“Cycles of Renewal” a Devotion by Pastor Ralph J. Mineo
God created the world, including human beings, with a cycle of ongoing renewal. Nature has a built-in cycle of renewal. The change of seasons is a good example of that. Not too long from now, we’ll begin to feel the renewal of springtime in our area.
The human body also has a built-in cycle of renewal. Food, air, water, and sleep are necessary for the renewal of our bodies. Scientists tell us that all the cells in our bodies are regenerated (renewed) every seven years.
We have the ability to do harm to the cycle. We can do harm to the world God has given us. Improper food, not enough water, and inadequate sleep can do harm to the cycle of renewal for our bodies.
I believe there is also a cycle of renewal for our souls, the spirit-part of who we are. God provides us with spiritual gifts for renewal. By avoiding what God provides, by refusing to follow God’s will, by sinning, we can thwart the cycle of spiritual renewal.
The Pharisees in the time of Jesus pretty much felt that they were spiritually perfect. This elite group of up to 6000 spiritual leaders, would vow before three witnesses to adhere to the “Perfect Law of God.” By following the external laws, which they considered perfect, they would conclude that they were spiritually perfect. Odd thinking if you ask me. Jesus certainly didn’t agree that they were perfect! When you consider yourself perfect, you hinder the God-created cycle of renewal.
Every human being needs the gifts of God for spiritual renewal. The amazing grace of God keeps the process of spiritual renewal moving forward! This grace flows through the gifts of prayer, the fellowship of believers, daily spiritual disciplines, countless ways to remain spiritually balanced.
Ask yourself: “what season of spiritual development am I in?” It’s a good question. You might seek out a spiritual guide to help you answer it. The next question to ask is: “what season of spiritual development is next?”
The world always changes for the better when God’s children make spiritual progress. May the amazing grace of God bring you spiritual renewal. Together we can make the world a better place!
