Renewed

O. T. #1928 "Renewed"

Psalm 47 and 48 has a few good verses:

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (verse 10

For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. (verse 2, NLT)

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. (verse 6)

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praise in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. (Ps. 48:1)

For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. (verse 14)

Dear friend, is God (supreme God) your God? Is He awesome to you? Is Jesus Christ your great King? If He is, then praise Him with singing. Is He your guide?

LET IT GROW

The people of Judah polluted God's land by disobeying His law, acting like the heathen nations, breaking the covenant, worshiping idols, and sacrificing their children. Also, they profaned God's name before the Gentile pagans. Five times we are told this in chapter 36. In the sanctuary and on the Sabbaths the Jews did this. Therefore, God sanctified them and cleaned the land by using the Babylonian army burning down everything.

However, God promised restoration to the faithful remnant after 70 years of captivity. Since God is gracious, He gives what we don't deserve, and merciful as He does not give us what we do deserve!

The Wiersbe Bible Commentary tells us how God transformed His people:

1. God cleansed them from their sins. (verses 25 and 29)
2. He gave them a new heart. (verse 26)
3. The Lord gave them the Holy Spirit within. (verse 27)
4. He claimed them as His people. (verse 28)
5. The Lord caused the land to flourish. (verses 29-30, 33-35)
6. The people would abhor their sins. (verse 31)
7. Fellowship with the Lord is the seventh blessing. (verse 37)
8. Their population would be multiplied. (verses 37-38)
9. Then the Lord would be glorified.

Born-again believer, do you see the parallel her with our own experience of faith in Jesus Christ? He gives us new hearts and His Holy Spirit within us. Jesus provides us with fellowship with a Holy God. He wants to give us life abundantly in faith so we will glorify His name. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of so we can have life abundantly?

Is there a sin that keeps us from fellowshipping with God?

Are we sharing with others what He has done for us lately?

Is our heart being renewed daily?