Renewed
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by Gail Rodgers
God knows your “to do” list today. He knows your busy life and your sometimes overcommitted schedule. He reminds us that He sent His Holy Spirit to bring renewal to our lives. He reminds us to be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good, excellent and profitable for everyone.
We try. As Christian women we try to do what’s best for everyone. And we find ourselves spent and weary. Sometimes we get the order mixed up in what God is telling us. Listen…
“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 those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (Titus 3:4-8).
Do you see it? How often do we put the doing before the renewing? I know I sometimes do. Yet God reminds us that He has renewed us by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously.
He tells us that the good or righteous things we do simply in our own strength are not what saves us. His mercy reaches us, His Spirit renews us and then by His generous outpouring we are able to touch others with acts of love.
Are you feeling renewed today? Or perhaps depleted somewhat? What are you devoting your day to? There are so many things on the “to do” list that demand our attention. Yet God specifically tells us to be careful what we devote ourselves to.
Be aware. Be intentional about tapping into that source of renewal that His Spirit gives. You will walk differently. You will walk renewed. Take time to ask and receive the renewal that awaits your soul and then spills out into your day.
~Thank you, Heavenly Father, that You did reach out in mercy and save me. Thank You for Your generous gift of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of renewal. Today I need to be filled again with Your Spirit. I offer my empty running to You and ask You to generously pour Your Spirit over me today so that I may be devoted to the things that stir Your heart. Even in the midst of my “to do” list I ask that Your Spirit would flow and would renew my soul today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.
Questions to ponder: Why is it that we sometimes wait so long to set time aside to renew our spirit? As you check your agenda today, what could be changed in order to spend more time renewing your spirit?
About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
27 Responses to “Renewed”
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Thank you Sharon, and I am praying for your healing. You have a wonderful attitude…one we should all have. God is smiling on you.
I read all comments earlier today but just haven’t had time to reply. My husband is better, but not completely well yet. Thanks for all the prayers out there. I pray for each one of you as I read your comment. Blessings to all.
june
i will be praying for you everyday but especally wed. i know all will be fine.
God bless you
sharon
i just want to thank you all for all of your kind words and prayers you all are the best!!!! this is a good place to come to for uplifting.
God bless
sharon
Good Morning Dear Sisters (and “Daughters”!) in the Lord,
My goodness what blessings I just found on here!! Thank you for those kind comments..I don’t always deserve those..Am a “cracked clay pot”!! And, that why I have “agape” in my email address to remind me of HIS favor and forgiveness each and every day towards my undeserved self!
But, YOUR faith and compassion for one another has already made my day..”Seeing” the special way the Lord is working in and through all of you!! And? There’s a reason for that? You have yielded yourselves to HIM and become “earthen vessels”!!! (That includes you, dear MBH, am “seeing” it this a.m.!) Amen and Amen!!
Am so proud to be connected with you and grateful to even be in you “spiritual Ballpark”! We love baseball here on this end so we use that for descriptive purposes!! Would be happy to just be your bag carriers, dear ones! For you surpass me every day and are growing by “leaps and bounds”!
Wish I’d been as close as you each are to Him at your same young ages! HE had to “teach” me to “move out of His way” and let go control, for sure! And HE is still “working” on me!.. Am still “arriving” myself..but Praise be to HIM who draws me daily..Forgives me, and guides me!! The best part of your comments? Someone is “seeing” the love for Him and changes in me ONLY He could do! (I have my unlovable episodes, too, dear Jackie!).. And like we shared last night, if HE will do it for one, HE will do it for another!! Hallelujah!
Jackie, Sharon and MPH..am deeply touched by the way you have prayed for one another and held each other up..and there’s someone even more touched..Your LORD! I feel His ” Heavenly smile” towards you right this minute! I loved what Jackie wrote about Sharon and agree wholeheartedly, too! And, am praying this morning that the Lord “touch and heal” Sharon’s back outright! HE can do it, too! It says so in Isaiah 53:5!!
Loved what Jackie wrote about trusting Him, too, just like those people all through the Bible had to “learn” to do! Human nature was alive and well then, too!) Her deep thought about praying “and believing the next answer could be a miracle” blesses everyone reading here today..and is TRUE!!! Thank you, dear Jackie!!
And I feel MBH “yielding” to HIM like that! YOur writings this morning show your Spirit doing that! And, Sharon, Jackie was so very right! You helped us all this morning with your amazing attitude about your back challenge as you observe others conditions..And, like Jackie? Your prayers for others bless me! You “ladies/daughters” make us older girls on here proud! You make us want to continue growing!!
Our lives change, completely, when we put our trust in Him, and our expectations with Him, too! Other humans? Even those closest to us..are flawed just like us and at some point will disappoint and we’ll do the same to them, as humans all “fall short”. But once HE enters into our lives personally? We can “recognize” our own shortcomings and ask HIS help with them, and our expectations are placed with the LORD instead of other humans (like Gail and the devotional staff have guided us to do in recent writings!)…
But it is so true that HE never changes..He’s the same yesterday, today and will be tomorrow! That’s in Hewbrews 13-8 and our daily blessing!! Amen and AMEN!!!! God Bless you dear ones..and we will have a GREAT weekend..
Know you are lifting precious June L ..our other Spiritual Mom, too, (along with Ann Davis, Maureen and others ..tooo many to mention, but all appreciated)!!!..Believing a smoothe surgery and quickest recovery EVER for June L..Am asking for her to feel little pain, too! Did that for my sister once in surgery and she was amazed..It was ALL the Lord and HE gets all the Glory, too! He cares about us and “listens”!!! xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you Fran D. and Jackie for your encouragements I am blessed. Yes Sharon I am saying like that all the time and Fran D. gave me (Hebrews 13:5 ) yesterday I will wait for His promise. God is wonderful.
Sharon
you are such a blessing to my heart. your are always ready to pray for all of us in our needs and situations.Yor comments are always so sweet and encouraging. I Already have you in my prayers, I thank God for you and your compassionate heart.I will continue to pray for you .Your comment really touched my heart, The fact that you can look beyond you needs to ask God to bless someone else is such an awesome testimony to your compassionate heart.Thank you Sharon for reminding me to be thankful today for what I have and not complain about what I don’t. I really needed that this morning.
(((Hugs For Sharon))
this is just a thought from me. in may i was scheduled to have back surgery but got sick and could not have it. i have now come to beleive that God is trying to teach me a lesson with this problem as every time i think i will get to see the back dr. i get sick again, and every place i go it seems i see some one who either cannot walk at all or who has lost one or bouth legs. i always ask God to bless them and their family and to forgive me for complaining so much about pain. for i do still have both legs and still can walk even if i do have to use a cane now and then. please be in prayer for me to learn my lesson
God blessyouall
sharon
fran
i to would like to thank you for being such a great sritual mother to all of us. as for not being lovebale at times i am sure we all have been there i know i have. God bless you all
sharon
Fran you so bless my heart. God has given you such a precious loving spirit that touches everyone.It’s so easy to feel your compassion through your words. you are so right God doesn’t play favorites and that is one of my ‘faith anchors’ because I know that what he’s done for all the people in the Bible he will also do for us, all the miracles are open to all of us.I find it so easy pray and believe knowing that the next answer could be a miracle. That’s so mind blowing.It has taken me a very long time to trust God with my all. but the thing that I finally come to realize is that when the chips were down and things were totally out of control he was always there standing along side me when everyone else had walked.He has loved me through it all.That’s a miracle right there, cause I’ve not always been lovable.thanks for being a spiritual mother to all of us Fran. you are in deed very special.
Dear MBH and Jackie!!..
LOL That is O.K….The “Spinach Balls” were a blessing, too! I didn’t have a lot to work with, but wanted to bless them so they wouldn’t have to cook yesterday after my son-in-laws long trip! Those “Spinach Balls” (done like meatballs) were an inspiration from the Lord and made a huge hit with their family! HE is soooo good and will use the most “unusual” things to teach and even bless others!
Also!!! Jackie’s words were GREAT and she is right, too! If our GREAT Father can do all he did in 6 short days to make this earth, we can draw encouragement from that alone! I was just “stubborn” and took things back again and again..But today am a Psalm 46:10 person!!! And if HE can help me to this point..HE can help ANYONE who will let HIM! MBH, it is a priviledge to pray for you tonight, so your wait won’t be as long..And Jackie is right, too, about Peace and Joy that comes when we do let Him have things!
P.S. The Cardinals are another blessing in my life and HE seems to send them to remind me of my beloved ones in Heaven when the going here gets tough in the natural..It is always beautiful in the Spirit..where HE is! Bless you and prayers going UP.. And? Jackie you are the poet amongst us, too..You and Maureen both! Amen! Beautiful way with words!!!!
O yes, I was thinking about the spinach balls.
I mean “ take it back” thank you.
Dear MBH…
We sure will pray for you and want you to know it took me years to hand things over! He understands that, too, as He knows we are human! HE is wonderful and “patient” and will help..that’s what He did for me and He doesn’t “play favorites” What He does for one, He will do for another, too! Hallelujah! ..and I know he did it for Ann, too! And all the rest of us! I love what Jackie wrote on here one day and it has blessed me all this week..about asking Him to help her tie a knot at the end of her rope and help her “hang on”! MBH, that encouraging thought got me through this week! It was just powerful!! I decided to hand over all to HIM and “hang on” (wait on HIM)! No matter what the problem or worries (and we don’t need details to pray, am lifting your initials before His Throneroom this very minute to help you and HE will!) And I know this, from personal experience, He will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)..that is a powerful and true WORD! Bless you dear one and just lifted you! (((((((MBH))))))
mbh;
I will be praying for you, That God will give you a special ‘thing’ that you and him can share together. Ann’s is an ink spot, Fran’s is a cardinal, mine are butterflies God gives us little “”moments”" like that to comfort us, I will pray that God gives you that as well, if he hasn’t already.God so amazes me everyday, He can use anything to bring peace to us and comfort our hearts. There’s not a day that goes by that i’m not awed by God’s presence in the things around me .It’s took scientist years to learn what they know and it only took God 6 days to make everything.and he still takes time to care for us individually, it’s so awesome.
mbh he will take your worries and replace them with peace and joy.bless you.
Thank you father for this devotional, today’s lessen showed me where my situation is. I put my problems under His feet after a while I take it bake and try to carry it. Lord you know how to reach and teach your children through spinach ball or by dot of ink. Father, help me to be one of them. Blessed sisters pray for me just to give Him my problems and worries. Thank you.
For June L
Loved your “Spinach Ball” Story! Soon, you’ll be all recovered and “up and at ‘em”! And be feeling great by time you welcome your “Grandson”!!! Hallelujah!!!!
Fran, Thanks for that precious prayer. It made me weep and slow down. My husband hasn’t been out all day, and not even answering his phone. I think he just needs to rest, and encourage him to do just that. We have an apartment for rent and he has been working hard putting in new kitchen floor, etc.
I have a “Spinach ball story. A few years back a co-worker was preparing a cookbook for our workplace, and wasn’t getting enough recipes. She asked me if I would bring her some recipes from my cookbooks. She said she would add under the recipe “submitted by” and then add my name. She said that way people wouldn’t hold me to the recipe, if I had never tried it. One of the recipes I submitted was “Spinach balls” because it sounded good and healthy. Several months later someone from work called and asked about an ingredient in the recipe. I had to tell her I had never tried them, and related the story of how it had my name by it. We had a good laugh over that. Yes, I think it’s about time I use this recipe. My family have always loved “Sausage balls”. They are our tradition on Christmas morning, along with orange juice. My son and his wife surprised me at their home recently with some they made, and they were delicious… not as healthy, but good.
I feel your prayers. Thanks again!
OF COURSE THE DEVOTIONAL WOULD BE ON THIS SUBJECT, ON THE DAY I DECIDED TO TAKE THE PHONE OF THE HOOK AND CLEAN HOUSE!! I am so quilty of putting things before my devotional lately.Since the kids have went back to school,I’ve tried to get house work done,carpets cleaned,laundry caught up ect.ect.ect.I thought summer was busy but the school year is going to be worse.Thank God for calenders and post-it notes.My ‘to do’ list seems to grow daily. It would be very easy to get discouraged at times in the mist of choas if God didn’t constantly remind me of his love for me.That he is with me through it all.He renews my spirit in so many ways,I can see God’s work in so many ways that I never really noticed before.Thank God He never Leaves me or forsakes me and makes it possible for me to draw strength from him.
Thank you Lord for renewing my strength and faith everyday.
Quick P.S.!
Wish I could email some of the “Spinach Balls” to all, dear June L..Starting with YOU! They are really good and I added to the recipe with 3 oz. of crumbeled Feta Cheese and a pinch of Nutmeg! They were delicious! AND, healthy :) …Am going to pray in all kinds of “hands” and “feet” to your special dwelling place..And? That before you know it? You’ll be up making “Spinach Balls”, too.
Know all the ladies on here are “praying” and “uplfiting” you! xoxo
For Precious June L
“Lord Jesus, we know you are already in June’s Wednesday of next week!!..That YOU are preparing her spirit-filled earthen Physician, the Urologist, and the Anesthesiologists for her “health restoration”! They’ll pray and seek you beforehand and during.. Lord, we know you will prepare even the room this will done in..for BEST outcome. Even the Nurses and recovery staff will be touched by you to bring this earthen servant through! Stabilize her husband’s health, too, that June won’t have to be concerned..Give him peace, speak to him, Father, as only you can do.. and we Praise you, dear Father, that you are bringing him to relatonship with you to serve like June! We love her in just this short time of acquaintence, Lord, Protect her..Put your angels all around in that surgical room..Return her wonderful friendship and loving wisdom to us quickly..Let her recovery time amaze those around her and even bring some that may not yet know you into the Kingdom through June L’s kind, caring and warm ways! She will give you Glory, Lord, as she does that already!! We Praise You, Magnify You, Call on you.. and believe for and with June L…Hallelujah Lord…Thank YOU in advance …Amen and AMEN!!!!!!
(((((((June L)))))))
Boy is my “to do” list long today. I had 2 pre-op appointments yesterday, and one today. I am helping with a baby shower on Saturday…sooooooooo much to do. My surgery is next Wedenesday…much to do. Husband sick… I am behind in doing laundry, etc. My husband is better and that is what counts. This devotion on renewal is taking me back to His word to meditate and renewal before I take off again. Don’t have time to neglect it today.
Thank you for all the comments and prayers.
I talked to my main surgeon this morning and asked her if I really needed the colposacropexy…she says I do. At least I tried to make it easier for both of us but she assured me it will keep them from having to do this surgery all over again later, and I’m sold on it. She is a Christian and is happy to know prayers are being lifted up for her and me, from all over the world. Pray for the Urologist, my doctors partner, and Anestheologists that will also be there.
Jackie, I loved what you said about your husband. Most men, including my husband, don’t take pain too well. Like Fran says, that’s why we women have the babies. My husband doesn’t take to a lot of “fussing” over him and that helps
me.
Fran, bet those “spinach balls” were good. I have recipes for them but never tried them. God does bless us so many times in doing even little things for others.
Praying for all, and may not comment much in next few days due to “to do” list, but still praying for all the needs here.
thank you for your devocional on renewal it came at a very good time
God bless you
sharon
Thank YOU, Jesus, for anwering Prayers to know how Ann Davis doing! Ann, your beautiful sharing here this morning both a blessing and an answer to prayer about your progress ! WE can only imagine how hard it has been for you..all the change, etc., But, the LORD is already using you in a new and “renewed” capacity..just as we knew HE would! Your precious 42nd will be so beautiful with for your son choosing that special day to say his marriage vows! That speaks “absolute Volumes” about you and your husband!..And? Your LORD… AMEN! Continuing prayers, as know all others on here are, too, for renewed health for a precious servant!
Beautiful Christmas music is floating up the stairs as I sit at the computer to share this morning! My wonderful husband put this music that honors HIM on as we wait on the Lord in some serious matters here that only HE can solve… George was born and raised in a Greek Orthodox background.. and today is a born again believer who loves the Lord! He is a very quiet, gentle “disciple” in front of me this day, putting those beautiful hymns on to encourage our spirits! June L..take heart..George waaaaay surpasses me today..His quiet serve helps me “renew” every day here!! Yours is coming into the Kingdom, too, in God’s perfect timing!..You are the “spiritual cheerleader” in front of him to guide!
Thank you, dear Gail, for another “help” for our walks. Am so grateful for what HE has taught us here..The process has been painful, at times. All growth comes at a price, of course. But, hard as it is? We’d do it all again to come to today when we appreciate so much more ..and realize the need for HIS daily invitation to change …and the growth in us. Today? HE “prioritizes” our day. We aren’t Saints..don’t get me wrong!Very human as matter of fact! But? Our spirit ears and eyes opened. Each day now, we ask “what for today, Lord”..And he uses these hands and feet here in the most remarkable ways, and helps us feel useful in spite of our situation. In the worldy sense and on paper, we look just awful! But, each day? HE gives us something to do on HIS behalf. We pray “at the end of this day, let us have done something for you, Father”. Maybe it is a prayer for someone. Or some task that “is” physically and financially possible. Yesterday, don’t laugh now!..It was “Spinach Balls” we prepared and stir-fried veggies for Pitas that we sent home with our son-in-law for our daughter and their family. We picked him up from airport in a/c and better car they’ve loaned us to get through the awful heat here in Atlanta area. It made us feel soooo good to do a small blessing back. And they told us they enjoyed so much! Thank YOU, Lord..That even in the midst of our challenge? YOU can work through us and make us feel useful…Amen and Amen.
Have a beautiful (and “renewed”) day dear Sisters in our Lord! May beautiful, unexpected blessings unfold in each life that reads and comments on here..and for others we don’t “know”..Lord, than YOU for those that prayed for us and brought us to this refreshing day of renewal with YOU!!
This devotional has come in a timely manner for we have 9 week before we retire and move from the military life to the civilian life. Renewel is something we all need in the endless list of “to do’s”.
Thank you!
Remember Nancy, it is so hard to be changed from years of doing what you think is right and what the LORD has called you to do. You must put that dot in your palm daily for a reminder. I get off coarse so many times….then the spirit says, “look at the dot or put the dot in your palm” and keeps me lkie a compass. It is to guide me to this renewed state the Lord is taking me. It does pull me back on coarse. I pray that all the women all over the world be blessed and allow the Lord to change and make the necessary changes in our lives because we do care and love. My prayer is Lord rule me in every area of my life. The scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understandin: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. God bless all of you.
Ann I like that about the dot of ink in the palm of our hands being us and the fingers being God. And it is as simple as that God is holding us in his hands. He loves and cares for us. I will remember that when things seem to get out of control in my and my loved ones lives. thank for that illustration. I too am thankful for this ministry. It keeps me focused on the things of God. Pray for me that I will be renewed with the holy spirit daily. Dear Lord help me to devote my day to the things that are good and pleasing in your site. Amen
I too thank you for this devotional on renewal. Iam in about two weeks getting my 42 year marriage vows renewd as well as a son getting married choosing my Anniverary day. I thank God because it is also a time when the Lord is restoring and renewing some order and things in my life. What a timely devotional in my life right about now. I have been in this walk for over 39 years and have learned many things in Christ. Pray for me as the Lord reorder my life giving new ways to do things, unplugging some things off of me and stabalizing my spirit for the next level. I want to share this metaphor the Lord gave me. He had me to write an ink dot in the palm of my hand and had me to curl my hand up loosely. He sid llok at the dot daily, this is you and the fingers that surround youis I guarding and protecting youfrom any and everything. Now do what I have ordered in your life and don’t be affraid…I got you. when you feel out of order look at your palm and get back in order. the fingers are your hedges that surround you for I want to restore, renew and balance your life. I lvoe the Lord for how he speaks to all of us in his unusual ways. Continue to pray for me as a recover from a heart attack and is in this new order of the Lord. We can’t take things with us as we walk into new levels, must leave some things and people behind. I lov ethis ministry. Ladies continue to pray for me as I pray for you.
These daily devotions are my renewal. Thank you so much – every morning spending time in God’s word makes all the difference in my day. Huge tasks don’t seem so insurmountable – thank you for reminding us that through God all things are possible.