Renewal Archives

April 18, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

When the Flame Feels Faint

Opening Verse

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”
Psalm 85:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Even with faith in God, there are times we feel like our spark has faded. We still believe. We still pray. But inside, we feel tired—spiritually dry. It happens to more people than we realize. The good news is this: God knows. And He doesn’t condemn. He calls.

Devotional Story

There was a man who went to church every Sunday. He read his Bible, prayed before meals, and told others that Jesus saves. But deep down, he felt like something was missing. The fire he once had—the joy of knowing Christ—had dimmed.

One evening, as he sat alone, he opened his Bible and read a familiar verse. It didn’t hit him the way it used to. Frustrated, he asked God, “What happened to me?” And quietly, in his heart, a whisper came: “You’ve stopped sitting with Me.”

He realized he had filled his life with activity—Christian things—but not Christ Himself. So, he put everything aside and sat. No phone. No sermon. Just silence and Scripture. He began to talk to God again, not as a duty, but as a child who missed his Father. And slowly, the spark returned. Not all at once—but day by day, the fire grew warmer.

What This Means

Faith in God doesn’t mean we’ll always feel strong. The fire of the Holy Spirit doesn’t go out, but we can neglect it. When we do, we feel empty. But the Lord is not far off. He waits for us to return—not with guilt, but with hunger. When we stop trying to fix ourselves and simply rest in His presence, He breathes life back into our soul.

Think About This

Are you trying to “feel” close to God by doing more, or are you truly spending time with Him? Revival starts when we sit still and listen.

Prayer

Lord, I feel like my spark is gone. I still believe, but I’m tired. Please forgive me for drifting. I want to come back to You—not just in words, but in heart. Revive me again. Set my soul on fire with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
James 4:8 (KJV)

March 9, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing a New Season in Christ

Opening Verse

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
— Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)

Point to Consider

Imagine stepping into the heat of summer while still wearing a big, heavy winter coat. It would be uncomfortable, unnecessary, and hold you back from enjoying the warmth of the season. Spiritually, many of us do the same thing—we carry the weight of past failures, old habits, and unnecessary burdens into the new season God has prepared for us.

Spring forward in your faith by shedding what no longer serves you. If God has called you into a new place, a new mindset, or a new level of faith, don’t drag the baggage of the past with you. It’s time to step into the freedom and renewal that God is offering.

What This Means

Let go of unnecessary burdens – God is calling you forward, but you must release what’s weighing you down.
Stop dressing for the past season – Old struggles, sins, and regrets don’t belong where God is taking you.
Embrace the new thing God is doing – You can’t move forward while clinging to the past.

Think About This

What “heavy coat” (past sin, fear, regret) are you still carrying?
Is there something God has asked you to let go of, but you’ve been hesitant to release?
How can you step forward in faith today, leaving behind what no longer belongs?

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to walk into the new season carrying the weight of the old. Help me lay aside every burden and every sin that holds me back. Give me the strength to step forward into Your plans with faith and freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”
— Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)

March 2, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Hold On to the Light

Opening Verse

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

God has chosen you to shine. He has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Yet, in a world filled with distractions, compromise, and trials, it is easy to feel like your light is flickering. But remember, the light within you is not your own—it is the light of Christ. You must hold on to it, guard it, and let it shine brightly.

Devotional Story

A young woman had always been on fire for God. She loved reading His Word, sharing the gospel, and living a life of holiness. But as time went on, the cares of life began to weigh her down. Work became overwhelming, relationships became distractions, and slowly, she found herself praying less, reading less, and seeking God less.

One evening, as she walked through her neighborhood, she noticed a row of streetlights. Some were shining brightly, while others flickered or had gone out completely. She felt the Lord speak to her heart, “You were meant to shine, but you’ve let the world dim your light.”

Tears filled her eyes as she realized how far she had drifted. That night, she knelt before God and repented, asking Him to restore her passion, to relight the fire within her. As she prayed, she felt the warmth of God’s presence again—her light was being restored.

What This Means

God has called you to be a light in a dark world. But if you let sin, distraction, or discouragement take over, your light will grow dim. The enemy wants to extinguish your fire, but you must fight to keep it burning. Stay close to Jesus, spend time in His Word, and guard your heart from anything that seeks to snuff out the light of Christ in you.

Think About This

Have you noticed your spiritual fire growing dim?
What distractions or sins might be trying to put out your light?
Are you willing to fight for your light and let it shine brightly for the world to see?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Forgive me for the times I have let my light grow dim. Lord, restore my passion for You. Help me to guard my heart and remain close to You so that I may shine brightly for Your glory. Strengthen me to resist anything that tries to take my focus away from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”
Isaiah 60:1 (KJV)

February 11, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Holding Fast to Your Calling in a Changing World

Opening Verse

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is full of shifts—technological changes, societal shifts, and personal trials that test our resolve. Sometimes, we find ourselves disconnected from the places we once called home, just as a website or a digital archive may become outdated, requiring careful restoration. But even when our surroundings change, God’s purpose for us remains steady.

Devotional Story

A man worked tirelessly to build a website filled with insights, testimonies, and lessons of faith. Over time, life’s demands shifted, and the website sat untouched, its once vibrant messages buried under updates and unread archives. The foundation was still there, but it needed to be restored, restructured, and made accessible once more.

One day, as he sifted through the old files, he realized something profound: though the content had been temporarily lost, the message was still alive. The words God had once placed in his heart were still relevant. Just as a website needs updates to stay effective, our faith needs renewal to stay strong.

This realization reminded him of God’s unwavering purpose. It was not about keeping up with trends but remaining faithful to the original calling. Like Paul, who revisited and strengthened the churches he planted, this man saw his work as something God had never abandoned—only waiting to be reignited.

What This Means

Spiritual Preservation – Just because something seems forgotten doesn’t mean it’s lost. God preserves His work in ways we don’t always see. (Isaiah 55:11)
Revival and Renewal – Like old content being refreshed for a new audience, our faith must be revisited and revived. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
The Unchanging Word – Even in a digital world, where trends shift, God’s truth remains the same. (Hebrews 13:8)
A Call to Stand Firm – We must ensure that what God has given us does not go to waste. Our testimonies, experiences, and wisdom must be shared, not forgotten. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Think About This

Have you let past works of faith sit idle, assuming they are no longer needed?
Is there something God has given you—an idea, a calling, a ministry—that needs to be restored?
How can you update your faith, keeping it strong and effective for today’s challenges?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the calling You have placed on my life. Help me to see that nothing You have given me is wasted. Revive my faith, renew my purpose, and strengthen my resolve to walk boldly in Your truth. Let the gifts You have entrusted to me be used for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

January 13, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Feeding Your Mind and Soul

Opening Verse

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

Introduction

Our daily choices shape the health of our bodies and minds. Just as a diet of sugary foods can harm our physical health, what we allow into our minds affects our mental and spiritual well-being. It is essential to guard our hearts and minds from unhealthy influences, for they shape how we think, feel, and act.

Devotional Story

A man loved sugary snacks. Cupcakes, sodas, and candies were his daily indulgences. For a time, he felt fine, but soon his energy faltered, his health declined, and his doctor warned him of the dangers of his diet.

At the same time, he spent hours consuming content filled with gossip, fear, and anger. He noticed his thoughts becoming darker, his mood more irritable, and his perspective clouded. It became clear that both his body and his mind were suffering from what he was feeding them.

One day, as he opened his Bible, he read Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The verse convicted him. He began to change, swapping sugary snacks for wholesome meals and replacing negative content with worship, Scripture, and encouraging conversations. Over time, his body regained its strength, and his mind was renewed by God’s Word.

What This Means

Just as poor nourishment affects our physical health, filling our minds with harmful or sinful content damages our relationship with God. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that we must guard our hearts diligently, for they are the wellspring of life.

Choose to nourish your soul with what is pure, uplifting, and God-honoring. Prayer, worship, and Scripture are like fresh, living water for the soul, bringing health and vitality to your spirit.

Think About This

What are you feeding your mind each day? Are your choices leading you closer to God or further away?
How can you intentionally guard your heart and renew your thoughts with God’s truth?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that what I take into my mind and heart shapes my life. Help me to discern what is good, pure, and pleasing to You. Teach me to reject negativity and distractions and instead fill my soul with Your Word and truth. Strengthen my heart and mind to reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 1:2

May 19, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Illuminating Hope

Opening Verse

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” – Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

In moments when we feel we have no energy and life seems overwhelming, it can feel like our light is dimming. But even in our weakest moments, God calls us to shine brightly for Him, just like a lightning bug illuminates the night.

Devotional Story

Once, there was a young boy named Sam who loved watching lightning bugs in his backyard. Each evening, as the sun set, he would wait patiently for the little creatures to appear. Their gentle glow fascinated him, especially because they shone so brightly against the dark backdrop of the night.

One evening, Sam noticed that one of the lightning bugs seemed to be struggling. It flickered weakly, barely visible compared to the others. Sam gently scooped it up, careful not to harm it. As he held it, he realized that even the smallest light made a difference in the dark.

Sam thought about how he often felt tired and out of energy, much like that little lightning bug. He wondered if his efforts made any difference at all. But then he remembered the Bible verse his mother often quoted: “Ye are the light of the world.” Sam understood that just as the lightning bug’s faint light still shone in the darkness, his small efforts were seen by God and could still make an impact.

What This Means

Even when we feel exhausted and our energy is running low, we can still shine for God. Our light, no matter how dim it seems, can bring hope and encouragement to others. Just like a lightning bug illuminates the night, our faith and actions, though small, can make a significant difference in the world around us.

Think About This

– When you feel drained and weary, how can you still be a light to those around you?

– How can remembering God’s promise to renew our strength help you during tough times?

– In what ways can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are the light of the world. Even when we feel weak and tired, help us to shine brightly for You. Renew our strength and fill us with Your energy and purpose. Let our lives reflect Your love and bring hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

May 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Seek God First

Opening Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let the first moments of our mornings slip away into the hands of technology or other distractions. But the way we start our day can set the tone for every hour that follows. Prioritizing God first thing in the morning is a powerful practice that aligns our hearts, minds, and actions with His purpose.

Devotional Story

Imagine a day beginning not with the ping of a smartphone notification, but with the peaceful silence of a prayer. Michael, a young professional, used to start his mornings scrolling through emails and social media. However, feeling increasingly empty, he decided to make a change. He began his days with a simple prayer and reading a passage from the Bible. This small shift brought profound changes to Michael’s life. He felt more centered, patient, and ready to face the day’s challenges with a spirit aligned with God’s will.

What This Means

Putting God first each morning is an act of obedience and worship. It’s about giving Him the first fruits of our day, acknowledging His sovereignty, and setting our priorities according to His will. This habit strengthens our relationship with God, ensuring that His voice is the loudest one we hear each day.

Think About This

What are the first things you reach for or think about each morning? How might your day change if it began with seeking God’s presence?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to prioritize You above everything else each morning. Teach me to seek Your face before I turn my attention to the world. May Your Spirit guide me throughout the day, keeping my thoughts and actions in line with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” – Psalm 63:1 (KJV)

April 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Scent of Sin

Opening Verse

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2

Introduction

Just as we can carry the scent of a busy kitchen or the smoke from a campfire, our lives can carry the scent of our actions and choices. Sometimes, we don’t notice how much we’ve been influenced by our surroundings until we step away and see the residue they’ve left on us.

Devotional Story

Imagine walking into a busy gas station with a deli at the back. The air is thick with the smell of fried chicken, and before you know it, the smell has clung to your clothes. Your hair feels greasy, and your face sticky. Everywhere you go after that, you carry the smell with you. It’s not just a smell; it’s a reminder of where you’ve been.

Living in sin can be a lot like that. It’s easy to become so accustomed to the negative influences in our lives that we don’t even notice the ‘smell’ they’re leaving on us. But just like that aroma of fried food, the residue of our choices sticks around, affecting everything we do and every place we go.

What This Means

When we live in ways that aren’t aligned with God’s word, we end up ‘smelling’ like the world. Our thoughts, actions, and attitudes start to reflect the negative influences we’ve been around, rather than the freshness of God’s spirit.

Think About This

Have you ever stopped to notice what you ‘smell’ like? Are there habits, places, or people in your life that are covering you with an aroma that isn’t pleasant in God’s nostrils? What steps can you take today to ‘change your clothes’ and freshen up?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Help me to recognize the scent of sin and give me the strength to step away from influences that tarnish my spirit. Renew me, Lord, and let my life be a sweet aroma to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

April 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Heeding the Call for Renewal

Opening Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

Introduction

In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. Yet, the Bible calls us to maintain our health, our relationships, and our spiritual well-being.

Devotional Story

Mark was always available for his family and friends. No matter the need—advice, support, or prayer—he was the first they called. However, the constant demand began to deplete his energy and spirit. During a quiet moment with God’s Word, Psalm 51 struck him deeply, reminding him of the need for personal renewal.

Feeling convicted, Mark took steps to restore balance. He prioritized his health by keeping regular check-ups, set aside daily time for scripture and prayer, and learned to lovingly decline requests that overwhelmed his capacity. These adjustments allowed him to serve from a place of strength and abundance.

What This Means

Mark’s transformation illustrates a biblical truth: caring for ourselves enables us to serve God and others more effectively. God desires our well-being, so we can be vessels of His love and grace.

Think About This

Consider your current commitments and the state of your health and spirit. Where might you need to pull back to recharge? What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide me to recognize where I need renewal in my life. Empower me to establish boundaries that honor the body and spirit You have entrusted to me. Teach me to find rest in You as I seek to reflect Your love in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3

March 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cleaning out the Garage

Opening Verse

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” – James 4:8 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes, life can feel like an overcrowded garage. We pile up things, saying we’ll sort through them later, until the mess becomes overwhelming. This metaphor extends beautifully into our spiritual lives, where small, seemingly inconsequential distances from God accumulate, leaving us unsure of how to reconnect.

Devotional Story

In a quaint little town, there lived a person much like any of us. Their garage, once spacious and organized, had turned into a cluttered storehouse of neglected tasks and postponed decisions. One day, facing the chaos, they decided it was time to clean, starting with just one corner. Surprisingly, this small act ignited a transformation not just in their garage but in their heart as well.

Parallel to this, their spiritual life mirrored the state of their garage. Neglected prayers, unopened scriptures, and untended promises to God cluttered their connection to the Divine. Taking inspiration from their physical cleaning, they chose a single spiritual practice to start mending their relationship with God. It began with a simple, heartfelt prayer.

What This Means

Our spiritual health often reflects our physical spaces. Just as cleaning a cluttered garage begins with a single step, so too does rejuvenating our relationship with God. It’s about recognizing the clutter—those habits, choices, and omissions that distance us from Him—and taking small, intentional steps towards cleansing.

Think About This

Consider the areas of your life that may be cluttered, distracting you from your spiritual journey. What is one small step you can take today to begin clearing that clutter? Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us as we seek to clear the clutter in our lives that keeps us from You. Help us to recognize the small steps we can take towards You each day. Grant us the strength and perseverance to start this journey, knowing You are with us every step of the way. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)