Acts 3:19 – Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Learning to live in a constant state of renewal is critical in light of the day that we live in. Our hearts and minds are continually attacked by the spirit of the world cloaked in entertainment and the attitude that ‘everybody is doing it’. Just take a look around; folks are on their screens at dinner, in the line for coffee or fast food, in church, while someone else is trying to talk to you…you get the picture. And what exactly are they looking at? Only God knows as anything – I mean anything – is liable to pop up on your screen at any moment. That’s one of the reasons why renewal is so critical. It is imperative that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and our hearts by the power of the Spirit, if not we will easily be influenced by the spirit of the world. Peter used an interesting word in his message – anapsuxis – which can be translated renewal, refreshing, or the recovery from the effects of heat. Peter recognized how dangerous and influential the world is and brought it out in his preaching. Here is how the Fire Bible describes this verse.
“Although difficult times will come before Christ returns and many will abandon their faith in God, he still promises to send times of spiritual revival, renewal and refreshing to encourage his faithful followers. Christ’s presence, spiritual blessings, miracles and evidence of the Spirit’s power will be a reality for those who endure opposition from the world, reject its evil influences and remain true to God during the difficult times ahead.”
I think it is quite interesting that Peter connected repentance with refreshing and renewal. What exactly was Peter getting at? He saw the danger of sin which brings the need for repentance into our lives. Repentance can only come by the power of the Spirit, not human will power. So the renewing and the refreshing of the Holy Spirit empowers us to change or to repent. The Spirit can deliver us from the power of sin as we come under His influence; He can also keep us free as we learn to walk and live in renewal. As we begin a new year I believe it is a great time to make renewal a way of life, when that occurs you can expect to see all sorts of spiritual breakthrough in your life.
