Renovated Heart Study
This study will be taken from the book entitled 'Renovation of the Heart' by Dallas Willard. As we work through this, please feel free to send comments and thoughts my way by using the Contact page. Thank you for your time.
Welcome to the greatest adventure of you life:
Jesus came to seek and to save. We know something about the path of Jesus, that He is calling us toward Him, but we struggle with the daily discipline of following Him consistently.
The adventure of following Christ and becoming like Him in all that we think, say, and do is the greatest adventure we can ever go on. This is called personal transformation and it calls for starting a revolution in the world - a revolution of the heart, a revolution that begins with us.
What is your vision for your life right now? Are you overwhelmed with growing responsibilities? Are relationships complicated with no hope of resolution? Maybe you're bored, nothing is happening. Are you in a time of great difficulty? Maybe suffering from depression or illness? Whatever your situation, do you believe that significant change is possible? Do you think good things will happen only when your external circumstances change? This study will show you that tension, insecurity, boredom - whatever - can become liveliness, confidence, and purpose. It begins on the inside with a "renovation of the heart." You don't have to remain stuck in old patterns and painfully familiar responses to life.
Another life is possible. You may question your abilities or your hope for the future in the most secret places of your heart, but Jesus knows you inside and out. He will never leave you. He will be with you through the entire adventure of renovation.
Let's think about what Jesus says about this new life: "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst - not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life" (John 4:13-14). "Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" (Ephesians 3:18-20).
Are you wondering if you will ever reach a place of satisfaction in your life? This new life in Christ produces "an indescribable and glorious joy" (1 Peter 1:8). These words are not wishful thinking. they are promises inspired and backed up by God Himself. They are true.
This new life, a renovation of the heart, is a Trading Spaces where Christ comes in and rearranges the character and priorities of our inner lives. It involves taking one small step at a time. It doesn't happen overnight. But be assured God will help you from beginning to end.
It doesn't require equipment, programs, talents, or even money. It just requires faithfulness to a doable process that God has marked out in the Bible, the pattern of how He wants to renovate our hearts so we can become like Jesus. Anyone can walk this path.
God has a vision for you. He wants you to live a life you can't even imagine right now, to experience an indescribable joy. God is giving you a personal invitation to a life full of vision. You're probably going to want to respond.
Prayer: Dear God, we realize that You have a vision for our lives - a vision for each one of us. We acknowledge that You know each of us intimately and You love us. We want to respond to You today and tell You, "We're in!" All we know is that You want to renovate our hearts and all we need to do is take one small step at a time. Show us those steps, Lord, and we will follow.
Next Week:
Part 1 - Lessons On Renovating The Heart
(you do not have to purchase the book for this study)