Time To Renovate

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds."
Ephesians 4:22, 23

Have you ever renovated your home?  Or even one room in your home?  The challenges are great, but the end result is something truly worth waiting for.
When we embark on a renovation project, our thoughts immediately fast forward to the finished product.  When thinking of renovating my kitchen, I think of a double oven, white rustic cabinets, white granite countertops with a tinge of teal sparkle interwoven throughout, and a breakfast bar with chairs all around for gathering.  I think of washing dishes in an oversized porcelain sink and the hum of dishwasher that one can barely hear.  The possibilities and changes I could make are truly endless.
But then I pause.  Those changes and gorgeous appliances didn't simply appear overnight.  There  were weeks, and months of dust and a disheveled kitchen.  Eating out when I really wanted to stay home.  Cutting corners both literally and figuratively, dealing with seemingly endless frustrations; mishaps and pushed back deadlines.  During a renovation project there are setbacks, and come to "expect the unexpected" as they say.  But in the end, the hard work pays off and makes up for all the hassles and headaches along the way.
How relevant this is to our life and weight loss journey.
Are you in need of a little renovation too?  Not in your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, but you.  Is it finally time to get back in church and start living the way you have felt you needed to live?  It it time to get serious about weight loss and quit playing games?  it is time to get serious about saving money?  Is it time to finally heal a severed relationship?
Whatever the project, remember this.  Just as your kitchen is worth the headaches, time, money and overall investment, so are you.  Not only are you worth it, you have been called to do it.  The Bible says,
"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes." 
Ephesians 4:22, 23.
For some, the issue is not the desire to change, we have that.  It's the change itself.  We fear change. We fear the work.  
"How long will this take?  How much will it cost me?  Can I really do it?"  
Change is hard.  Good or bad.  And we must get to a place where we learn to rely on God and His power to effect change, and not our own abilities and resources.
Be encouraged, God knows His children resist change.  He is aware that sometimes we can be stubborn about the renovation He wants to effect in our lives.  He is the great "Contractor" and knows He has His work cut out for Him in you and me.  But He is skilled, my friend.  He has told us,
"I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony, stubborn heart, and give you a tender, responsive heart."  Ezekiel 36:26
If you're feeling a little stubborn regarding the changes you need to make in your life, ask God to bless you with a vision of what your renovation project will look like when it's complete.  To give you a glimpse of the final result.  
That's the motivation we all need.

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
I need renovation in so many areas of my life.  Not just weight loss.  In my thoughts and feelings too.  God, You are the mighty Contractor and I trust You with every area of my life.   Help me keep my eyes on the prize today.  God, I can't make it happen in my own sinful flesh.  But You can.  Be with me today as I begin renovating.  Remove anything in my life that will hinder my work.  I look forward to the finished product and I know it will all be worth the work.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen
 
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I'd love to continue this journey with you through my first published devotion:
 Your 40 Day Miracle
Get your copy
 HERE
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E4M DAILY STRATEGY
Are You In Need Of A Renovation?

Some areas in our lives may just need a little remodelling, while other areas require major renovations.  Think about the following questions, then repeat today's prayer aloud asking God for continued wisdom, inspiration and direction.

 1.  Which areas of your life need a little repair?
(ex: I need more dedicated time in prayer and Bible study.)
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2.  Which areas of your life need major renovations?
(ex: I need to get back in church.  I need to get serious about weight loss.)
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Where have you witnessed God actively working out Ezekial 36:26 in your life?
(What or whom has God softened your heart to that your resisted or have been stubborn about in the past?)
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In what areas do you need Him to "take out your stony, stubborn heart, and replace it with a tender, responsive heart?"
(What areas are you resisting the work of God?  These are areas you know you need to change, but you resist.)
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