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RENEW...You Know You Want To!




I am preparing my thoughts and heart for the topic of Renewal as I plan for our church's Women's Retreat in a couple of weeks.  http://www.cornerstonespokane.com/Cornerstone_Community_Church/Home.html 

One of my favorite things to do lately when I get a particular word floating around in my head is to look up the definition of the word and to look up the biblical references to it. 


This particular word, RENEW… is packed full of great imagery and energy!


Synonyms: freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, repair, restore, resuscitate, revitalize, revive, revivify

Synonym Discussion of RENEW

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new. renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new <efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle>. restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss <restored a fine piece of furniture>. refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power <a refreshing drink>. renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding <the apartment has been entirely renovated>. rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance <the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits>.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renew

Bible Verses on Renewal that I love:
Romans 12:2-3: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Every day.... EVERY DAY I long for renewal... to be recharged, recreated, refreshed, repaired, rejuvenated, restored, revitalized - resuscitated! And you know what my friend? I am betting, you do too!
How do I personally find renewal? Here are 4 simple ways!
1. Shutting out the noise, distraction and lies of the outside world.
Our family actually unplugged for a full year!  No TV, Cable, or Internet!
2.  Seeking Renewal daily, in quiet times with the Lord.
3.  Seeking Renewal in His community – with one another!
4.  Seeking first His Freedom, then His Hope allows you to find Renewal – each day, through every circumstance.



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