Renewal
I have a few renewals that don’t require action on my part. As long as I keep paying the monthly amount, the renewal happens automatically. I have to do my part and then the other party does its part. For example, I’ve been a subscriber to the local newspaper for several years. It automatically renews annually as long as I continue to pay the bill.
The people of Israel have just been handed a defeat because one of the people had taken some plunder from Jericho and the Lord had commanded them to destroy everything in Jericho. After Jericho, they fought Ai and were soundly defeated because of the disobedience of Achan, who kept plunder from Jericho. The people repented and the Lord later hands over Ai and its town to the Israelites. They gather to renew their obedience and allegiance to the Lord. Check this out….
30 Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal. 31 He followed the commands that Moses the Lord’s servant had written in the Book of Instruction: “Make me an altar from stones that are uncut and have not been shaped with iron tools.” Then on the altar they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord.
34 Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction. 35 Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them. (Joshua 8:30-31,34-35 NLT)
I need a time of renewal very often. In fact, the time I spend together with the Lord in the mornings is a great time for me to re-align myself to Him and His plan for me. I can renew my commitment to following Him. I can renew my obedience to His call upon my life. I can surrender my heart to Him before the start of each day. I think renewal is helpful to refresh my perspective of Who the Lord is and all that He is capable of doing in me and through me. Renewal is a way to reconnect at a deeper level than before.
Pressing On!
Dwayne