For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV*
“You were redeemed from the empty way of life...”
These words caught me today. They’re a promise we can rely on when we’re tempted to despair of ever changing and growing in our new life with God.
He has redeemed us, rescued us from the empty way of life. No, He didn’t zap us into instant holiness or godliness, but we can be sure that if we cooperate with His Spirit’s work in our lives and choose to turn from the old empty, self-centred ways, we will change.
He has a lot to do in our lives, and it won’t happen overnight, but the transaction has been done. Ownership of our “house” has changed, and we really are in the “renovation” stage.
God is good.
*New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
© Janet Sketchley, 2009
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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.
i just wanted to say thankyou for that word, it was so what i needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteYes, his renovations seem to be of the slow but sure type, but sure they are, nevertheless. God is indeed good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that, just as the renovation work in our home is a work in progress, our lives are in need of the renovation of the Holy Spirit on a continuing basis. Great to know that as we are being transformed into His image, it is by His power at work in us, and not through our own efforts!
ReplyDeleteSo fitting, Joanna,as we are renovating our basement right now. The longest most arduous process was moving out all the junk and sorting through it. I imagine that's why God's taking his time with me too.
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