Being RENEWED – Intro Lesson 9 – March 6 – 13

Did you know that the word “oomph” is really in the dictionary?  It is defined as “having active strength of body or mind, spirited vigor.”  The synonyms are words like vigor, vitality, pep, vim, zing, zip.  The antonyms are lethargy, listlessness, apathy, sluggishness and torpidity.  There are periods of time in all of our lives when our “oomph” decreases and we experience either physical, mental, or even spiritual weariness.  The antidote for this condition is often simply to pull away from the pressures of life and to get a good night’s sleep, eat some healthy food, or get some physical exercise.  Sometimes the company of good friends and laughter can even help restore some of that energy.

At other seasons of life, there seems to be very little that we can do on our own to revive our lagging spirits.  Our own strength and determination is simply not adequate for meeting our soul’s deepest needs.  Paul knew that the recipients of his letters would need to be reminded of Jesus’ invitation to “come to Him and find rest”.  They would need to know that through the enablement of the Holy Spirit, God would actually help them to regain their strength and their vitality.  In fact, it is in our weakness that the power of God is really demonstrated.  When we admit that we need Him and then find Him totally able, His name is glorified and the miracle of renewal can take place in our lives.

The hymn writer says it this way.  “There is a place a quiet rest near to the heart of God – a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.  There is a place of full release near to the heart of God – a place where all is joy and peace near to the heart of God.”  It’s the one place where you can go and know that, in His time, you will experience a “life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you.” (Ephesians 4: 23 – The Message)  That will be real “oomph”, won’t it?

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