Issue 732 – Makeover – May 2, 2022

The backyard is in the early stages of a significant makeover. Kyle and Amy have shown us the plans, but I haven’t been able to visualize them.

The yard had been regraded, and the retaining walls moved and reshaped. Cedars have been removed, and new trees will be planted. Topsoil will be brought in, and the lawn will be covered with fresh sod. The fence on one side will be replaced. New gravel is to be spread in the entertaining area and more.

The work done to date has already dramatically improved the appearance and usability of the yard. I’m excited to see what it will look like when all is said and done.

It is incredible what a little TLC (or a significant redo) can do. The yard was functional but neglected when they bought this place last summer.

That is a great principle to follow on physical items that we own. Unfortunately, people try and apply it to themselves as well, often when recognizing their sinfulness.

Over the years, I have lost count of the number of people I have met who have tried to “clean up their act” so that Jesus will accept them.

Of course, that is impossible. If we could change our nature, we wouldn’t need Christ. Jesus loves us and has done so from before the beginning of time. He hates our sin but will forgive us if we come to Him in faith. Salvation isn’t about self-improvement; it’s about God’s great grace and mercy.

Even after we become believers, we often move into self-improvement mode. We know we are forgiven, but we are determined to change who we are by sheer self-will. If we can’t do it, we will put on airs and attempt to “fake it until we make it.”

Unfortunately, external change or apparent change without a change in heart is guaranteed to fail. If changed behaviour could change hearts, making bad things illegal would cause us to have clean hearts. We know it doesn’t work that way.

God gave us the Law so that we would recognize our inability to keep it, causing us to run to Him for help and real heart change.

Jesus wants us changed. After all, we are born again and being reconfigured into His image. 

The Scriptures are clear that the works of our flesh will fail us.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

We need the Spirit to transform us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

Heart changes bring about actual lasting change. Turn to Jesus, grow with His guidance and the power of the Spirit within you. Then you will know the beauty of a proper makeover.

You likely are not where you want to be in your transformation to Christ-likeness. All of us have room for change. Yet, if you have been following Christ, you are not where you once were. Give Him praise and glory for what He has done and will continue to do.

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Thanks.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed. 

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required. 

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