Ephesians 2:4-5

"Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."

I went with a friend of mine to see a house that her sons had bought and planned to renovate. When I saw the house I couldn't believe my eyes. The prior owner had been involved with drugs and all sorts of weird things were painted on the wall. It was run down and had not been cared for. It was a mess!

She began to explain to me that she was going to use this house to bless others. She saw a far greater potential in it all than I did at first.

As she talked I began to see why it meant so much to her. The rotten timber, old plaster, paint, weeds and debris inside and out had to be removed. In her mind she saw something beautiful.

God is like that! He sees the mess we're in but loves and accepts us as we are. However; He also sees the beauty in us that He created us to be and desires to bring it forth.

You see, we have areas in our hearts, minds, relationships that need change as well as some of our priorities. He has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us to change us to the image of His Son. He wants to use us to bless others as He as blesses us. All He needs is our cooperation - a willingness or desire to be all He intended us to be for His glory.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

King David is an example of one who wanted change and cried out to Him for help. David was called "a man after God's own heart." Though He committed adultery and even planned for a way of her husband's death, (however, it was not without consequences) God forgave him and he became a great man of God.

God takes our ashes and gives us beauty.

How does He do this? First of all it requires our willingness and obedience. His Holy Spirit, who lives in us, will do what is needed. Again I say, He just needs our cooperation.

I have also learned He uses the circumstances of our lives, negative or positive to accomplish this. Nothing in our lives is a coincidence. It could be in a relationship, a hurt suffered, or an illness. He isn't the cause of them but because we live in a fallen world, they have affected us.

The good news is that we serve a Sovereign, Almighty God, our "Abba" Father who reigns in our lives. He will work all things for good to those who love Him. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

His Word says, His plans for us are for good to have a future and a hope. He has a glorious purpose for each and every one of us. In this process of renovation, we also enter into an intimate relationship with our "Abba" Father, also known as our creator, restorer and healer who knows us better than we know ourselves. Do you want to be close with God? He wants to be close with you. James 4:5 says …He yearns for the Spirit to be welcomed with a jealous love.

He wants intimacy with His children. He wants to talk to us, to listen to us, to be with us. He created us for fellowship. He wants to be a part of our lives. Be relentless in taking time with Him. You will be blessed!

Some scriptures to consider:

1 Peter 5:5-6 Romans 5:6 -11 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 64:8-9

There is a song, written by a young person, which says a lot of what I've been talking about. Her name is Rebecca Redig.

Take my life
And all I am
As a child I come to You
Broken down
Lost and weak
It's Your Love that sustains me

I stand before
The glory of my Love
You open up your arms to me
Comfort me
Flow through me
It's Your Love that sustains me

Chorus:
Lord my God
Pure and strong
The lover of my soul
Come to me
Emanuel
Make me one with You

Father, words are inadequate to thank you for all You've done for us. I'm reminded of Your Word that says our eyes have not seen nor has our mind conceived or even entered into our hearts what You have prepared for those who love You. Thank You for showing us the way of Your love and your faithfulness to bring about the good plan and purpose for our lives. We love You. May our hearts continually praise You and trust You.

Amen!

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