspective
Our faith grows stagnant when we arrive at the end of ourselves. We must seek other spiritual voices via podcasts, books, sermons and friendships. These unique points of view offer us a more dynamic and rounded view of God and His love for us.
Right now I am studying the early Celtic Christians just after St. Patrick revived their world with the presence of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Celtic Christians died early and infant mortality was very high. They didn’t know if they would make it through the night, let alone until they were 80 years old. The briefness of their lives caused them to have a profound joy in the present and deep appreciate of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for them. My soul is refreshed when my perspective aligns with a new revelation of God’s goodness.
*Read the rest of this article by purchasing my award-winning book, Reframing: 40 Days to Reframe & Refresh Your Life, on Amazon.
Leave a Reply