Lent- Week 4

Lent (Week Four)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Objective: To discover our need for RENEWAL

Only two more weeks to go during this Lenten observance! Now is the perfect time to focus on renewal! During the "desert experiences" of life, our relationship with God is challenged. The relationship is challenged due to our inability to see God in a positive light when it seems like everything around us is negative.

When this Lenten season started, were you excited? I know I was! I entered into this observation ready to see God in a new way...I committed myself to my fast and my extra devotion with God. Well, weeks have passed and this desert has gotten drier and hotter! That is what happens in a desert! When we have desert experiences, the growth does not happen without experiencing all of the natural elements. The reality is that sand storms and the burning sun will bring wear-and-tear; therefore, we must discover our need for RENEWAL!

To Renew: to make like new; to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection

Do you remember when your relationship with God was "new"? It was exciting to have this understanding of a Savior who loved you before your birth! Now I am not saying that you are not still excited about God, but we all need to get the "freshness," "vigor," and striving for "perfection" back! Let us not allow this Lenten season to pass without experiencing a RENEWAL!

Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

As we uncover our need for renewal, we must first begin with WORSHIP (Romans 12:1)

Throughout the Old Testament, we are able to see worship through sacrifice. In order to connect with God, the people would worship God by offering sacrifices. Remember, Cain and Abel's story...Abraham and Isaac's...and many more! The Apostle Paul urges the church at Rome to worship God not by shedding physical blood, but by shedding personality/behaviors/attitudes/actions and much more! This sacrifice is our act of worship unto God because we negate what we want in hopes of pleasing God. It's not easy, but it's time!

As we begin to worship God through sacrificial living, then we open ourselves to TRANSFORMATION (Romans 12:2)

It is so easy to get distracted by the "norm"! However, as we worship God through our daily living we cannot conform to the world! This is basic right? We learned about peer pressure in Elementary School, so this should be easy. Unfortunately, as a Christian, "peer pressure" is more heavily disguised. Let's unpack what our transformation looks like when lined up against conformity:

Sample Situation: You went to the doctor, and you got a "bad" report.
To be conformed: Weep and stay there! The doctor said it's over, so perhaps God is not really in control.
To be transformed: Weep and look for your joy! "It comes with the morning!" (Ps 30) You believe God is in control, and you ask God to help your unbelief.

Sample Situation: You are experiencing stressful situations at work or school.
To be conformed: Become so overwhelmed by the stress that you are unpleasant to people in your life and are pretty much ready to throw in the towel!
to be transformed: Begin to speak God's power over the situation. Invite God's peace and order into the circumstance, and then do what you have to do!

It is this transformation that brings you closer to your renewal! Freshness, vigor, and the pursuit of perfection in your relationship with God is born out of understanding and clearer communication. The Apostle Paul declares that our renewal must happen in our minds in order for us to better understand the will of God in our lives. I believe that this 2010 Lenten observation can be the start of something great for all of us-let's go back to the "honeymoon" period with God! Let's love on God...talk to God...listen to God...get to know God...while getting to know ourselves in Him in a FRESH, new way!

During this renewal week, I challenge you to take on the task that a friend gave me just yesterday- count your blessings! LITERALLY! This fourth week of our Lenten observance, grab some paper and begin to write down all of the amazing things God has done for you! As you review the God's power in your life, I believe you will discover your need for renewal!

My prayer is that your cup overflows as you strive for a RENEWED relationship with our awesome heavenly Father!

Blessings,
Pastor C