In previous posts, I shared what I’ve been learning from Illustrated Faith’s Word Nerd devotional kit. This week, I’m in the third session which is titled Renew.
The word Renew means to make like new, restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection.
The author of the devotional reminded us that mediating on God’s word helps us to remember His promises. And remembering His promises gives us something to cling to when the hard times come.
I wasn’t planning on working through this session because, when I first read through the devotions, nothing really stood out to me from this devotion. However, reading through it again this past week, which was very challenging, I found it so very helpful.
I’m also doing a bit of a bible study with my kids as part of our homeschool. We’re going through the promises of God using a printable from Illustrated Faith called Promise Tickets. We’re not doing anything really in-depth. We’re just reading the scripture, discussing what the promise means, what we learn about God from it, and how to live in light of the promise.
I intended the lessons to be for the kids, but while we were reading through some of them and discussing, I felt so encouraged myself as I reflected on His promises. Here are some examples.
The Ticket to Encouragement:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Ticket to Joy Unspeakable:
… though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
The Ticket to Help:
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
There is also the other form of renewal which is related to restoration – God is remaking us into His image.
… you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
When we come to faith in Christ, we are made into a new creation. His Spirit takes us daily through life, teaching us about God and, as we grow in our knowledge of God, we become more like Him in the process. Thank you, God!
Do you have a favourite promise from His word?
