Beholding...
Researching DIY (do-it-yourself) ideas is one of my favorite things to do and I love figuring out how I can improve something in the properties that I manage, especially my own home. "Sometimes our obsession with improvement blinds us to our need for an all-out rebuild" (page 75). Have you ever encountered this? Perhaps you have clothing that you've mended or a car that's been fixed over and over but finally decided you just need a new one. Sometimes no amount of fixing up will help, only a complete tear-down and rebuild or replacement is required. We simply cannot add a little religious paint to our lives and hope to be a better person. The author states: "There's only one way: surrendering the old and gratefully receiving the new. Jesus offers total replacement, and He covers the cost" (page 76). Jesus makes us NEW again. Can you think of something "old" in your life that Jesus has replaced and transformed it into something new?
Becoming...
Can you imagine if there were a run-down fixer upper house that was torn down, rebuilt into a beautiful brand new home and then furnished with old rusty things? When we become brand new in Christ, we often still fill our heart's home with the faded rusty things of this earth. How can we learn to desire the treasures of heaven more than earthly treasures? Page 82 encourages us to align our hearts with Christ; He will shape our desires and "supply our every need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). Ask Him to guide your pursuits.