I would be sound asleep and wake up refreshed.
Few things in life are as invigorating as waking up fully rested and refreshed to get on with what needs to be done. When I have those experiences, I think about a life renewed.
One of the powerful things about new life in Christ is that it is a life renewed. There is something about baptism that acknowledges a life buried and a new life taking place. That happens at baptism, and there’s a degree to which it happens as we know Jesus more and He reveals Himself to us more. It is like we were rested and then brought to life again, and we are refreshed and ready to get on with what is to be done.
Part of the renewed life comes about in acknowledging the key role relationships have in realising who God is and what His word says to us. This realisation does wonders to our understanding of how God has set things in place for us to learn of Him in a way that brings us more in tune with what He calls us to do and who He calls us to be.
Our faith in Christ is not just a personal journey but a shared one. It's about our collective identity as much as it is about our individual one. The renewed life opens our eyes to some beautiful truths, which I look forward to exploring further in the upcoming editions.
When we recognise a renewed life, we see ourselves as Redeemed, Reconciled, Restored, and Reoriented. These words have similarities, but there are key differences that enhance our understanding of what God establishes in us and informs us about the nature of our memberships, ministry, message and mission.
It is unsurprising that generation after generation interacts with the renewed life differently, picking up on things that may have been neglected over time. It is encouraging to know that God speaks through His Word to generation after generation so we can be concerned about His whole counsel. This diligence enables us to be grateful for how He reminds us of who we are and what He calls us to do, and we carry this out by reflecting Him for His glory.
It is not bad to wake up refreshed and ready to get on with what needs to be done, as long as we’re ready for that.
For His Name's Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
