…yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16b
As we begin the new year of 2018, let us resolve a closer relationship with Jesus through His renewal in our inward self. This renewal will only come when we meet with our Lord and Savior each and every day. As a new Christian this is especially important. Our fellowship with Jesus on a daily basis is our sustaining victory over the world who does not understand our love of God. Let us resolve to make time for Jesus everyday without exception. This will take great planning on our part. Without a plan, we cannot expect to succeed. We may need to even “fast” sleep. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier. I know through my own experience, God will sustain and give you all the rest you need if only you will “Come to Him”. Read Matthew 11:25-30. “Come to me…and I will give you rest…Learn of me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls”. In these verses we can also learn how meek and humble Jesus is. Learning to be humble is truly a lesson in love and one learned only through fellowship with Him.
In your morning time with Jesus, pray and bow before Him asking for His love and He will pour an abundance into your soul. Jesus’ love in your heart will help you to share his love to those who have yet come to know Him. When we were forgiven our sins…when we were accepted into the family of God…when we were filled with His Holy Spirit, this was God’s grace given to us and this grace can only be preserved by daily renewal in fellowship with Him. At the time of our salvation, we were also instilled in our inner self the “want” to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Through precious time with the Father daily in prayer and through the reading and listening to His word, will we be renewed day by day. This is the promise given in 2 Corinthians 4:16. Our daily renewed souls, will allow us to humbly “Preach Jesus”. You see, our faith in Jesus will come under attack daily and we must strive to learn from Him. Going to His word every day without fail. Not allowing the pace of this world to keep us from His word.
His truths will bear witness to all.
Read 2 Corinthians 4. Paul is teaching us….this world will wear you down! Unbelievers and the god of this world will come against you on every side (vs. 8-9). Paul teaches that the world cannot see the Light of Life (John 1:4). The world cannot understand the light of Jesus within you and your favor of God will be envied and ridiculed.
Go to Jesus each day. Learn from Him. Be filled with his love. Be humbled.
As believers, we have a ministry to share the Light of Life, to share Jesus! By the renewal of your inner self, you can share His light. Others must see His love before they can begin to understand. Renew you inner self with His love. Sow the seed of love and God will do the growing. Just as you carry your cross every day, the dying body of Jesus, the life of Jesus — His resurrection, may also be shown in you (vs. 10).
So, as we begin 2018, let us be renewed daily. And not only for our ministry to share the Good News, but to also strengthen our faith. Remembering from God’s word through the work of the Holy Spirit within us, that we are only passing through this world. When trials of life come, when the road gets bumpy, and cumbersome on our soul…we can know there is a better time coming…a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, … for things which are seen are temporary but the things which are not seen are eternal. (vs. 17-18).
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to open your heart and mind to Him today. Allow Him to give you an abundant life now and an eternal life in Heaven. Click here to learn more about accepting Jesus into your heart.
~This lesson of love through my morning devotional by Andrew Murray.